As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 30, 2014
Securities Act File No. 333-123257
Investment Company Act File No. 811-10325
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
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Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933 |
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Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
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Post Effective Amendment No. 1,478 |
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and/or |
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Registration Statement Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 |
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Amendment No. 1,482 |
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MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified
in its Charter)
335 Madison Avenue, 19th
Floor
New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(212) 293-2000
Registrant’s Telephone Number
Jonathan R. Simon, Esq.
Vice President and General Counsel
Van Eck Associates Corporation
335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10017
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Stuart M. Strauss, Esq.
Dechert LLP
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
registration statement.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL
BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
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Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
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On May 1, 2014 pursuant to paragraph (b) |
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
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On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
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On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485 |
MAY 1, 2014
MARKET VECTORS
HARD ASSET ETFs
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for each Fund: NYSE Arca, Inc.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARKET VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Agribusiness Index (the “Agribusiness Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
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None |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Management Fee |
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0.50 |
% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.05 |
% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
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0.55 |
% |
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Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
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0.00 |
% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
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0.55 |
% |
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(a) |
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Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.56% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
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EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
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YEAR |
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EXPENSES |
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1 |
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$ |
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56 |
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3 |
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$ |
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176 |
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5 |
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$ |
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307 |
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10 |
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$ |
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689 |
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Agribusiness Index is comprised of equity securities of companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to): (i) agri-chemicals, animal health and
fertilizers, seeds and traits, (ii) farm/irrigation equipment and farm machinery and/or (iii) agricultural products (including grain, tobacco, meat, poultry and sugar), aquaculture and fishing, livestocks, plantations and trading of agricultural products. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign and emerging market
issuers. As of December 31, 2013, the Agribusiness Index
1
MARKET VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF (continued)
included 49 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $502 million and $61.2 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $21.8 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior
written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Agribusiness Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Agribusiness Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of
the Agribusiness Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Agribusiness Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Agribusiness Index was concentrated in each of the basic materials and consumer staples sectors, and the industrials sector represented a
significant portion of the Agribusiness Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Agriculture Investments. Economic forces, including forces affecting the agricultural commodity, energy and financial markets, as well as government policies and regulations affecting the agricultural sector and related industries, could adversely affect the Fund’s portfolio companies and, thus, the Fund’s financial situation and
profitability. Agricultural production and trade flows are significantly affected by government policies and regulations. In addition, the Fund’s portfolio companies must comply with a broad range of environmental and food safety laws and regulations which could adversely affect the Fund. Additional or more stringent environmental and food safety laws and
regulations may be enacted in the future and such changes could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Fund’s portfolio companies.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Agribusiness Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. Because the Agribusiness Index was concentrated in the consumer staples sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer staples sector. These companies may be adversely
affected by changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, exploration and production spending.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because as the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Agribusiness Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend on to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
2
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Agribusiness Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Agribusiness Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Agribusiness Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Agribusiness Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect
changes in the composition of the Agribusiness Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Agribusiness Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Agribusiness Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able
to invest in certain securities included in the Agribusiness Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Agribusiness Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other
regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Agribusiness Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Agribusiness Index is not based on fair
value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Agribusiness Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Agribusiness Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Agribusiness Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Agribusiness Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the basic materials and consumer staples sectors; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a
3
MARKET VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF (continued)
negative effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
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Best Quarter: |
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26.43%
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3Q ‘10 |
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Worst Quarter: |
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-40.15%
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3Q ‘08 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
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Past One Year |
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Past Five Years |
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Since Inception
(8/31/2007) |
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Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (return before taxes) |
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4.60 |
% |
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15.78 |
% |
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5.74 |
% |
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Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
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3.83 |
% |
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15.29 |
% |
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5.32 |
% |
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Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
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2.60 |
% |
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12.55 |
% |
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4.33 |
% |
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Market Vectors® Global Agribusiness Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
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6.42 |
% |
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16.68 |
% |
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6.30 |
% |
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S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
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32.39 |
% |
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17.94 |
% |
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5.94 |
% |
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* |
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Prior to March 18, 2013, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the DAXglobal® Agribusiness Index. Therefore index data prior to March 18, 2013, reflects that of the DAXglobal® Agribusiness Index. From March 18, 2013 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors
® Global Agribusiness Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
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4
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
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Name |
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Title with Adviser |
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Date Began Managing the Fund |
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Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
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Portfolio Manager |
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August 2007 |
George Cao |
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Portfolio Manager |
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December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
5
MARKET VECTORS COAL ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Coal ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Coal Index (the “Coal Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
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None |
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Management Fee |
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0.50 |
% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.14 |
% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
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0.64 |
% |
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Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
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(0.05 |
)% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
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0.59 |
% |
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(a) |
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Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.59% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
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EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
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YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
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|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
60 |
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|
3 |
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|
$ |
|
200 |
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|
5 |
|
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$ |
|
352 |
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|
10 |
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$ |
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794 |
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Coal Index is comprised of companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to): coal operation (production, mining and cokeries), transportation of coal,
from production of coal mining equipment as well as from storage and trade. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign and emerging market issuers, including Chinese issuers. As of December 31, 2013, the Coal Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between
approximately $251 million and $62.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $8.5 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
6
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Coal Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Coal Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Coal Index will
be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Coal Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Coal Index was concentrated in the energy sector and the coal industry, and each of the basic materials and industrials sectors and the mining
industry represented a significant portion of the Coal Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Coal Industry. The profitability of companies in the coal industry is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration and production spending. Such companies also are subject to risks of changes in exchange rates, international politics and government regulation, taxes, world events, terrorist attacks, the success of exploration
projects, depletion of resources and economic conditions, reduced demand as a result of increases in energy efficiency and energy conservation, as well as market, economic and political risks of the countries where energy companies are located or do business. Coal exploration and mining can be significantly affected by natural disasters. In addition,
coal companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims and are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations regarding air emissions and the disposal of hazardous materials.
A primary risk of the coal industry is the competitive risk associated with the prices of alternative fuels, such as natural gas and oil. For example, consumers of coal often have the ability to switch between the use of coal, oil or natural gas. As a result, during periods when competing fuels are less expensive, the revenues of companies in the coal
industry may decline with a corresponding impact on earnings.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Coal Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not
limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these
companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Mining Industry. Because the mining industry represented a significant portion of the Coal Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the mining industry. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the
financial condition of such companies. Mining companies are highly dependent on the price of the underlying metal or element. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Coal Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Coal Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely
affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Chinese Issuers. A significant portion of the Coal Index may be comprised of securities of Chinese issuers, including issuers located outside of China that generate significant revenues from China. Investing in securities of Chinese companies involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with
investing in securities of
7
MARKET VECTORS COAL ETF (continued)
U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) the small size of the market for Chinese securities and the low volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities
markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers, (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater
political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or natural disasters and (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other trade limitations. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development,
government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership and actions of
the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce
mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may take such actions in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on
economic conditions in China and the economic prospects for, and the market prices and liquidity of, securities issued by Chinese issuers.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Coal Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Coal Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Coal Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Coal Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Coal Index.
8
Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Coal Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Coal Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Coal Index, or invest in
them in the exact proportions they represent of the Coal Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on
fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Coal Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Coal Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Coal Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Coal Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Coal Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Coal Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
energy sector and the coal industry; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector and industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
67.80%
|
|
2Q ‘09 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-34.66%
|
|
3Q ‘11 |
9
MARKET VECTORS COAL ETF (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold
Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years
|
|
Since Inception
(1/10/2008) |
|
|
Market Vectors Coal ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-20.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-10.39 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Coal ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-21.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-10.80 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Coal ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-11.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.42 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Global Coal Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
|
|
|
|
-20.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-9.78 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6.85 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Prior to September 24, 2012, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the Stowe Global Coal IndexSM. Therefore index data prior to September 24, 2012, reflects that of the Stowe Global Coal IndexSM. From September 24, 2012 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors®
Global Coal Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
|
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 2008 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 2008 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
10
MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid) (the “Ardour Global Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.10 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.62% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
63 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
220 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
391 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
885 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 18% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in stocks of companies primarily engaged in the business of alternative energy. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. Alternative energy refers to the generation of power through environmentally friendly, non traditional sources. It includes
power derived principally from bio-fuels (such as ethanol), bio mass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal sources and also includes the various technologies that support the production, use and storage of these sources. As of December 31, 2013, the Ardour Global Index included 30 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between
approximately $1.1 billion and $36.1 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $9.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholders approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. Under normal
11
MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF (continued)
market conditions, the Fund intends to invest at least 30% of its assets in the securities of non-U.S. companies located in at least three different countries.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Ardour Global Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Ardour Global Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of
the Ardour Global Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Ardour Global Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Ardour Global Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Ardour Global Index was concentrated in the alternative energy industry and each of the industrials and information technology sectors, and
the utilities and consumer discretionary sectors represented a significant portion of the Ardour Global Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Alternative Energy Industry. Alternative energy refers to the generation of power through environmentally friendly sources that can replace or supplement traditional fossil-fuel sources. It includes power derived principally from bio fuels (such as ethanol), bio mass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal sources and also includes the
various technologies that support the production, use and storage of these sources.
The alternative energy industry may be significantly affected by the competition from new and existing market entrants, obsolescence of technology, short product cycles, varying prices and profits, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, depletion of resources, seasonal weather conditions, technological
developments and general economic conditions, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects and tax and other government regulations. Further, the alternative energy industry can be significantly adversely affected by legislation resulting in more strict government
regulations and enforcement policies and specific expenditures for environmental cleanup efforts. Shares of companies involved in the alternative energy industry have been more volatile than shares of companies operating in more established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value companies involved in the alternative energy
industries have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these valuation methods may serve to further increase the volatility of certain alternative and transitional energy company share prices. If government subsidies and incentives for alternative energy sources are reduced or eliminated, the demand for
alternative energy may decline and cause corresponding declines in the revenues and profits of companies engaged in the alternative energy industry. In addition, changes in U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards alternative energy technology also may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the Fund may invest
in the shares of companies with a limited operating history, some of which may never have operated profitably. Investment in young companies with a short operating history is generally riskier than investing in companies with a longer operating history. The Fund will carry greater risk and may be more volatile than a portfolio composed of securities
issued by companies operating in a wide variety of different or more established industries.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the Ardour Global Index was concentrated in the industrials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend on to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected
by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the Ardour Global Index was concentrated in the information technology sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Information technology
companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological
developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
12
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the utilities sector represented a significant portion of the Ardour Global Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a great extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected
by changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitation on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Ardour Global Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector.
Companies engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased
competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Ardour Global Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Ardour Global Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Ardour Global Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Ardour Global Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect
changes in the composition of the Ardour Global Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Ardour Global Index, the Fund’s
return may deviate significantly from the return of the Ardour Global Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Ardour Global
13
MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF (continued)
Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Ardour Global Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of
its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Ardour Global Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Ardour Global Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Ardour Global
Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Ardour Global Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Ardour Global Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Ardour Global Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the industrials and information technology sectors and alternative energy industry; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors and industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety
of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five years and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
33.37%
|
|
2Q ‘09 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-39.42%
|
|
4Q ‘08 |
14
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Since Inception
(5/3/2007) |
|
|
Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
69.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-9.71 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
68.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-10.07 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
39.44 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.97 |
% |
|
|
Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
69.41 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-10.20 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.44 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
May 2007 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
15
MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (the “Gold Miners Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
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|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.53% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
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|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
54 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
170 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
296 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
665 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and depositary receipts of companies involved in the gold mining industry. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. The Gold Miners Index is a modified market-capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly
traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver. The weight of companies whose revenues are more significantly exposed to silver mining will not exceed 20% of the Gold Miners Index. As of December 31, 2013, the Gold Miners Index included 35 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $456
million and $20.5 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $8.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
16
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Gold Miners Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Gold Miners Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the
Gold Miners Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Gold Miners Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Gold Miners Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the gold mining industry and the basic materials sector.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. Because the Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the gold mining industry as of December 31, 2013, and may have significant exposure to assets in the silver mining industry, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition
of gold and silver mining companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of gold and silver mining companies. Also, gold and silver mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold and silver bullion, respectively, and may be adversely affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political
factors. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, gold, silver and other precious metals may outperform traditional investments such as bonds and stocks. However, in times of stable
economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold, silver and other precious metals may be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. If a natural disaster or other event with a significant economic impact occurs in a region where the companies in which the
Fund invests operate, such disaster or event could negatively affect the profitability of such companies and, in turn, the Fund’s investment in them.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary
trading market and, if not included in the Gold Miners Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Gold Miners Index.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund generally will be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more
17
MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF (continued)
volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Gold Miners Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Gold Miners Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect
changes in the composition of the Gold Miners Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Gold Miners Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Gold Miners Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to
invest in certain securities included in the Gold Miners Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Gold Miners Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other
regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Gold Miners Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Gold Miners Index is not based on fair
value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Gold Miners Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Gold Miners Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Gold Miners Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Gold Miners Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the gold mining industry and the basic materials sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that industry and sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
18
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
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Best Quarter: |
|
19.92%
|
|
3Q ‘12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-35.32%
|
|
2Q ‘13 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
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Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
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Since Inception
(5/16/2006) |
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|
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-53.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-8.32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.32 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-54.08 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-8.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.54 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of
Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-30.51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.18 |
% |
|
|
NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-54.42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-8.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.82 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.08 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
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Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
May 2006 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
19
MARKET VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Junior Gold Miners Index (the “Junior Gold Miners Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.01 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.56% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
58 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
185 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
323 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
725 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in companies that are involved in the gold mining industry (the “80% policy”). The Junior Gold Miners Index includes companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from
(or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) gold mining and/or silver mining or have mining projects with the potential to generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver when developed. Such companies may include micro- and small-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. As of December 31, 2013,
the Junior Gold Miners Index included 65 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $32 million and $1.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $400 million. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon
60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
20
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Junior Gold Miners Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Junior Gold Miners Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses
and that of the Junior Gold Miners Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Junior Gold Miners Index. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 84% of the Junior Gold Miners Index was comprised of securities of companies that
are involved in the gold mining industry.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Junior Gold Miners Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Junior Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the gold mining industry and the basic materials sector.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. Because the Junior Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the gold mining industry as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the gold mining industry. Competitive pressures may have a
significant effect on the financial condition of gold mining and silver mining companies. Also, gold and silver mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold bullion and silver bullion, respectively, and may be adversely affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors. These prices may fluctuate substantially over
short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
In particular, a drop in the price of gold and/or silver bullion would particularly adversely affect the profitability of small- and medium-capitalization mining companies and their ability to secure financing. Furthermore, companies that are only in the exploration stage are typically unable to adopt specific strategies for controlling the impact of the price of
gold or silver. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, gold, silver and other precious metals may outperform traditional investments such as bonds and stocks. However, in times of stable economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold, silver and other
precious metals may be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. If a natural disaster or other event with a significant economic impact occurs in a region where the companies in which the Fund invests operate, such disaster or event could negatively affect the profitability of such companies and, in turn, the Fund’s investment in
them.
A significant amount of the companies in the Junior Gold Miners Index may be early stage mining companies that are in the exploration stage only or that hold properties that might not ultimately produce gold or silver. The exploration and development of mineral deposits involve significant financial risks over a significant period of time which even a
combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. Few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site. In addition, many early stage miners operate at a loss and are
dependent on securing equity and/or debt financing, which might be more difficult to secure for an early stage mining company than for a more established counterpart.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Junior Gold Miners Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading
21
MARKET VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF (continued)
market and, if not included in the Junior Gold Miners Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Junior Gold Miners Index.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-capitalization companies
could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Junior Gold Miners Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Junior Gold Miners Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings
to reflect changes in the composition of the Junior Gold Miners Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Junior Gold Miners Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Junior Gold Miners Index. In addition,
the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Junior Gold Miners Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Junior Gold Miners Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential
adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Junior Gold Miners Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of
the Junior Gold Miners Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Junior Gold Miners Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Junior Gold Miners Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 190, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Junior Gold Miners Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Junior Gold Miners Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the gold mining industry and the basic materials sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other
22
conditions that have a negative effect on that industry or that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
29.25%
|
|
3Q ‘12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-45.36%
|
|
2Q ‘13 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(11/10/09) |
|
|
Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-60.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-21.29 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-60.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-22.36 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-34.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-13.73 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Global Junior Gold Miners Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-60.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-21.05 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.96 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
November 2009 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
November 2009 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
23
MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF*
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF* (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of The Rogersä-Van Eck Natural Resources Index (the “Natural Resources Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder expenses (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.74 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.24 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.49% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
51 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
212 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
388 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
896 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 14% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Natural Resources Index is comprised of companies principally engaged (derive greater than 50% of revenues from applicable sources) in the production and distribution of commodities and commodity-related products and services in the
following sectors: 1) Agriculture; 2) Alternatives (Water & Alternative Energy); 3) Base and Industrial Metals; 4) Energy; 5) Forest Products; and 6) Precious Metals. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. As of December 31, 2013, the Natural Resources Index included 339 securities of companies with
a market capitalization range of between
|
|
* Prior to May 1, 2014, the Fund’s name was Market Vectors RVE Hard Assets Producers ETF.
|
|
24
approximately $616 million and $438.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $71.3 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be change without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Natural Resources Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Natural Resources Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses
and that of the Natural Resources Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Natural Resources Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Natural Resources Index was concentrated in the natural resources, energy and basic materials sectors.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Natural Resources Sector. Because the Natural Resources Index was concentrated in the natural resources sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the natural resources sector. Investments in natural resources and the natural
resources sector, which include agriculture, alternatives (e.g., water and alternative energy), base and industrial metals, energy, forest products and precious metals, can be significantly negatively affected by events relating to these industries, including international political and economic developments, inflation, limits on exploration and other factors. The
Fund’s portfolio securities may experience substantial price fluctuations as a result of these factors, and may move independently of the trends of operating companies. Companies engaged in the sectors listed above may be adversely affected by changes in government policies and regulations, technological advances and/or obsolescence, environmental
damage claims and competition from new market entrants. Changes in general economic conditions, including commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, depletion of resources and labor relations, could adversely affect the Fund’s portfolio companies.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Natural Resources Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Natural Resources Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Natural Resources Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Natural Resources Index.
25
MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF (continued)
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Natural Resources Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Natural Resources Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings
to reflect changes in the composition of the Natural Resources Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Natural Resources Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Natural Resources Index. In addition,
the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Natural Resources Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Natural Resources Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential
adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of Natural Resources Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Natural Resources Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Natural Resources Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Natural Resources Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Natural Resources Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Natural Resources Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the natural resources, energy and basic materials sectors; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market
26
performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
20.01%
|
|
3Q ‘10 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-22.20%
|
|
3Q ‘11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Prior to May 1, 2014, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the RogersTM-Van Eck Hard Assets Producers Index.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years
|
|
Since Inception
(8/29/2008) |
|
|
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF (return before taxes)
|
|
|
|
6.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
11.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF (return after taxes on distributions)
|
|
|
|
5.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
11.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-0.06 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF (return after taxes on distributions and
sale of Fund Shares)
|
|
|
|
3.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
Rogersä-Van Eck Hard Assets Producers Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
6.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
12.38 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.73 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.49 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2008 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2008 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
27
MARKET VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® US Listed Oil Services 25 Index (the “Oil Services Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.04 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.35% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
36 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
121 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
215 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
489 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover was 10% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Oil Services Index is comprised of common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies in the oil services sector. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign companies
that are listed on a U.S. exchange. Companies are considered to be in the oil services sector if they derive at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) oil services to the upstream oil sector, which include oil equipment, oil services or oil drilling. Of the largest 50 stocks in the oil services sector by full market capitalization, the top 25 by free-float market capitalization (e.g., includes only shares that are readily available for trading in the market) and three month
28
average daily trading volume are included in the Oil Services Index. As of December 31, 2013, the Oil Services Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $2.2 billion and $117.8 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $39.1 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The
Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Oil Services Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Oil Services Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the
Oil Services Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Oil Services Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Oil Services Index was concentrated in the oil services and energy sectors.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Oil Services Sector. The profitability of companies in the oil services sector is related to worldwide energy prices, including all sources of energy, and exploration and production spending. The price of energy, the earnings of companies in the oil services sector, and the value of such companies’ securities can be extremely
volatile. Such companies are also subject to risks of changes in exchange rates and the price of oil and gas, government regulation, the imposition of import controls, world events, negative perception, depletion of resources and general economic conditions, development of alternative energy sources, energy conservation efforts, technological
developments and labor relations, as well as market, economic, social and political risks of the countries where oil services companies are located or do business. Oil services companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition.
The oil services sector is exposed to significant and numerous operating hazards. Oil and gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters and adverse weather conditions in the regions in which they operate. The revenues of oil services companies may be negatively affected by contract termination and renegotiation. Oil
services companies are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations. Oil exploration and production companies may also be adversely affected by environmental damage claims. The international operations of oil services companies expose them to risks associated with instability and
changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations and other risks inherent to international business. Some of the companies in the Oil Services Index are engaged in other lines of business unrelated to oil services, and they may experience problems with these lines of business which could
adversely affect their operating results. The operating results of these companies may fluctuate as a result of these additional risks and events in the other lines of business. In addition, a company’s ability to engage in new activities may expose it to business risks with which it has less experience than it has with the business risks associated with its
traditional businesses. Despite a company’s possible success in traditional oil services activities, there can be no assurance that the other lines of business in which these companies are engaged will not have an adverse effect on a company’s business or financial condition.
Certain companies in which the Fund may invest are non-U.S. issuers whose securities are listed on U.S. exchanges. These securities involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities, including greater market volatility, higher transactional costs, taxation by foreign governments, political instability and the possibility that foreign
governmental restrictions may be adopted which might adversely affect such securities.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Oil Services Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but
not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these
companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts issued by banks or trust companies listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading
29
MARKET VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF (continued)
market and, if not included in the Oil Services Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Oil Services Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market
perception or credit rating of an issuer of securities included in the Oil Services Index may cause the value of its securities to decline.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risk associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Oil Services Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Oil Services Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect
changes in the composition of the Oil Services Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Oil Services Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Oil Services Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to
invest in certain securities included in the Oil Services Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions in which they are represented in the Oil Services Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences
or other regulatory reasons. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Oil Services Index is based on securities’ closing prices (i.e., the value of the Oil Services Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Oil Services Index may be adversely affected.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Oil Services Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because the Oil Services Index is comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Oil Services Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Oil Services Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the oil services sector and energy sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative
30
effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
13.03%
|
|
3Q ‘12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-12.42%
|
|
2Q ‘12 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(12/20/2011) |
|
|
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
25.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13.44 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
25.28 |
% |
|
|
|
|
12.96 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
14.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.16 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® US Listed Oil Services 25 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
26.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13.57 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
24.35 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2011 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2011 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
31
MARKET VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index (the “Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.13 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.57% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
58 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
211 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
377 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
858 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is comprised of companies primarily engaged in a variety of activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth and strategic metals and minerals. Such companies may
include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign and emerging market issuers. The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index includes companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, at least 50% of their assets related to) rare earth/strategic metals or have mining projects with the potential to
generate at least 50% of their revenues from rare earth/strategic metals when developed. Rare earth/strategic metals are industrial metals that are typically mined as by-products
32
or secondary metals in operations focused on precious metals and base metals. Compared to base metals, they have more specialized uses and are often more difficult to extract. Currently, approximately 43 elements in the periodic table are considered rare earth/strategic metals. Rare earth metals (or rare earth elements), a subset of strategic metals,
are a collection of chemical elements that are crucial to many of the world’s most advanced technologies, such as cellular phones, high performance batteries, flat screen televisions, green energy technology, and are expected to be critical to the future of hybrid and electric cars, high-tech military applications and superconductors and fiber-optic
communication systems. As of December 31, 2013, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index included 21 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $113 million and $3.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is
non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before
fees and expenses and that of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index was concentrated in the mining industry and the basic materials sector.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Rare Earth and Strategic Metals. Rare earth/strategic metals are industrial metals that are typically mined as by-products or secondary metals in operations focused on precious metals and base metals. Compared to base metals, they have more specialized uses and are often more difficult to extract. Currently, approximately 43
elements in the periodic table are considered rare earth/strategic metals. Rare earth metals (or rare earth elements), a subset of strategic metals, are a collection of chemical elements that are crucial to many of the world’s most advanced technologies. The use of strategic metals in modern technology has increased dramatically over the past years.
Consequently, the demand for strategic metals has strained the supply, which has the potential to result in a shortage of such materials which could adversely affect the companies in the Fund’s portfolio. Companies involved in the various activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals tend to be small-,
medium- and micro-capitalization companies with volatile share prices, are highly dependent on the price of rare earth/strategic metals which may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time. The value of such companies may be significantly affected by events relating to international, national and local political and economic developments, energy
conservation, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, tax and other government regulations, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices. The producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals can be capital intensive and, if companies involved in such activities are not managed
well, the share prices of such companies could decline even as prices for the underlying rare earth/strategic metals are rising. In addition, companies involved in the various activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals may be at risk for environmental damage claims.
Risk of Regulatory Action and Changes in Governments. The producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals may be significantly affected by regulatory action and changes in governments. For example, China, which produces approximately 80% of the world’s rare earth supplies, has implemented a reduction in its export quota on some
rare earth metals and has considered a complete ban on the export of such metals. Following a recent World Trade Organization (“WTO”) ruling, China may have to lift these export quotas. However, future moves by China or other countries essential to the producing, refining or recycling of rare earth/strategic metals to limit exports could have a
significant adverse effect on industries around the globe and on the values of the businesses in which the Fund invests. Moreover, while it is expected that China will consume a large percentage of the rare earth/strategic metals produced within the country to support its growing economy, China has shown a willingness to flood the market for rare
earth/strategic metals as it did in the late 1990s, thereby causing many operations to shut down.
Risk of Investing in the Mining Industry. Because the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index was concentrated in the mining industry as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the mining industry. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on
the financial condition of such companies. Mining companies are highly dependent on the price of the underlying metal or element. These prices may fluctuate
33
MARKET VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF (continued)
substantially over short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments. In particular, a drop in the price of rare earth/strategic metals would particularly adversely affect the profitability of small- and medium-capitalization mining companies and their ability to secure financing. Furthermore, companies that
are only in the exploration stage are typically unable to adopt specific strategies for controlling the impact of such price changes. In addition, many early stage miners operate at a loss and are dependent on securing equity and/or debt financing, which might be more difficult to secure for an early stage mining company than for a more established
counterpart.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the
production and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Chinese Issuers. A significant portion of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index may be comprised of securities of Chinese issuers, including issuers located outside of China that generate significant revenues from China. Investing in securities of Chinese companies involves certain risks and considerations not
typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) the small size of the market for Chinese securities and the low volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the
Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of
brokers, (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or natural disasters and (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other trade limitations. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in
such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative
regulation and/or state ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or
concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may take such actions in the future as well,
potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China and the economic prospects for, and the market prices and liquidity of, securities issued by Chinese issuers.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less
34
management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market
perception or credit rating of an issuer of securities included in the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index may cause the value of its securities to decline.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s
securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return
of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals
Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net
asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index may be adversely affected.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to
lessen the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The
35
MARKET VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF (continued)
Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the mining industry and the basic materials sector; therefore the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that industry and sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors
or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar year shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s
average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
14.37%
|
|
1Q ‘12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-39.31%
|
|
3Q ‘11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(10/27/2010) |
|
|
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-31.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-19.93 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-31.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-20.63 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-18.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-14.25 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-32.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-20.59 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.61 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
36
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
October 2010 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
October 2010 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
37
MARKET VECTORS SOLAR ENERGY ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Solar Energy Index (the “Solar Energy Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
1.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
1.54 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.88 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
67 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
400 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
756 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,760 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 75% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Solar Energy Index, which is the Fund’s benchmark index, is comprised of equity securities of companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to)
photovoltaic and solar power, or the provision of solar power equipment/technologies and materials or services to solar power equipment/technologies producers. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers, including Chinese issuers. As of December 31, 2013, the Solar Energy Index included 33
securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $99 million and $5.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $2.1 billion. These amounts
38
are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Solar Energy Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Solar Energy Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of
the Solar Energy Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Solar Energy Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Solar Energy Index was concentrated in the solar energy and information technology sectors, and the industrials sector represented a
significant portion of the Solar Energy Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Solar Energy Sector. Companies engaged in the solar energy sector may be significantly affected by increased competition from new and existing market entrants, technological developments, obsolescence of technology and short product cycles. In addition, the solar energy sector is at a relatively early stage of development and
the extent to which solar energy will be widely adopted is uncertain. If solar power technology is not suitable for widespread adoption, or sufficient demand for solar power products does not develop or takes long periods of time to develop, the revenues of solar power companies may decline. Because as currently constituted the Solar Energy Index is
concentrated in the solar energy sector, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the solar energy sector. Companies in this industry may also be significantly affected by general economic conditions such as varying prices and profits, commodity price volatility, changes in
exchange rates, imposition of import controls, availability of certain inputs and materials required for production, depletion of resources, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels, energy conservation, labor relations and tax and other government regulations. Shares of companies involved in the solar energy sector
have historically been more volatile than shares of companies operating in more established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value companies involved in the solar energy sector have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these valuation methods may serve to further increase the volatility
of certain solar energy company share prices. If government subsidies and economic incentives for alternative energy sources, particularly solar power, are reduced or eliminated, the demand for solar energy may decline and cause corresponding declines in the revenues and profits of companies engaged in the solar energy sector. In addition, changes in
U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards solar energy technology also may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Solar Energy Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but
not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these
companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the Solar Energy Index was concentrated in the information technology sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Information technology
companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological
developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Solar Energy Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend on to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by
39
MARKET VECTORS SOLAR ENERGY ETF (continued)
changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Chinese Issuers. A significant portion of the Solar Energy Index may be comprised of securities of Chinese issuers, including issuers located outside of China that generate significant revenues from China. Investing in securities of Chinese companies involves certain risks and considerations not typically
associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) the small size of the market for Chinese securities and the low volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese
government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers, (vii)
higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or natural disasters and (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other trade limitations. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such
respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative
regulation and/or state ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or
concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may take such actions in the future as well,
potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China and the economic prospects for, and the market prices and liquidity of, securities issued by Chinese issuers.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Solar Energy Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Solar Energy Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more
40
volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Solar Energy Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Solar Energy Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect
changes in the composition of the Solar Energy Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Solar Energy Index, the Fund’s return
may deviate significantly from the return of the Solar Energy Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Solar Energy Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Solar Energy Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of
liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of Solar Energy Index is based on
securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Solar Energy Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Solar Energy Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Solar Energy Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Solar Energy Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Solar Energy Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated
in the solar energy sector and the information technology sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
41
MARKET VECTORS SOLAR ENERGY ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter |
|
36.43%
|
|
3Q ‘13 |
|
Worst Quarter |
|
-57.57%
|
|
3Q ‘11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years
|
|
Since Inception
(4/21/2008) |
|
|
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
101.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-17.45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-29.74 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
100.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-18.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-30.25 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
57.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-12.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-17.34 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Global Solar Energy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
|
|
|
|
100.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-18.29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-30.50 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.52 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Prior to March 18, 2013, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the Ardour Solar Energy IndexSM. Therefore index data prior to March 18, 2013, reflects that of the Ardour Solar Energy IndexSM. From March 18, 2013 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors® Solar Energy Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
|
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2008 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2008 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
42
MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Steel ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the NYSE Arca Steel Index (the “Steel Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.07 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
56 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
191 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
339 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
768 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 15% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and depositary receipts of companies involved in the steel sector. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. As of December 31, 2013, the Steel Index included 27 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of
between approximately $317 million and $79.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $25.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
43
MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF (continued)
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Steel Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Steel Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Steel Index
will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Steel Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Steel Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Steel Index was concentrated in the steel and basic materials sectors and the mining industry.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Steel Sector. Because the Steel Index was concentrated in the steel sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the steel sector. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of such
companies in the steel sector. Also, these companies are highly dependent on the price of steel. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time, so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments. These companies are also affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic
conditions. Companies involved in the steel sector may benefit from government subsidies or certain trade protections. If those subsidies or trade protections are reduced or removed, the profits of companies engaged in the steel sector may be affected, potentially drastically. In addition, these companies are at risk for environmental damage claims.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the Steel Index was concentrated in the basic materials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and distribution of
basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Mining Industry. Because the Steel Index was concentrated in the mining industry as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the mining industry. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition
of such companies. Mining companies are highly dependent on the price of the underlying metal or element. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary
trading market and may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Steel Index.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend
44
risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may
have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Steel Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Steel Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Steel Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Steel Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Steel Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included
in the Steel Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Steel Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value
certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Steel Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Steel Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Steel Index may be
adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Steel Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Steel Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Steel Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
steel and basic materials sectors and the mining industry; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors or that industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
45
MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter |
|
53.31%
|
|
2Q ‘09 |
|
Worst Quarter |
|
-50.25%
|
|
3Q ‘08 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Since Inception
(10/10/2006) |
|
|
Market Vectors Steel ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
3.88 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.03 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Steel ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
3.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
12.42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
4.26 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Steel ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
2.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.65 |
% |
|
|
NYSE Arca Steel Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
4.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.43 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6.69 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
October 2006 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
46
MARKET VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Unconventional Oil & Gas Index (the “Oil & Gas Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
1.04 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.50 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.54% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
55 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
281 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
525 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,226 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover was 11% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Oil & Gas Index is comprised of securities of companies involved in the exploration, development, extraction and/or production of unconventional oil and natural gas. The Oil & Gas Index contains companies that generate at least 50% of
their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) unconventional oil and gas or that own properties with the potential, in Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH’s (the “Index Provider”) view, to generate at least 50% of their revenues from this segment. Such companies may include small- and medium-
capitalization companies and foreign issuers. Unconventional oil and natural gas includes coal bed methane, coal seam gas, shale oil, shale gas, tight natural gas, tight oil and tight sands. Unconventional oil and natural gas sources may be geographically extensive or deeply embedded in underground rock formations and are difficult to extract profitably
without the use of new or developing technologies. Developing technologies include, among
47
MARKET VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF (continued)
others, hydraulic fracturing (process of creating or expanding cracks in underground rock formations by pumping a high pressure mixture of water, sand and/or other additives into them) and horizontal drilling (method of drilling a well to reach a reservoir that is not directly beneath the drilling site). As of December 31, 2013, the Oil & Gas Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $432 million and $76.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $24.5 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts before fees and expenses to approximate the investment performance of the Oil & Gas Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Oil & Gas Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and
expenses and that of the Oil & Gas Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Oil & Gas Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Oil & Gas Index was concentrated in the oil and gas industry and the energy sector.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Oil and Gas Industry. The profitability of companies in the oil and gas industry is related to worldwide energy prices, including all sources of energy, and exploration and production spending. The price of energy, the earnings of companies in the oil and gas industry, and the value of such companies’ securities can be extremely
volatile. Such companies are also subject to risks of changes in commodity prices, interest rates, exchange rates and the price of oil and gas, government regulation, the imposition of import controls, world events, negative perception, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources, energy conservation, technological developments,
labor relations and general economic conditions, as well as market, economic and political risks of the countries where oil and gas companies are located or do business. Oil and gas companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition. A significant portion of their revenues may depend on a relatively small
number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities.
The oil and gas industry is exposed to significant and numerous operating hazards. Oil and gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters and adverse weather conditions in the regions in which they operate. The revenues of oil and gas companies may be negatively affected by contract termination and renegotiation. Oil
and gas companies are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations. Oil exploration and production companies may also be adversely affected by environmental damage claims. The international operations of oil and gas companies expose them to risks associated with instability and
changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations and other risks inherent to international business. Such companies may also have significant capital investments or operations in emerging market countries, which may increase these risks.
Risk of Investing in Unconventional Oil and Gas. Investments in companies engaged in activities related to the exploration and production, development, extraction, production and/or refining of unconventional oil and natural gas involve risks in addition to those related to the oil and gas industry. New or emerging oil and gas resource development
projects have limited or no production history. Unconventional oil and gas properties are subject to customary royalty interests, liens incidental to operating agreements, tax liens and other burdens, encumbrances, easements or restrictions. The marketability of unconventional oil and gas production depends in large part on the availability, proximity and
capacity of pipeline systems owned by third parties. The use of methods such as hydraulic fracturing may be subject to new or different regulation in the future. Currently, the regulation of hydraulic fracturing is primarily conducted at the state level through permitting and other compliance requirements. Any new federal regulations that may be imposed
on hydraulic fracturing could result in additional permitting and disclosure requirements (including of substances used in the fracturing process) and in additional operating restrictions. Some states and local governments have considered imposing various conditions and restrictions on drilling and completion operations, which could lead to operational
delays and increased costs and, moreover, could delay or effectively prevent the development of oil and gas from formations that would not be economically viable without the use of hydraulic fracturing. The use of hydraulic fracturing may produce certain wastes that are not subject to federal regulations governing hazardous wastes, though they may be
regulated under other federal and state laws. These wastes may in the future be designated as hazardous wastes and may thus become subject to more rigorous and costly compliance and disposal requirements.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Oil & Gas Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of
48
the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies,
depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary
trading market and, if not included in the Oil & Gas Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Oil & Gas Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Oil & Gas Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Oil & Gas Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in
the composition of the Oil & Gas Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Oil & Gas Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Oil & Gas Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain
securities included in the Oil & Gas Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions in which they are represented in the Oil & Gas Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory
reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Oil & Gas Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Oil & Gas Index is not based on fair value prices), the
Fund’s ability to track the Oil & Gas Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Oil & Gas Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of
a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder
49
MARKET VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF (continued)
purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and
losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or a group of industries to the extent the Oil & Gas Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Oil & Gas Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated
in the energy sector and the oil and gas industry; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector and industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the last calendar year. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad meaure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
13.12% |
|
3Q ‘13 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-1.10% |
|
2Q ‘13 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year
|
|
Since Inception
(2/14/2012) |
|
|
|
Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (return before taxes)
|
|
|
|
26.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.88 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (return after taxes on distributions)
|
|
|
|
26.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.56 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)
|
|
|
|
15.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.89 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Global Unconventional Oil & Gas Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
26.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.09 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
20.83 |
% |
|
50
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since inception |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since inception |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
51
MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index (the “Nuclear Energy Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015.
During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
61 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
235 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
425 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
971 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 48% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Nuclear Energy Index is comprised of equity securities and depositary receipts issued by companies involved in uranium and nuclear energy and includes companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain
circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to): (i) uranium mining or uranium mining projects that have the potential, in Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH’s (the “Index Provider”) view, when such projects are developed are expected to generate at least 50% of a company’s revenues or are expected to constitute at least 50% of such
company’s assets; (ii) the construction, engineering and maintenance of nuclear power facilities and nuclear reactors; (iii) the production of electricity from nuclear sources; or (iv) providing equipment, technology and/or services to the nuclear power industry. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies and foreign issuers. As
of December 31, 2013, the Nuclear Energy Index included 52 securities of
52
companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $179 million and $65.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $23.3 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Nuclear Energy Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Nuclear Energy Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that
of the Nuclear Energy Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Nuclear Energy Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Nuclear Energy Index was concentrated in the nuclear energy and utilities sectors, and the industrials sector represented a significant
portion of the Nuclear Energy Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in the Nuclear Energy Sector. The companies represented in the Fund’s portfolio may face considerable risk as a result of, among other risks, incidents and accidents, breaches of security, ill-intentioned acts or terrorism, air crashes, natural disasters (such as floods or earthquakes), equipment malfunctions or mishandling in storage,
handling, transportation, treatment or conditioning of substances and nuclear materials. Such events could have serious consequences, especially in case of radioactive contamination and irradiation of the environment, for the general population, as well as a material, negative impact on the Fund’s portfolio companies and thus the Fund’s financial
situation. The March 2011 nuclear power plant catastrophe in Japan may have short-term and long-term effects on the nuclear energy sector, the extent of which are uncertain. In addition, the nuclear energy sector is subject to competitive risk associated with the prices of other energy sources, such as natural gas and oil. Consumers of nuclear energy
may have the ability to switch between nuclear energy and other energy sources and, as a result, during periods when competing energy sources are less expensive, the revenues of companies in the nuclear energy sector may decline with a corresponding impact on earnings.
Nuclear activity is also subject to particularly detailed and restrictive regulations, with a scheme for the monitoring and periodic re-examination of operating authorization, which primarily takes into account nuclear safety, environmental and public health protection, and also national security considerations (terrorist threats in particular). These regulations
may be subject to significant tightening by national and international authorities. This could result in increased operating costs, which would have a negative impact on the Fund’s portfolio companies and may cause operating businesses related to nuclear energy to become unprofitable or impractical to operate. Furthermore, uranium prices are subject to
fluctuation. The price of uranium has been and will continue to be affected by numerous factors beyond the Fund’s control. With respect to uranium, such factors include the demand for nuclear power, political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from secondary sources and uranium production levels
and costs of production. In addition, the prices of crude oil, natural gas and electricity produced from traditional hydro power and possibly other undiscovered energy sources could potentially have a negative impact on the competitiveness of nuclear energy companies in which the Fund invests.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the Nuclear Energy Index was concentrated in the utilities sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a great extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by changes
in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitation on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Nuclear Energy Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend on to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund will generally be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The
53
MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF (continued)
risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Nuclear Energy Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Nuclear Energy Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Nuclear Energy Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Nuclear Energy Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Nuclear Energy Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs are not factored in to the return of the Nuclear Energy Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Nuclear Energy Index. In addition, the Fund may not be
able to invest in certain securities included in the Nuclear Energy Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Nuclear Energy Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences
or other regulatory changes. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of Nuclear Energy Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Nuclear Energy Index is not
based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Nuclear Energy Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Nuclear Energy Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Nuclear Energy Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Nuclear Energy Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the nuclear energy and utilities sectors; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a
54
negative effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s previous benchmark index, the DAXglobal® Nuclear Energy Index (the “Prior Index”) and a broad measure of market performance. The performance shown below was achieved prior to March 24, 2014, when the Fund sought to replicate the Prior
Index. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
28.59%
|
|
2Q ‘09 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-33.93%
|
|
3Q ‘08 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Since Inception
(8/13/2007) |
|
|
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
17.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-9.43 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
16.83 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-10.81 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
9.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.99 |
% |
|
|
DAXglobal® Nuclear Energy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
18.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-9.30 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6.15 |
% |
|
55
MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF (continued)
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2007 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 57 of this Prospectus.
56
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES OF FUND SHARES AND TAXES
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
The Funds issue and redeem Shares at NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. A Creation Unit consists of 25,000 shares (with respect to Market Vectors Oil Services ETF) or 50,000 Shares (for each other Fund).
Individual Shares of a Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Funds are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”) and because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares of the Funds may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV.
TAX INFORMATION
Each Fund’s distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
57
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, each Fund will hold all of the securities that comprise its Index in proportion to their weightings in such Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in those weightings. In these circumstances, a Fund may purchase a sample of securities in
its Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser may choose to underweight or overweight a security in a Fund’s Index, purchase securities not in the Fund’s Index that the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in such Index or utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking to
replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the a Fund’s Index. Each Fund may sell securities that are represented in its Index in anticipation of their removal from its Index or purchase securities not represented in its Index in anticipation of their addition to such Index. Each Fund may also, in order to
comply with the tax diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), temporarily invest in securities not included in its Index that are expected to be highly correlated with the securities included in its Index.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each Fund may invest in securities not included in its respective Index, money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or
more specified factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index), and certain derivatives. Convertible securities and depositary receipts not included in a Fund’s Index may be used by a Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to its respective Index and in managing cash flows, and may count towards compliance with the Fund’s
80% policy. Each Fund may also invest, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in other affiliated and unaffiliated funds, such as open-end or closed-end management investment companies, including other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). A Fund will not, however, invest in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect
against potential stock market declines.
An authorized participant (i.e., a person eligible to place orders with the Distributor (defined below) to create or redeem Creation Units of a Fund) that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption,
restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
BORROWING MONEY
Each Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of one-third of the market value of its assets. To the extent that a Fund borrows money, it will be leveraged; at such times, the Fund will appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its benchmark Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Each Fund’s investment objective and each of its other investment policies are non-fundamental policies that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, except as noted in this Prospectus or the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) under the section entitled “Investment Policies and Restrictions—Investment
Restrictions.”
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, a Fund receives liquid collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being loaned. This collateral is marked-to-
market on a daily basis. Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of loss should a borrower fail to return the borrowed securities (e.g., the Fund would have to buy replacement securities and the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of
the collateral held by the Fund) or become insolvent. A Fund may pay fees to the party arranging the loan of securities. In addition, a Fund will bear the risk of loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
The following section provides additional information regarding the principal risks identified under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund” in each Fund’s “Summary Information” section followed by additional risk information. The risks listed below are applicable to each Fund unless otherwise noted.
Investors in the Funds should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Funds’ Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Funds involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Funds is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Funds.
58
Risk of Investing in Agriculture Investments. (Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF only.) Economic forces, including forces affecting the agricultural, commodity, energy and financial markets, as well as government policies and regulations affecting the agricultural sector and related industries, could adversely affect the Fund’s portfolio companies and, thus,
the Fund’s financial situation and profitability. Agricultural production and trade flows are significantly affected by government policies and regulations, including the imposition of tariffs or other trade restraints. Companies involved in the agriculture industry may be subject to the risk of liability for environmental damage, worker safety, depletion of
resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices. An increased competitive landscape, caused by increased availability of food and other agricultural commodities, economic recession or labor difficulties, may lead to a decrease in demand for the products and services provided by companies involved in agriculture.
Furthermore, companies involved in agriculture are particularly sensitive to changing weather conditions and other natural disasters, including floods, droughts and disease outbreaks. In addition, these companies are also subject to risks associated with cyclicality of revenues and earnings, economic recession, currency fluctuations, changing consumer
tastes, extensive competition, consolidation, and excess capacity. In addition, the Fund’s portfolio companies must comply with a broad range of environmental and food safety laws and regulations which could adversely affect the Fund. Additional or more stringent environmental and food safety laws and regulations may be enacted in the future and
such changes could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Fund’s portfolio companies.
Risk of Investing in the Coal Industry. (Market Vectors Coal ETF only.) The profitability of companies in the coal industry is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration and production spending. Such companies also are subject to risks of changes in exchange rates, international politics and government regulation, taxes, world events, terrorist attacks, the success of exploration projects, depletion of resources and economic conditions, reduced demand as a result of increases in energy efficiency and energy conservation, as well as market, economic and political risks of the countries where energy companies are located or do business. Coal exploration and mining can be significantly affected by
natural disasters. In addition, coal companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims and are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations regarding air emissions and the disposal of hazardous materials. The productivity of mining operations may be reduced by geological conditions, regulatory permits for
mining activities and the availability of coal that meets standards set forth in the Clean Air Act.
A primary risk of the coal industry is the competitive risk associated with the prices of alternative fuels, such as natural gas and oil. For example, consumers of coal often have the ability to switch between the use of coal, oil or natural gas. As a result, during periods when competing fuels are less expensive, the revenues of companies in the coal
industry may decline with a corresponding impact on earnings.
Risk of Investing in the Alternative Energy Industry. (Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF only.) Alternative energy refers to the generation of power through environmentally friendly sources that can replace or supplement traditional fossil-fuel sources. It includes power derived principally from bio fuels (such as ethanol), bio mass, wind, solar,
hydro and geothermal sources and also includes the various technologies that support the production, use and storage of these sources.
The alternative energy industry may be significantly affected by the competition from new and existing market entrants, obsolescence of technology, short product cycles, varying prices and profits, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, depletion of resources, seasonal weather conditions, technological
developments and general economic conditions, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects and tax and other government regulations. Further, the alternative energy industry can be significantly adversely affected by legislation resulting in more strict government
regulations and enforcement policies and specific expenditures for environmental cleanup efforts. Shares of companies involved in the alternative energy industry have been more volatile than shares of companies operating in more established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value companies involved in the alternative energy
industries have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these valuation methods may serve to further increase the volatility of certain alternative and transitional energy company share prices. If government subsidies, contracts with government entities and economic incentives for alternative energy sources are
reduced or eliminated, the demand for alternative energy may decline and cause corresponding declines in the revenues and profits of companies engaged in the alternative energy industry. In addition, changes in U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards alternative energy technology also may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance. Furthermore, the Fund may invest in the shares of companies with a limited operating history, some of which may never have operated profitably. Investment in young companies with a short operating history is generally riskier than investing in companies with a longer operating history. The Fund will carry greater risk and may be more
volatile than a portfolio composed of securities issued by companies operating in a wide variety of different or more established industries.
Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. (Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF only.) Because each Fund invests in stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. and foreign companies that are involved in the gold mining and silver mining industries, it is subject to certain risks associated with such
companies. Competitive pressures may
59
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
have a significant effect on the financial condition of gold mining and silver mining companies. Also, gold and silver mining companies are highly dependent on the price of gold bullion and silver bullion, respectively, and may be adversely affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors. These prices may fluctuate substantially
over short periods of time so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
A drop in the price of gold and/or silver bullion would particularly adversely affect the profitability of small- and medium-capitalization mining companies and their ability to secure financing. Furthermore, companies that are only in the exploration stage are typically unable to adopt specific strategies for controlling the impact of the price of gold or silver. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, gold, silver and other precious metals may outperform traditional investments such as bonds and stocks. However, in times of stable economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold, silver and other precious metals may
be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. A significant portion of the world’s gold reserves are held by governments, central banks and related institutions. The production, purchase and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be negatively affected by various economic, financial,
social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant adverse impact on the supply and prices of precious metals. Economic, social and political conditions in those countries that are the largest producers of gold may have a direct negative effect on the production and marketing of gold and on sales of central bank gold
holdings. Some gold, silver and precious metals mining operation companies may hedge their exposure to declines in gold, silver and precious metals prices by selling forward future production, which may result in lower returns during periods when the prices of gold, silver and precious metals increase. The gold, silver and precious metals industries can
be significantly adversely affected by events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, tax and government regulations, changes in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in various countries and investment speculation. If a natural disaster or other event with a significant economic impact
occurs in a region where the companies in which the Fund invests operate, such disaster or event could negatively affect the profitability of such companies and, in turn, the Fund’s investment in them. Gold and silver mining companies may also be significantly adversely affected by import controls, worldwide competition, liability for environmental
damage, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices.
A significant amount of the companies in the Junior Gold Miners Index may be early stage mining companies that are in the exploration stage only or that hold properties that might not ultimately produce gold or silver. The exploration and development of mineral deposits involve significant financial risks over a significant period of time which even a
combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. Few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site. In addition, many early stage miners operate at a loss and are
dependent on securing equity and/or debt financing, which might be more difficult to secure for an early stage mining company than for a more established counterpart.
Risk of Investing in the Natural Resources Sector. (Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF only.) The Fund will be sensitive to, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the natural resources sector. Investments in natural resources and the natural resources sector, which include agriculture, alternatives (e.g., water
and alternative energy), base and industrial metals, energy, forest products and precious metals, can be significantly negatively affected by events relating to these industries, including international political and economic developments, inflation, limits on exploration and other factors. The Fund’s portfolio securities may experience substantial price
fluctuations as a result of these factors, and may move independently of the trends of operating companies. Companies engaged in the sectors listed above may be adversely affected by changes in government policies and regulations, technological advances and/or obsolescence, environmental damage claims and competition from new market entrants.
Changes in general economic conditions, including commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, depletion of resources and labor relations, could adversely affect the Fund’s portfolio companies. In addition, the companies in which the Fund invests may also be subject to the risks associated with the energy and
basic materials sectors and mining and oil and gas industries.
Risk of Investing in the Oil Services Sector. (Market Vectors Oil Services ETF only.) The profitability of companies in the oil services sector is related to worldwide energy prices, including all sources of energy, and exploration and production spending. The price of energy, the earnings of companies in the oil services sector, and the value of such
companies’ securities can be extremely volatile. Such companies are also subject to risks of changes in exchange rates and the price of oil and gas, government regulation, the imposition of import controls, world events, negative perception, depletion of resources and general economic conditions, development of alternative energy sources, energy
conservation efforts, technological developments and labor relations, as well as market, economic, social and political risks of the countries where oil services companies are located or do business. The values of securities of oil services companies are subject to swift price and supply fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics,
including political instability, expropriation, social unrest and acts of war, energy
60
conservation, the success of exploration projects and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Oil services companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition.
The oil services sector is exposed to significant and numerous operating hazards. Oil services companies’ operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as fire, explosion, blowouts, loss of well control, oil spills, pipeline and equipment leaks and ruptures and discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous gases. Oil and gas
exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters and adverse weather conditions in the regions in which they operate. The revenues of oil services companies may be negatively affected by contract termination and renegotiation. In the oil services sector, it is customary for contracts to provide for either automatic termination
or termination at the option of the customer if the drilling unit is destroyed or lost or if drilling operations are suspended for a specified period of time as a result of events beyond the control of either party or because of equipment breakdowns. In periods of depressed market conditions, the customers of oil services companies may not honor the terms
of existing contracts and may terminate contracts or seek to renegotiate contract rates and terms to reduce their obligations.
Oil services companies are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations. Oil exploration and production companies may also be adversely affected by environmental damage claims. Laws and regulations protecting the environment may expose oil services companies to liability for the
conduct of or conditions caused by others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. The international operations of oil services companies expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations and
other risks inherent to international business. Some of the companies in the Oil Services Index are engaged in other lines of business unrelated to oil services, and they may experience problems with these lines of business which could adversely affect their operating results. The operating results of these companies may fluctuate as a result of these
additional risks and events in the other lines of business. In addition, a company’s ability to engage in new activities may expose it to business risks with which it has less experience than it has with the business risks associated with its traditional businesses. Despite a company’s possible success in traditional oil services activities, there can be no
assurance that the other lines of business in which these companies are engaged will not have an adverse effect on a company’s business or financial condition.
Certain companies in which the Fund may invest are non-U.S. issuers whose securities are listed on U.S. exchanges. These securities involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities, including greater market volatility, higher transactional costs, taxation by foreign governments and political instability.
Risk of Investing in the Oil and Gas Industry. (Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF only.) The profitability of companies in the oil and gas industry is related to worldwide energy prices, including all sources of energy, and exploration and production spending. The price of energy, the earnings of companies in the oil and gas industry, and the
value of such companies’ securities can be extremely volatile. Such companies are also subject to risks of changes in commodity prices, interest rates, exchange rates and the price of oil and gas, government regulation, the imposition of import controls, world events, negative perception, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources,
technological developments, labor relations and general economic conditions, as well as market, economic and political risks of the countries where oil and gas companies are located or do business, fluctuations caused by events relating to international politics, including political instability, expropriation, social unrest and acts of war, acts of terrorism,
energy conservation, the success of exploration projects and tax and other governmental regulatory policies. Oil and gas companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition. A significant portion of their revenues may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities.
The oil and gas industry is exposed to significant and numerous operating hazards. Oil and gas companies’ operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as fire, explosion, blowouts, loss of well control, oil spills, pipeline and equipment leaks and ruptures and discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous gases. Oil and gas
exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters and adverse weather conditions in the regions in which they operate. The revenues of oil and gas companies may be negatively affected by contract termination and renegotiation.
Oil and gas companies are subject to, and may be adversely effected by, extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations. Oil and gas exploration and production companies may also be adversely affected by environmental damage claims. Laws and regulations protecting the environment may expose oil and gas companies to liability
for the conduct of or conditions caused by others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. The international operations of oil and gas companies expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign
regulations and other risks inherent to international business. Such companies may also have significant capital investments or operations in emerging market countries, which may increase these risks.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Risk of Investing in Unconventional Oil and Gas. (Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF only.) Investments in companies engaged in activities related to the exploration, development, extraction, production and/or refining of unconventional oil and natural gas involve risks in addition to those related to the oil and gas industry. New or emerging oil
and gas resource development projects have limited or no production history. Consequently, an oil and gas company may be unable to accurately predict future results. Therefore, the cost of drilling, completing and operating wells in these areas may be higher than initially expected, and the value of undeveloped land may decline if drilling results are
unsuccessful. Furthermore, if drilling results are unsuccessful, an oil and gas company may be required to write down the carrying value of undeveloped land in new or emerging projects, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. Unconventional oil and gas properties are subject to customary royalty interests, liens incidental to
operating agreements, tax liens and other burdens, encumbrances, easements or restrictions. Unless production is established during the term of certain undeveloped oil and gas leases, the leases will expire, and an oil and gas company will lose its right to develop the related properties. The marketability of unconventional oil and gas production depends
in large part on the availability, proximity and capacity of pipeline systems owned by third parties. The lack of available capacity on these systems and facilities could reduce production of profitable wells or delay or discontinue drilling plans.
Companies engaged in activities related to the exploration, development, extraction, production and/or refining of unconventional oil and natural gas are subject to extensive environmental requirements. Failure to comply with applicable environmental requirements could adversely affect such companies, as sanctions for failure to comply with such
requirements may include administrative, civil and criminal penalties; revocation of permits to conduct business; and corrective action orders, including orders to investigate and/or clean up contamination. Liability for cleanup costs, natural resources damages and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws could be substantial and adversely
affect such companies. Such companies are also subject to political and economic instability and the risk of government actions. Additionally, the operations of such companies are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, extensive federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations.
The use of methods such as hydraulic fracturing may be subject to new or different regulation in the future. Currently, the regulation of hydraulic fracturing is primarily conducted at the state level through permitting and other compliance requirements. Any new federal, state or local regulations that may be imposed on hydraulic fracturing could result in
additional permitting and disclosure requirements (including of substances used in the fracturing process) and in additional operating restrictions. Some states and local governments have considered imposing various conditions and restrictions on operations, including bans, which could lead to operational delays and increased costs and, moreover, could
delay or effectively prevent the development of oil and gas from formations that would not be economically viable without the use of hydraulic fracturing. The use of hydraulic fracturing may produce certain wastes that are not subject to federal regulations governing hazardous wastes, though they may be regulated under other federal and state laws.
These wastes may in the future be designated as hazardous wastes and may thus become subject to more rigorous and costly compliance and disposal requirements.
Risk of Investing in Rare Earth and Strategic Metals. (Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF only.) Rare earth/strategic metals are industrial metals that are typically mined as by-products or secondary metals in operations focused on precious metals and base metals. Compared to base metals, they have more specialized uses and are often
more difficult to extract. Currently, approximately 43 elements in the periodic table are considered rare earth/strategic metals. Rare earth metals (or rare earth elements), a subset of strategic metals, are a collection of chemical elements that are crucial to many of the world’s most advanced technologies. Rare earth/strategic metals are used in a
variety of technologies including, but not limited to, cellular phones, high performance batteries, flat screen televisions, and green energy technology such as wind, solar and geothermal, and are expected to be critical to the future of hybrid and electric cars, high-tech military applications including radar, missile guidance systems, navigation and night
vision, and superconductors and fiber-optic communication systems.
The use of rare earth/strategic metals in modern technology has increased dramatically over the past years. Consequently, the demand for strategic metals has from time to time strained the supply, and, as a result, there is a risk of a shortage of such materials in the world which could adversely affect the companies in the Fund’s portfolio. Competitive
pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of companies involved in the various activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals. Also, these companies are highly dependent on the demand for and price of rare earth/strategic metals which may fluctuate substantially over short
periods of time, so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
Companies involved in the various activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals tend to be small- to medium-capitalization companies with volatile share prices and can be significantly affected by events relating to international political and economic developments, energy conservation, the success of
exploration projects, commodity prices, tax and other government regulations, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices. Moreover, some companies may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources, such as the risks of mining, and the risks of the hazards associated
with metals and mining, such as fire, drought, and
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increased regulatory and environmental costs. These companies may also be significantly affected by the conditions and events that occur in the regions that the companies to which the Fund has exposure operate. The producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals can be capital intensive and, if companies involved in such activities are
not managed well, the share prices of such companies could decline even as prices for the underlying rare earth/strategic metals are rising. In addition, companies involved in the various activities that are related to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals may be at risk for environmental damage claims. Furthermore, demand
for rare earth/strategic metals may change rapidly and unpredictably, including in light of the development of less expensive alternatives.
Risk of Investing in the Solar Energy Sector. (Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF only.) Companies engaged in the solar energy sector may be significantly affected by increased competition from new and existing market entrants, technological developments, obsolescence of technology and short product cycles. In addition, the solar energy sector is at a
relatively early stage of development and the extent to which solar energy will be widely adopted is uncertain. If solar power technology is not suitable for widespread adoption, or sufficient demand for solar power products does not develop or takes long periods of time to develop, the revenues of solar power companies may decline. Companies in this
industry may also be significantly affected by general economic conditions such as varying prices and profits, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, availability of certain inputs and materials required for production, depletion of resources, fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative
energy fuels, energy conservation, labor relations and tax and other government regulations. Shares of companies involved in the solar energy sector have historically been more volatile than shares of companies operating in more established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value companies involved in the solar energy sector have
not been in widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these valuation methods may serve to further increase the volatility of certain solar energy company share prices. If government subsidies and economic incentives for alternative energy sources, particularly solar power, are reduced or eliminated, the demand for solar
energy may decline and cause corresponding declines in the revenues and profits of companies engaged in the solar energy sector. In addition, changes in U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards solar energy technology also may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
Risk of Investing in the Steel Sector. (Market Vectors Steel ETF only.) Because the Fund primarily invests in stocks and depositary receipts of companies that are involved in a variety of activities related to steel production, it is subject to certain risks associated with such companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial
condition of such companies in the steel sector. Also, these companies are highly dependent on the price of steel. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time, so the Fund’s Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments. These companies are also affected by changes in government regulation, world events and
economic conditions. Companies involved in the steel sector may benefit from government subsidies or certain trade protections. If those subsidies or trade protections are reduced or removed, the profits of companies engaged in the steel sector may be affected, potentially drastically. In addition, these companies are at risk for environmental damage
claims. Weather conditions, a strong or weak domestic economy, political instability and conservation efforts may affect the demand for steel. Companies involved in the manufacturing and storage of iron and steel products are also impacted by the level and volatility of commodity prices, the exchange value of the dollar, import controls, worldwide
competition, depletion of resources and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices.
Risk of Investing in the Nuclear Energy Sector. (Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF only.) The companies represented in the Fund’s portfolio may face considerable risk as a result of, among other risks, incidents and accidents, breaches of security, ill-intentioned acts or terrorism, air crashes, natural disasters (such as floods or earthquakes),
equipment malfunctions or mishandling in storage, handling, transportation, treatment or conditioning of substances and nuclear materials. Such events could have serious consequences, especially in case of radioactive contamination and irradiation of the environment, for the general population, as well as a material, negative impact on the Fund’s
portfolio companies and thus the Fund’s financial situation. The March 2011 nuclear power plant catastrophe in Japan may have short-term and long-term effects on the nuclear energy sector, the extent of which are unknown. In addition, the nuclear energy sector is subject to competitive risk associated with the prices of other energy sources, such as
natural gas and oil, obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants and general economic conditions. The price of uranium may be affected by changes in inflation rates, interest rates, monetary policy, economic conditions and political stability. In addition, uranium mining
companies may also be significantly affected by import controls, energy conservation, the success of energy exploration projects, liability for environmental damage, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices. Consumers of nuclear energy may have the ability to switch between nuclear energy and other
energy sources and, as a result, during periods when competing energy sources are less expensive, the revenues of companies in the nuclear energy sector may decline with a corresponding impact on earnings.
Nuclear activity is also subject to particularly detailed and restrictive regulations, with a scheme for the monitoring and periodic re-examination of operating authorization, which primarily takes into account nuclear safety, environmental and public health
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
protection, and also national security considerations (terrorist threats in particular). These regulations may be subject to significant tightening by national and international authorities. There are substantial differences among the regulatory practices and policies of various jurisdictions, and any given regulatory agency may make major shifts in policy from
time to time. There is no assurance that regulatory authorities will, in the future, grant rate increases or that such increases will be adequate to permit the payment of dividends on common stocks issued by a utility company. Additionally, existing and possible future regulatory legislation may make it even more difficult for utilities to obtain adequate
relief. In addition, governmental authorities may from time to time review existing policies and impose additional requirements governing the licensing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants. This could result in increased operating costs, which would have a negative impact on the Fund’s portfolio companies and may cause operating
businesses related to nuclear energy to become unprofitable or impractical to operate.
Uranium prices are subject to fluctuation. The price of uranium has been and will continue to be affected by numerous factors beyond the Fund’s control. Such factors include the demand for nuclear power, political and economic conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from secondary sources and uranium production
levels and costs of production. In addition, the prices of crude oil, natural gas and electricity produced from traditional hydro power and possibly other undiscovered energy sources could potentially have a negative impact on the competitiveness of nuclear energy companies in which the Fund invests.
Securities of the companies involved in this industry have been significantly more volatile than securities of companies operating in other more established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value companies involved in the nuclear power and power technology sectors, particularly those companies that have not yet traded profitably,
have not been in widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these valuation methods may serve to increase further the volatility of certain alternative power and power technology company share prices.
Risk of Regulatory Action and Changes in Governments. (Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF only.) The producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals may be significantly affected by regulatory action and changes in governments. For example, China, which produces approximately 80% of the world’s rare earth supplies, has
implemented a reduction in its export quota on some rare earth metals and has considered a complete ban on the export of such metals. Following a recent WTO ruling, China may have to lift these export quotas. However, future moves by China or other countries essential to the producing, refining and recycling of rare earth/strategic metals to limit
exports could have a significant adverse effect on industries around the globe and on the values of the businesses in which the Fund invests. Moreover, while it is expected that China will consume a large percentage of the rare earth/strategic metals produced within the country to support its growing economy, China has shown a willingness to flood
the market for rare earth/strategic metals as it did in the late 1990s, thereby causing many operations to shut down.
Risk of Investing in the Mining Industry. Because the Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Steel ETF invest in stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. and foreign companies that are
involved in mining, they are subject to certain risks associated with such companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of such companies. Mining companies are highly dependent on the price of the underlying metal or element. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time so the Fund’s
Share price may be more volatile than other types of investments.
In particular, a drop in the price of gold, silver bullion, steel or rare earth/strategic metals would particularly adversely affect the profitability of small- and medium-capitalization mining companies and their ability to secure financing. Furthermore, companies that are only in the exploration stage are typically unable to adopt specific strategies for
controlling the impact of such price changes.
Some of the companies in a Fund’s Index may be early stage mining companies that are in the exploration stage only or that hold properties that might not ultimately produce these metals. Exploration and development involves significant financial risks over a significant period of time which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and
knowledge may not eliminate. Few properties which are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. Major expenditures may be required to establish reserves by drilling and to construct mining and processing facilities at a site. In addition, many early stage miners operate at a loss and are dependent on securing equity and/or debt financing,
which might be more difficult to secure for an early stage mining company than for a more established counterpart.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. (Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Steel ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes
securities of issuers in the basic materials sector, the Funds will be sensitive to changes in, and their performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and distribution of basic
64
materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. (Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF only.) Because the Agribusiness Index was concentrated in the consumer staples sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer staples sector.
These companies may be adversely affected by changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, exploration and production spending. Companies in this sector are also affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. (Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the
energy sector, the Funds may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation
stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. (Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the industrials sector, the Funds will be sensitive to changes in, and their
performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability
claims and exchange rates. The stock prices of companies in the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product
introduction. In addition, the industrials sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors.
Risks of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. (Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF and Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the information technology sector, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance
will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel.
The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and
the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. (Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the utilities sector, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a great extent on, the overall condition of
the utilities sector. Issuers in the utilities sector are subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction and improvement programs, difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital
markets, and the effects of effects of economic slowdowns and surplus capacity. Companies in the utilities sector are subject to extensive regulation, including governmental regulation of rates charged to customers, and may face difficulty in obtaining regulatory approval of new technologies. The effects of a U.S. national energy policy and lengthy delays
and greatly increased costs and other problems associated with the design, construction, licensing, regulation and operation of nuclear facilities for electric generation, including, among other considerations, the problems associated with the use of radioactive materials and the disposal of radioactive wastes, may adversely affect companies in the utilities
sector. Certain companies in the utilities sector may be inexperienced and may suffer potential losses resulting from a developing deregulatory environment. Technological innovations may render existing plants, equipment or products obsolete. Companies in the utilities sector may face increased competition from other providers of utility services. The
potential impact of terrorist activities on companies in the utilities sector and its customers and the impact of natural or man-made disasters may adversely affect the utilities sector. Issuers in the utilities sector also may be subject to regulation by various
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
governmental authorities and may be affected by the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. (Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF only.) Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Ardour Global Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall
condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange
rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Each Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs,
taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because many foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the prices of securities that trade in such markets may be influenced by large traders. Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to
changed conditions or new developments. Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact a Fund’s ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund
from repatriating its investments. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trade patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory
measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a Fund’s ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the Fund’s investments in such securities harder to value. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such
foreign issuers or otherwise adversely affect a Fund’s operations. Each Fund may also invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. In addition, a Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal
obligation to distribute shareholder communications.
Because a Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund from these investments may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The values of the currencies of the countries in which a Fund may invest may be subject to a high
degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. Therefore, a Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. Moreover, a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies. Each Fund may, but is not obligated to, invest in derivative instruments to lock in certain currency exchange rates from time to time.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. (Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF only.) Each Fund may invest its assets in securities of emerging market issuers. Investment in securities of emerging market issuers involves risks
not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks may include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political
instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Issuers in certain emerging market countries are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting,
auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.
Securities Markets. Securities markets in emerging market countries are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. Securities markets in emerging market countries are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets,
66
governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors, limit the supply of securities available for investment by a Fund. This will affect the rate at which a Fund is able to invest in emerging countries, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the
timing of purchases and sales. Emerging markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The prices of certain securities listed on securities markets in emerging market countries have been subject to sharp fluctuations and sudden declines and no assurance can be given as to the future performance of listed
securities in general. Volatility of prices may be greater than in more developed securities markets. Moreover, securities markets in emerging market countries may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether due to political or civil unrest. Market volatility may also be heightened by the
actions of a small number of investors. Brokerage firms in emerging market countries may be fewer in number and less established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since the Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to
fulfill their obligations to the Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions,
and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging market countries as is the case in certain more developed markets.
Political and Economic Risk. Certain emerging market countries have historically been subject to political instability and their prospects are tied to the continuation of economic and political liberalization in the region. Instability may result from factors such as government or military intervention in decision making, terrorism, civil unrest, extremism or
hostilities between neighboring countries. Any of these factors, including an outbreak of hostilities, could negatively impact the Fund’s returns. Limited political and democratic freedoms in emerging market countries might cause significant social unrest. These factors may have a significant adverse effect on an emerging market country’s economy.
Many emerging market countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which it trades. They also have been and
may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition, certain issuers located in emerging market countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or
countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.
Investment and Repatriation Restrictions. The government in an emerging market country may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in such emerging market countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities
of issuers located or operating in emerging market countries and may inhibit the Fund’s ability to track its Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to buy or sell securities or receive full value for such securities. Moreover, certain emerging market countries may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign
investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of such emerging market countries; and/or may impose additional
taxes on foreign investors. A delay in obtaining a required government approval or a license would delay investments in those emerging market countries, and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. The government of certain emerging market countries may also withdraw or decline to renew a
license that enables the Fund to invest in such country. These factors make investing in issuers located or operating in emerging market countries significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
Additionally, investments in issuers located in certain emerging market countries may be subject to a greater degree of risk associated with governmental approval in connection with the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. Moreover, there is the risk that if the balance of payments in
an emerging market country declines, the government of such country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. Consequently, the Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on
investments. Furthermore, investments in emerging market countries may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Available Disclosure About Emerging Market Issuers. Issuers located or operating in emerging market countries are not subject to the same rules and regulations as issuers located or operating in more developed countries. Therefore, there may be less financial and other information publicly available with regard to issuers located or operating in
emerging market countries and such issuers are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to issuers located or operating in more developed countries.
Foreign Currency Considerations. A Fund’s assets that are invested in equity securities of issuers in emerging market countries will generally be denominated in foreign currencies, and the income received by the Fund from those investments will be principally in foreign currencies. The value of an emerging market country’s currency may be subject
to a high degree of fluctuation. This fluctuation may be due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. The economies of certain emerging
market countries can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain emerging market countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn,
can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors.
A Fund’s exposure to an emerging market country’s currency and changes in value of such foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar may reduce the Fund’s investment performance and the value of your investment in the Fund. Meanwhile, the Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income will
be made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. Therefore, if the value of the respective emerging market country’s currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the relevant emerging market country’s currency to
U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain positions in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices
or otherwise have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance.
Certain emerging market countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many such currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for a Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s
interests in securities denominated in such currencies. Furthermore, if permitted, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and an emerging market country’s currency. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency
exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
Operational and Settlement Risk. In addition to having less developed securities markets, emerging market countries have less developed custody and settlement practices than certain developed countries. Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities and cash in the custody of certain eligible non-U.S. banks
and securities depositories. Banks in emerging market countries that are eligible foreign sub custodians may be recently organized or otherwise lack extensive operating experience. In addition, in certain emerging market countries there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign
sub-custodian in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian. Because settlement systems in emerging market countries may be less organized than in other developed markets, there may be a risk that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities of the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems.
Under the laws in many emerging market countries, the Fund may be required to release securities before receiving cash payment or may be required to make cash payment prior to receiving securities, creating a risk that the Fund may surrender cash or securities without ever receiving securities or cash from the other party. Settlement systems in
emerging market countries also have a higher risk of failed trades and back to back settlements may not be possible.
The Fund may not be able to convert a foreign currency to U.S. dollars in time for the settlement of redemption requests. In the event of a redemption request from an authorized participant, the Fund will be required to deliver U.S. dollars to the authorized participant on the settlement date. In the event that the Fund is not able to convert the
foreign currency to U.S. dollars in time for settlement, which may occur as a result of the delays described above, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain investments and/or borrow money in order to fund such redemption. The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices or otherwise have an adverse impact on
the Fund’s performance (e.g., by causing the Fund to overweight foreign currency denominated holdings and underweight other holdings which were sold to
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fund redemptions). In addition, the Fund will incur interest expense on any borrowings and the borrowings will cause the Fund to be leveraged, which may magnify gains and losses on its investments.
In certain emerging market countries, the marketability of quoted shares may be limited due to the restricted opening hours of stock exchanges, and a narrow range of investors and a relatively high proportion of market value may be concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of shareholders. In addition, because certain emerging
market countries’ stock exchanges on which the Fund’s portfolio securities may trade are open when the NYSE Arca is closed, the Fund may be subject to heightened risk associated with market movements. Trading volume may be lower on certain emerging market countries’ stock exchanges than on more developed securities markets and equities
may be generally less liquid. The infrastructure for clearing, settlement and registration on the primary and secondary markets of certain emerging market countries are less developed than in certain other markets and under certain circumstances this may result in the Fund experiencing delays in settling and/or registering transactions in the
markets in which it invests, particularly if the growth of foreign and domestic investment in certain emerging market countries places an undue burden on such investment infrastructure. Such delays could affect the speed with which the Fund can transmit redemption proceeds and may inhibit the initiation and realization of investment opportunities
at optimum times.
Certain issuers in emerging market countries may utilize share blocking schemes. Share blocking refers to a practice, in certain foreign markets, where voting rights related to an issuer’s securities are predicated on these securities being blocked from trading at the custodian or sub custodian level, for a period of time around a shareholder meeting.
These restrictions have the effect of barring the purchase and sale of certain voting securities within a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders will be taken. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities for a period of time. During the time that
shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. The process for having a blocking restriction lifted can be quite onerous with the particular requirements varying widely by country. In addition, in certain countries, the block cannot be removed. As a result of the ramifications of voting
ballots in markets that allow share blocking, the Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies in those markets.
Corporate and Securities Laws. Securities laws in emerging market countries are relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities regulation, title to securities and shareholder rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or
amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which emerging market issuers are subject may be less advanced than those systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of issuers located in emerging market countries may not receive many of the
protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries. In circumstances where adequate laws and shareholder rights exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law. In addition, the enforcement of systems of taxation at federal, regional and local levels in emerging market countries
may be inconsistent and subject to sudden change.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Chinese Issuers. (Market Vectors Coal ETF Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF only.) Investing in securities of Chinese companies, including issuers outside of China that generate significant revenues from China, involves certain risks and considerations not
typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) the small size of the market for Chinese securities and the low volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the
Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of
brokers, (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or natural disasters and (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other trade limitations. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in
such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative
regulation and/or state ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or
concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may take such actions in the future as well,
potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China and the economic prospects for, and the market prices and liquidity of, securities issued by Chinese issuers.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Each Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. Depositary receipts are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on
the underlying foreign shares. The issuers of certain depositary receipts are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary
trading market and, if not included in a Fund’s Index, may negatively affect a Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of its Index. In addition, investments in depositary receipts that are not included in a Fund’s Index may increase tracking error.
Risk of Investing in Small- and/or Medium-Capitalization Companies. Each Fund may invest in small- and/or medium-capitalization companies and, therefore will be subject to certain risks associated with small- and medium-capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable
periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their
product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF may invest in micro-capitalization companies. These companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues
tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. Micro-capitalization companies may be newly formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product lines, markets or financial
resources and may lack management depth. In addition, there may be less public information available about these companies. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Also, it may take a long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a micro-capitalization company.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. (Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Oil Services ETF only.) The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be
more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market perception or credit rating of an issuer of securities included in a Fund’s Index may cause the value of its securities to decline.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most ETFs, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF effect their creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in such Fund may be less
tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional ETF. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. Because these Funds currently intend to effect all or a portion of redemptions, as applicable, for cash, rather than in-kind
distributions, they may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs. If a Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to
recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Funds generally intend to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to,
or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by a Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by a Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which a Fund invests. For example, an adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings
report, may result in a decline in the value of equity securities of an issuer held by a Fund; the price of the equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the securities markets; or a drop in the securities markets may depress the price of most or all of the equities securities held by a Fund. In addition, the equity
securities of an issuer in a Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred
securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or
greater price volatility.
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Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Funds are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. Overall securities values could decline generally or could underperform other investments. An investment in a Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. Each Fund’s return may not match the return of its Index for a number of reasons. For example, a Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to its Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of
its Index and, to the extent the Fund creates and redeems Creation Units in cash, raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units. A Fund’s return may also deviate significantly from the return of its Index because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while
such costs and risks are not factored into the return of its Index. A Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows into the Fund (if the Fund effects creations and redemptions for cash) or reserves of cash held by the Fund to pay expenses or meet redemptions. In addition, a Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities
included in its Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of its Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. Moreover, a Fund may be delayed in
purchasing or selling securities included in its Index. Any issues a Fund encounters with regard to currency convertibility (including the cost of borrowing funds, if any) and repatriation may also increase the index tracking risk.
Each Fund is expected to fair value certain of the foreign securities it holds except those securities primarily traded on exchanges that close at the same time the Fund calculates its NAV. To the extent a Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of its Index is based on securities’ closing prices (i.e., the value of its Index is not
based on fair value prices) or if a Fund otherwise calculates its NAV based on prices that differ from those used in calculating its Index, the Fund’s ability to track its Index may be adversely affected. The need to comply with the tax diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact a Fund’s ability to replicate the
performance of its Index. In addition, if a Fund utilizes depositary receipts and other derivative instruments, its return may not correlate as well with its Index as would be the case if the Fund purchased all the securities in its Index directly. Actions taken in response to proposed corporate actions could result in increased tracking error.
Replication Management Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Funds are not “actively” managed. Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from its Index, a Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer is in financial trouble. If a specific security is removed from a Fund’s Index, the Fund may be forced to sell such
security at an inopportune time or for prices other than at current market values. An investment in a Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. Each Fund’s Index may not contain the appropriate or a diversified mix of securities for any particular economic cycle. The timing of changes in the securities of a Fund’s portfolio in seeking to replicate its Index could have a negative effect on the Fund. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser does not use techniques or
defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, a Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. The NAV of the Shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The
market prices of Shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely
related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of the Fund’s Index trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses. Any of these factors, discussed above and further below, may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to the Fund’s NAV.
Non-Diversified Risk. Each Fund is a separate investment portfolio of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act. Each Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act. As a result, each Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a
diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on a Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. Market Vectors Oil Services ETF
and Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because their respective Indices they seek to replicate are comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Concentration Risk. A Fund’s assets will be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent that its respective Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. The securities of many or all of the companies in the same sector or industry may decline in value due to
developments adversely affecting such sector or industry. By concentrating its assets in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, a Fund is subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets
were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
ADDITIONAL RISKS
Risk of Investing in Derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are based on the value of one or more indicators, such as a security, asset, currency, interest rate, or index. A Fund’s use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more
traditional investments. Moreover, although the value of a derivative is based on an underlying indicator, a derivative does not carry the same rights as would be the case if a Fund invested directly in the underlying securities.
Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as potential changes in value in response to market developments or, in the case of “over-the-counter” derivatives, as a result of the counterparty’s credit quality and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or
improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying indicator. Derivative transactions can create investment leverage, may be highly volatile, and a Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of
taxes payable by shareholders of a Fund.
Many derivative transactions are entered into “over-the-counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and the willingness of a Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, a Fund’s contractual
remedies against such counterparty may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor (e.g., the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive). A liquid secondary market may not always exist for a Fund’s derivative positions at any time.
Relationship to Commodities. (Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, and Market Vectors Uranium & Nuclear Energy ETF only.) Each Fund’s respective Index measures the
performance of equity securities of companies in the coal, gold and silver mining, rare earth/strategic metals, steel, oil & gas and uranium industries, as applicable. Each Fund’s respective Index does not measure the performance of direct investments in coal, gold, silver, rare earth/strategic metals, steel or uranium (as applicable) and, therefore, may not
move in the same direction and to the same extent as direct investments in the underlying commodities.
Leverage Risk. To the extent that a Fund borrows money or utilizes certain derivatives, it may be leveraged. Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio securities.
Short History of an Active Market/No Guarantee of Active Trading Market. Certain Funds are recently organized series of an investment company. While Shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that active trading markets for the Shares will be maintained, especially for recently organized Funds. Van Eck Securities Corporation, the
distributor of each Fund’s Shares (the “Distributor”), does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares.
Trading Issues. Trading in Shares on NYSE Arca may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of NYSE Arca, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on NYSE Arca is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to NYSE Arca’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no
assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.
TAX ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike many conventional mutual funds which are only bought and sold at closing NAVs, the Shares of each Fund have been designed to be tradable in a secondary market on an intra-day basis and to be created and redeemed in-kind, except for Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF,
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF whose Shares are created and redeemed partially for cash, in Creation Units at each day’s market close. These in-kind arrangements are designed to mitigate adverse effects on a Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash purchase and redemption
transactions that affect the NAV of the Fund. Moreover, in contrast to conventional mutual funds, where frequent redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders because of the need to sell portfolio securities which, in turn, may generate taxable gain, the in-kind redemption mechanism of the Funds, to the extent used, generally is
not expected to lead to a tax event for shareholders whose shares are not being redeemed.
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of each Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has responsibility for the general oversight of the management of the Funds, including general supervision of the Adviser and other service providers, but is not involved in the day-to-day management of the Trust. A list of the Trustees and the Trust officers, and their present positions and principal occupations, is
provided in the Funds’ SAI.
Investment Adviser. Under the terms of an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation with respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (the “Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement”) and an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation with respect
to each of the other Funds (the “Investment Management Agreement” and, together with the Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement, the “Investment Management Agreements”), Van Eck Associates Corporation serves as the adviser to each Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the day-to-day
investment management of the Funds. Under the Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement (but not the Investment Management Agreement), the Adviser is obligated to provide certain fund accounting services to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF. As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser managed approximately $30.45 billion in assets. The Adviser
has been an investment adviser since 1955 and also acts as adviser or sub-adviser to other mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. The Adviser’s principal business address is 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Investment Management Agreements is available in the Trust’s semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2013.
For the services provided to each Fund under the relevant Investment Management Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.50% (with respect to the Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy
ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF) and 0.35% (with respect to the
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF). From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee. Until at least May 1, 2015, the Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary
expenses) from exceeding 0.35% (with respect to Market Vectors Oil Services ETF), 0.49% (with respect to Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF), 0.53% (with respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF), 0.54% (with respect to Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF), 0.55% (with respect to Market Vectors Steel ETF), 0.56% (with respect to Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF and Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF), 0.57% (with respect to Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF), 0.59% (with respect to Market Vectors Coal ETF), 0.60% (with respect to Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF), 0.62% (with respect to Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF) and 0.65% (with
respect to Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF) of its average daily net assets per year. Offering costs excluded from the expense caps are: (a) legal fees pertaining to a Fund’s Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of a Fund to be listed on an exchange.
Each Fund is responsible for all of its expenses, including the investment advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, legal, audit and other services, interest, taxes, any distribution fees or expenses, offering fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses.
Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. Van Eck Associates Corporation is the administrator for the Funds (the “Administrator”), and The Bank of New York Mellon is the custodian of the Funds’ assets and provides transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Funds. The Administrator is responsible for certain clerical, recordkeeping and/or
bookkeeping services which are provided pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement.
Distributor. Van Eck Securities Corporation is the distributor of the Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in less than Creation Units, and does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. The Shares are traded in the secondary market.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers who currently share joint responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio are Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao and George Cao. Mr. Liao has been employed by the Adviser since the summer of 2004 as an Analyst. Mr. Liao also serves as a portfolio manager for certain other investment companies advised by the
Adviser. Mr. Cao has been employed by the Adviser since December 2007 as a Senior Analyst. Prior to joining the Adviser, he served as a Controller of Operations Administrations Division and Corporate Safety (September 2006-December 2007) for United Airlines. See the Funds’ SAI for additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation,
other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and their respective ownership of Shares of each Fund.
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is
determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The values of each Fund’s portfolio securities are based on the securities’ closing prices on their local principal markets, where available. Due to the time difference between the United States and certain countries in which certain Funds invest, securities on these exchanges may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a
last reported sales price, or if no sales were reported, and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Prices obtained by an outside independent pricing service may use information
provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. If a market quotation for a security is not readily available or
the Adviser believes it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security at the time a Fund calculates its NAV, the security will be fair valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may use fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including
but not limited to, situations where the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. In
addition, each Fund that holds foreign equity securities currently expects that it will fair value certain of the foreign equity securities held by the Fund each day the Fund calculates its NAV except those securities principally traded on exchanges that close at the same time the Fund calculates its NAV. Accordingly, a Fund’s NAV is expected to reflect
certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices at the time the exchanges on which they principally trade close. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value
pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by such Fund’s Index. This may adversely affect a Fund’s ability to track its Index. With respect to securities traded that are in foreign markets, the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or
sell your Shares.
BUYING AND SELLING EXCHANGE-TRADED SHARES
The Shares of the Funds are listed on NYSE Arca. If you buy or sell Shares in the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In times of severe market
disruption or low trading volume in a Fund’s Shares, this spread can increase significantly. It is anticipated that the Shares will trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the NAV of the Shares. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market prices
of Shares are more likely to differ significantly from the Shares’ NAV.
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) serves as securities depository for the Shares. (The Shares may be held only in book-entry form; stock certificates will not be issued.) DTC, or its nominee, is the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares. Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or its participants (described
below). Beneficial owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder thereof. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of: (i)
DTC; (ii) “DTC Participants,” i.e., securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC; and (iii) “Indirect Participants,” i.e., brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC
Participant, either directly or indirectly, through which such beneficial owner holds its interests. The Trust understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any action of holders of Shares, or a beneficial owner desires to take any action that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding Shares, is entitled to take, DTC
would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and beneficial owners acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. As described above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its
nominee as the owner of all Shares for all purposes. For more information, see the section entitled “Book Entry Only System” in the Funds’ SAI.
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The NYSE Arca is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when a Fund does not price
its Shares, the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell a Fund’s Shares.
Market Timing and Related Matters. The Funds impose no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions. The Board of Trustees considered the nature of each Fund (i.e., a fund whose shares are expected to trade intra-day), that the Adviser monitors the trading activity of authorized participants for patterns of abusive trading, and that the
Funds reserve the right to reject orders that may be disruptive to the management of or otherwise not in the Funds’ best interests, and that each Fund may fair value certain of its securities. Given this structure, the Board of Trustees determined that it is not necessary to impose restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions for the Funds
at the present time.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income and Capital Gains. As a shareholder of a Fund, you are entitled to your share of such Fund’s distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as “distributions.”
Each Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are typically passed along to Fund shareholders as dividends from net investment income. Each Fund realizes capital gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net capital gains are distributed to shareholders as “capital gain
distributions.”
Net investment income, if any, and net capital gains, if any, are typically distributed to shareholders at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently to improve index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, a Fund may determine to distribute at least annually amounts
representing the full dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities, as if the Fund owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend period, in which case some portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital, which, for tax purposes, is treated as a return of your investment in Shares. Record
shareholders will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional Shares of a Fund only if the broker through which you purchased Shares makes such option available.
TAX INFORMATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in a Fund, including the possible application of foreign, state and local taxes. Unless your investment in
a Fund is through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when: (i) the Fund makes distributions, (ii) you sell Shares in the secondary market or (iii) you create or redeem Creation Units.
Taxes on Distributions. As noted above, each Fund expects to distribute net investment income at least annually, and any net realized long-term or short-term capital gains annually. Each Fund may also pay a special distribution at any time to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements.
In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in a Fund. Distributions of net investment income, including any net short-term gains, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Whether distributions of capital gains represent long-term or short-term capital gain
is determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Shares. Distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long—term capital losses, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses, if
any, that are reported as capital gain dividends are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. After 2012, long-term capital gains of non-corporate shareholders are taxable at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the shareholders’ income exceeds certain threshold amounts.
The Funds may receive dividends, the distribution of which the Fund may designate as qualified dividends. In the event that a Fund receives such a dividend and designates the distribution of such dividend as a qualified dividend, the dividend may be taxed at the maximum capital gains rates, provided holding period and other requirements are met at
both the shareholder and the Fund level.
Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of your investment to the extent of your basis in the Shares, and generally as capital gain thereafter. A return of capital, which for tax purposes is treated as a return of your investment, reduces your basis in Shares, thus reducing any loss or
increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of Shares. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an economic standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
Dividends, interest and gains from non-U.S. investments of a Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may, in some cases, reduce or eliminate such taxes.
If more than 50% of a Fund’s total assets at the end of its taxable year consist of foreign securities, the Fund may elect to “pass through” to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, as an additional dividend, even though not actually received, the investor’s pro rata
share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S. taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to certain holding period and other limitations, the investor’s pro rata share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes. It is expected that more than 50% of each Fund’s (except for Market Vectors Global
Alternative Energy ETF’s, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF’s and Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF’s) assets will consist of foreign securities.
Backup Withholding. Each Fund may be required to withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or otherwise established a basis for exemption from backup withholding. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%. This is not an additional tax
and may be refunded, or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxes on the Sale or Cash Redemption of Exchange Listed Shares. Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares
held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited. To the extent that a shareholder’s Shares are redeemed for cash, this is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes.
Taxes on In-Kind Creations and In-Kind Redemptions of Creation Units. To the extent a person exchanges securities or securities and cash for Creation Units, such person generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of exchange and the sum of the
exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities or securities and cash will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of
the securities received and the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of primarily securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in
economic position. Persons exchanging primarily securities for Creation Units or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax adviser with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible and the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been
held for one year or less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you created or sold and at what price.
Medicare Tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross
income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
Non-U.S. Shareholders. If you are not a citizen or resident alien of the United States or if you are a non-U.S. entity, the Funds’ ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with
a U.S. trade or business.
As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, (“FATCA”), a Fund may be required to impose a 30% withholding tax on certain types of U.S. sourced income (e.g., dividends, interest, and other types of passive income) paid effective July 1, 2014, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property producing U.S. sourced income paid
effective January 1, 2017 to (i) foreign financial institutions (“FFI’s”), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities (“NFFE’s”), unless they certify certain information regarding
their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid possible withholding, FFI’s will need to enter into agreements with the IRS which state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures with
respect to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on
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certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the IRS, or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue authority, should an applicable intergovernmental agreement be implemented. NFFE’s will
need to provide certain information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree to provide certain information to the IRS.
While final FATCA rules have not been finalized, a Fund may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform due diligence reviews to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. Investors are required to agree to provide information necessary to allow a Fund to comply with the FATCA rules. If a Fund is
required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.
Non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Funds, including the possible applicability of the U.S. estate tax.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in a Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in a Fund under all applicable tax laws.
INDEX PROVIDERS
The Gold Miners Index and Steel Index are published by NYSE Euronext. The Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index are published by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Adviser. The Natural Resources Index is published by S-Network Global Indexes, LLC (“S-Network”). The Ardour Global Index is published by Ardour Global Indexes LLC (“Ardour”).
NYSE Euronext, 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.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL AGRIBUSINESS INDEX
The Agribusiness Index is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the companies in the global agribusiness industry that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to): (i) agri-chemicals, animal health and fertilizers, seeds and
traits, (ii) farm/irrigation equipment and farm machinery and/or (iii) agricultural products (including grain, tobacco, meat, poultry and sugar), aquaculture and fishing, livestocks, plantations and trading of agricultural products. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies and foreign and emerging market issuers. Companies that produce
the majority of their revenues from the distribution and/or sale of packaged food products or goods, biodiesel and ethanol or forestry are not included in the Agribusiness Index. The Agribusiness Index covers at least 90% of the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe with at least 25 components.
Constituent stocks of the Agribusiness Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Agribusiness Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any
rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Agribusiness Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Agribusiness Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on
a recognized U.S. or international exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).
All companies that are included in the Agribusiness Index are ranked by their free-float market capitalization. The maximum weight for any single security in the Agribusiness Index is 8%. If a security exceeds the maximum weight, then the weight will be reduced to the maximum weight and the excess weight shall be re-distributed proportionally across all
other Agribusiness Index constituents. This process is repeated until no securities have weights exceeding the respective maximum weight.
As of December 31, 2013, the Agribusiness Index included 49 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $502 million and $61.2 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $21.8 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Agribusiness Index is calculated and maintained by Solactive AG on behalf of the Index Provider. Agribusiness Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Agribusiness Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Agribusiness Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September
and December, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Agribusiness Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Agribusiness Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all other eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30
trading days. The share weights of the Agribusiness Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Agribusiness Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date.
Target weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL COAL INDEX
The Coal Index is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies in the global coal industry that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) coal operation (production, mining and cokeries), transportation of coal, from
production of coal mining equipment as well as from storage and trade. The Coal Index covers at least 90% of the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe with at least 25 components.
Constituent stocks of the Coal Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Coal Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing date
occurs will no longer be eligible to remain in the Coal Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Coal Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic
or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Exchange Act).
All companies that are included in the Coal Index are ranked by their free-float market capitalization. The maximum weight for any single security in the Coal Index is 8%. If a security exceeds the maximum weight, then the weight will be reduced to the maximum weight and the excess weight shall be re-distributed proportionally across all other Coal
Index constituents. This process is repeated until no securities have weights exceeding the respective maximum weight.
As of December 31, 2013, the Coal Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $251 million and $62.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $8.5 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Coal Index is calculated and maintained by Solactive AG on behalf of the Index Provider. Coal Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Coal Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Coal Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September and December,
and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Coal Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Coal Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the
Coal Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Coal Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXSM (EXTRA LIQUID)
The Ardour Global Index is a rules based 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. The Ardour Global IndexSM (Composite) (the “AGI Composite Index”) is a modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index comprised of publicly
traded companies engaged in the production of alternative fuels and/or technologies related to the production of alternative energy power (the “AGI Industry”). The AGI Composite Index strives to be inclusive of all companies worldwide that are principally engaged in alternative energy. The Ardour Global Index was determined to yield a benchmark value
of approximately 2000 at its inception date, which was the close of trading on December 31, 1999. The Ardour Global Index represents the 30 stocks in the AGI Composite Index with the highest average daily trading volume value and market capitalization. Stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $100 million on a rebalancing date to
be included in the Ardour Global Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $50 million as of any rebalancing date will be deleted from the Ardour Global Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume greater than $1 million to be included in the AGI Composite Index.
As of December 31, 2013, the Ardour Global Index included 30 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $1.1 billion and $36.1 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $9.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Ardour Global Index and AGI Composite Index are each calculated and maintained by Thomson Reuters PLC on behalf of Ardour Capital LP. Index values are calculated daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, and are distributed over the New York Stock Exchange Global Index Feed (GIF) between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
(New York time), under the symbol “AGIXLT.” Index values are disseminated every 15 seconds. The Ardour Global Index includes stocks of companies engaged in the entire chain of alternative energy production, including alternative energy fuels and resources (solar, wind, bio-fuels, water and geothermal), environmental technologies, energy efficiency and
enabling technologies. Only companies which are “principally engaged” in the business of alternative energy, i.e., derive over 50% of their total revenues from the industry are eligible. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule
11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings.) Companies with R-Score (average three-month daily trading volume value (in thousands) divided by average three-month market capitalization (in millions)) of less than 25% of its total market capitalization, based on its average daily share volume for the
three calendar months prior to inclusion, shall not be eligible for inclusion in the AGI Composite Index and therefore ineligible for inclusion in the Ardour Global Index.
The Ardour Global Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float. Ardour Global Index weightings may be modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Ardour Global Index (and the AGI Composite Index) is rebalanced quarterly, at the
close of business on the third Friday of each calendar quarter. The share weights of Ardour Global Index components are adjusted on each rebalancing date, and new companies (IPOs) may be added to the Ardour Global Index on any rebalancing date, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 22 trading
days. The Ardour Global Index is reconstituted quarterly on the dates of quarterly rebalancings and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Ardour Global Index eligibility criteria.
The Ardour Global Index (and the AGI Composite Index) is reviewed quarterly to assure that all components continue to meet the eligibility requirements. New components (IPOs) that meet eligibility requirements may be added to the Ardour Global Index at the quarterly rebalancings. Components that fail to meet eligibility requirements are deleted
quarterly. Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Ardour Global Index web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Ardour Global Index is issued no later than the
Wednesday prior to the second Friday in a rebalancing month. Share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits. Share weights of the Ardour Global Index are not adjusted between rebalancing dates for shares issued or shares
repurchased. However, in the event that a component company is deleted from the Ardour Global Index in the period between rebalancings due to a corporate action, a new company will be substituted in the Ardour Global Index in approximately the same weight as the removed company. The Ardour Global Index is calculated by Thomson Reuters PLC.
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NYSE ARCA GOLD MINERS INDEX
The Gold Miners Index is a modified market-capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver. The Gold Miners Index includes common stocks, ADRs and GDRs of selected companies that are involved in mining for gold and silver and that are listed for trading and electronically quoted
on a major stock market that is accessible by foreign investors. Only companies with market capitalizations greater than $750 million that have an average daily volume of at least 50,000 shares over the past three months and an average daily value traded of at least $1 million over the past three months are eligible for inclusion in the Gold Miners
Index. The weight of companies whose revenues are more significantly exposed to silver mining will not exceed 20% of the Gold Miners Index at rebalance.
As of December 31, 2013, the Gold Miners Index included 35 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $456 million and $20.5 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $8.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Gold Miners Index is calculated using a modified market-capitalization weighting methodology. The Gold Miners Index is weighted based on the market capitalization of each of the component securities, modified to conform to the following asset diversification requirements, which are applied in conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to
the Gold Miners Index:
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the weight of any single component security may not account for more than 20% of the total value of the Gold Miners Index;
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the component securities are split into two subgroups-large and small, which are ranked by market capitalization weight in the Gold Miners Index. Large stocks are defined as having a starting Gold Miners Index weight greater than or equal to 5%. Small securities are defined as having a starting Gold Miners Index weight below 5%. The large group
and small group will represent 45% and 55%, respectively, of the Gold Miners Index; and
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the final aggregate weight of those component securities which individually represent more than 4.5% of the total value of the Gold Miners Index may not account for more than 45% of the total Gold Miners Index value.
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The information utilized in this modification process is taken from the close of trading on the second Friday of the rebalance month.
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The Gold Miners Index is reviewed quarterly so that the Gold Miners Index components continue to represent the universe of companies involved in the gold mining industry. Companies will be removed from the Gold Miners Index if the market capitalization is lower than $450 million or the average daily volume for the past three months is lower than
30,000 shares and the average daily value traded for the past three months is lower than $600,000. The NYSE Euronext may at any time and from time to time change the number of securities comprising the group by adding or deleting one or more securities, or replacing one or more securities contained in the group with one or more substitute
securities of its choice, if in the NYSE Euronext’s discretion such addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or appropriate to maintain the quality and/or character of the Gold Miners Index. Changes to the Gold Miners Index compositions and/or the component share weights in the Gold Miners Index typically take effect after the close of trading on
the third Friday of each calendar quarter month in connection with the quarterly index rebalance.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL JUNIOR GOLD MINERS INDEX
The Junior Gold Miners Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of micro- and small-capitalization companies that are involved primarily in the mining for gold and/or silver. To be eligible for the Junior Gold Miners Index, companies must generate at
least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their revenues related to) gold and/or silver mining or have mining projects with the potential to generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver when developed. The target coverage for the Junior Gold Miners Index is 100% of the free-float market
capitalization of the investable small-cap universe with at least 25 companies.
Constituent stocks of the Junior Gold Miners Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Junior Gold Miners Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in
which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Junior Gold Miners Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Junior Gold Miners Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months.
Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Junior Gold Miners Index included 65 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $32 million and $1.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $400 million. These amounts are subject to change.
The Junior Gold Miners Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Junior Gold Miners Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Junior Gold Miners Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Junior Gold Miners Index to third parties. Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF. Junior Gold Miners Index values are
calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Junior Gold Miners Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Junior Gold Miners Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end
month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Junior Gold Miners Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Junior Gold Miners Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria
and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Junior Gold Miners Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on MVIS’ web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Junior Gold Miners Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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THE ROGERSTM—VAN ECK NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX
The Natural Resources Index is a rules based 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. The Natural Resources Index is a modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index
comprising publicly traded companies engaged in the production and distribution of commodities and commodity-related products and services in the following sectors: 1) Agriculture; 2) Alternatives (Water & Alternative Energy); 3) Base and Industrial Metals; 4) Energy; 5) Forest Products; and 6) Precious Metals. Index constituents include certain companies
that produce products and services directly related to the production of commodities, but not the commodities themselves.
As of December 31, 2013, the Natural Resources Index included 339 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $616 million and $438.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $71.3 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The six sectors are weighted based on estimates of the global consumption of various commodities included in each of the sectors. Sector weights are set annually on the third Friday of the last month of the third calendar quarter and the Natural Resources Index is rebalanced quarterly to the sector weights. The Natural Resources Index includes
companies worldwide that are principally engaged (derive greater than 50% of revenues from applicable sources) in the production and/or distribution of commodities and commodity-related products and services.
The Natural Resources Index strives to capture at least 95% of the global investable market capitalization of its various sectors with the exception of the agriculture sector, where the Natural Resources Index strives to capture 100% of its global investable market capitalization. Constituent stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $500
million on a rebalancing date to be added to the Natural Resources Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $250 million as of any rebalancing date will be deleted from the Natural Resources Index. Stocks must have a three-month trading volume equal to or greater than $1 million per day to be included in the Natural Resources Index.
Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange that provides a “last closing price” may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
The Natural Resources Index is calculated and maintained by S&P on behalf of S-Network Global Indexes LLC. Index values are calculated daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, and are disseminated every 15 seconds through the real time S&P Fix/Fast data feed of the CME Market Data Platform between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
(New York time), under the symbol “RVEIT.”
The Natural Resources Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Natural Resources Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday of the last month
of each calendar quarter, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Natural Resources Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Natural Resources Index on any rebalancing date, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading
for more than 22 trading days. The share weights of the Natural Resources Index components are adjusted on each rebalancing date.
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Natural Resources Index’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the last month of each calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Natural Resources Index is issued no later
than the Wednesday prior to the second Friday of the rebalancing month. Share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits. Share weights of the Natural Resources Index are not adjusted between rebalancing dates for shares
issued or shares repurchased.
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MARKET VECTORS® US LISTED OIL SERVICES 25 INDEX
The Oil Services Index 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 that derive at least their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at
least 50% of their assets related to) oil services to the upstream oil sector, which includes companies engaged primarily in oil equipment, oil services or oil drilling. Of the largest 50 stocks in the oil services sector by full market capitalization, the top 25 by free-float market capitalization (e.g., includes only shares that are readily available for trading in
the market) and three month average daily trading volume are included in the Oil Services Index.
Constituent stocks of the Oil Services Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Oil Services Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any
rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Oil Services Index. Stocks must have a three month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Oil Services Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a
recognized U.S. exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Exchange Act).
As of December 31, 2013, the Oil Services Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $2.2 billion and $117.8 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $39.1 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Oil Services Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Oil Services Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Oil Services Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no
obligation to point out errors in the Oil Services Index to third parties. Market Vectors Oil Services ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Oil Services ETF. Oil Services Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15
seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Oil Services Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Oil Services Index is rebalanced semi-annually, at the close of business on the third Friday in March and September,
and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Oil Services Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Oil Services Index on a semi-annual basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The
share weights of the Oil Services Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the MVIS’ website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Oil Services Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS INDEX
The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index 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. To be eligible for the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, companies must (i) generate at least 50% of
their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) rare earth/strategic metals or (ii) with mining projects that have the potential to generate at least 50% of their revenues from rare earth/strategic metals. The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index includes “Refiners,” “Recyclers” and “Producers” of rare
earth/strategic metals and minerals.
Constituent stocks of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior
to the month in which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1.0 million to be eligible for the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per
month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “NMS securities” under Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index included 21 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $113 million and $3.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its
obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index to third parties. Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF. Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third
Friday in a quarter-end month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index on a quarterly basis, provided
the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the MVIS’ web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Target weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL SOLAR ENERGY ETF
The Solar Energy Index is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in solar energy. The Solar Energy Index is comprised of securities of companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their revenues related to)
photovoltaic and solar power, or the provision of solar power equipment/technologies and materials or services to solar power equipment/technologies producers.
Constituent stocks of the Solar Energy Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Solar Energy Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any
rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible to remain in the Solar Energy Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Solar Energy Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that
trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Exchange Act).
All companies that are included in the Solar Energy Index are ranked by their free-float market capitalization. The maximum weight for any single security in the Solar Energy Index is 8%. If a security exceeds the maximum weight, then the weight will be reduced to the maximum weight and the excess weight shall be re-distributed proportionally across all
other Solar Energy Index constituents. This process is repeated until no securities have weights exceeding the respective maximum weight.
As of December 31, 2013, the Solar Energy Index included 33 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $99 million and $5.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $2.1 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Solar Energy Index is calculated and maintained by Solactive AG on behalf of the Index Provider. Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Solar Energy Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Solar Energy Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September
and December, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Solar Energy Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Solar Energy Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all other eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30
trading days. The share weights of the Solar Energy Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Solar Energy Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date.
Target weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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NYSE ARCA STEEL INDEX
The Steel Index 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, including the operation of mills manufacturing steel, the fabrication of steel shapes or products, or the extraction and reduction of iron
ore, and that are listed for trading on the NYSE, NYSE MKT or quoted on the NASDAQ. Only companies with market capitalizations greater than $100 million that have a daily average trading volume of at least $1 million over the past three months are eligible for inclusion in the Steel Index.
As of December 31, 2013, the Steel Index included 27 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $317 million and $79.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $25.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Steel Index is weighted based on the market capitalization of each of the component securities, modified to conform to the following asset diversification requirements, which are applied in conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Steel Index:
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the aggregate weight of those component securities which individually represent more than 5% of the total value of the Steel Index may not account for more than 50% of the total Steel Index value.
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The Steel Index is reviewed quarterly so that the Steel Index components continue to represent the universe of companies involved in the iron ore mining or steel production. NYSE Euronext may at any time and from time to time change the number of stocks comprising the group by adding or deleting one or more stocks, or replace one or more stocks
contained in the group with one or more substitute stocks of its choice, if in the Exchange’s discretion such addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or appropriate to maintain the quality and/or character of the index to which the group relates. Changes to the Steel Index compositions and/or the component share weights in the Steel Index
typically take effect after the close of trading one business day prior to the last business day of each calendar quarter month in connection with the quarterly index rebalance.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS INDEX
The Oil & Gas Index 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. The Oil & Gas Index contains companies that generate at least 50% of
their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) unconventional oil and gas or that own properties with the potential, in the Index Provider’s view, to generate at least 50% of their revenues from this segment. Unconventional oil and gas includes coal bed methane, coal seam gas, shale oil, shale gas, tight
natural gas, tight oil and tight sands. Companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from oil sands or from services to the unconventional oil and gas segment are not included in the Oil & Gas Index.
Constituent stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Oil & Gas Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing date occurs will no
longer be eligible to remain in the Oil & Gas Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Oil & Gas Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Exchange Act).
As of December 31, 2013, the Oil & Gas Index included 50 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $432 million and $76.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $24.5 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Oil & Gas Index is calculated and maintained by Solactive AG on behalf of the Index Provider. Oil & Gas Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Oil & Gas Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Oil & Gas Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September and
December, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Oil & Gas Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Oil & Gas Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The
share weights of the Oil & Gas Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Oil & Gas Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GLOBAL URANIUM NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX
The Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index 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. The Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index contains companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain
circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) uranium mining or that own mining projects that have the potential, in the Index Provider’s view, to generate at least 50% of their revenues from uranium when developed, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related
to) the construction, engineering and maintenance of nuclear power facilities and nuclear reactors, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) the production of electricity from nuclear sources, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues from (or, in certain
circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets related to) the equipment and technology as well as services to the nuclear power industry. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from (or, in certain circumstances, have less than 50% of their assets related to) uranium & nuclear energy may be eligible for inclusion in
the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index.
Constituent stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing date
occurs will no longer be eligible to remain in the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only
shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Exchange Act).
As of December 31, 2013, the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index included 52 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $179 million and $65.4 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $23.3 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index is calculated and maintained by Solactive AG on behalf of the Index Provider. Uranium & Nuclear Energy values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in
March, June, September and December, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria
and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index is issued on the Friday prior to a
rebalancing date. Target weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with Archipelago Holdings Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NYSE Euronext, to use the Gold Miners Index and Steel Index. Each of Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors Steel ETF is entitled to use its respective Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
The Gold Miners Index, a trademark of NYSE Euronext, is licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF. NYSE Euronext neither sponsors nor endorses Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the Gold Miners Index or results to be
obtained by any person from using the Gold Miners Index in connection with trading Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF.
The Steel Index, a trademark of NYSE Euronext, is licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Steel ETF. NYSE Euronext neither sponsors nor endorses Market Vectors Steel ETF and makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the Steel Index or the results to be obtained by any person from
the using the Steel Index in connection with trading Market Vectors Steel ETF.
THE SHARES OF EACH OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY NYSE EURONEXT. NYSE EURONEXT, AS INDEX COMPILATION AGENT (THE “INDEX COMPILATION AGENT”), MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE
OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE
INDICES IDENTIFIED HEREIN TO TRACK STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. NYSE EURONEXT IS THE LICENSOR OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES, INCLUDING THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX. EACH INDEX IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED WITHOUT REGARD TO THE SHARES OF MARKET
VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR, NOR HAS IT PARTICIPATED IN, THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE
DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE SHARES ARE REDEEMABLE. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF
THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF.
Although the Index Compilation Agent shall obtain information for inclusion in or for use in the calculation of each of the Gold Miners Index and Steel Index from sources which it considers reliable, the Index Compilation Agent does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the component data of each of the Gold Miners Index and Steel
Index obtained from independent sources. The Index Compilation Agent makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust as sub-licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of Shares of Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors Steel ETF, or any other person or entity from the use of each of the
Gold Miners Index and Steel Index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. The Index Compilation Agent makes no express or implied warranties, and hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to each of the Gold Miners
Index and Steel Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Index Compilation Agent have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of an Index’s possibility of such damages.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with MVIS to use the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index. The Adviser has also granted MVIS a license to use the phrase “Market Vectors” in connection with the
Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index. Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF,
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF are entitled to use the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index, respectively, pursuant to
a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF are not sponsored, endorsed,
sold or promoted by the MVIS. MVIS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF,
Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors
90
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF particularly or the ability of the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index,
Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index to track the performance of the securities markets. The Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index are determined and composed by MVIS without regard to the Adviser or the
Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF. MVIS has no obligation to take
the needs of the Adviser or the owners of the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF into consideration in determining or composing the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index. MVIS is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at,
or quantities of the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF to be issued
or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market
Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF are to be converted into cash. MVIS has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services
ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF.
MVIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, COAL INDEX, JUNIOR GOLD MINERS INDEX, OIL & GAS INDEX, OIL SERVICES INDEX, RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS INDEX, SOLAR ENERGY INDEX AND NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MVIS SHALL HAVE
NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF, MARKET VECTORS COAL ETF, MARKET VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF, MARKET VECTORS
UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF, MARKET VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF, MARKET VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF, MARKET VECTORS SOLAR ENERGY ETF AND MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, COAL INDEX, JUNIOR GOLD
MINERS INDEX, OIL & GAS INDEX, OIL SERVICES INDEX, RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS INDEX, SOLAR ENERGY INDEX AND NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, COAL INDEX, JUNIOR GOLD MINERS INDEX, OIL & GAS INDEX, OIL SERVICES INDEX, RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS INDEX, SOLAR ENERGY INDEX AND NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL
MVIS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF are not sponsored, promoted, sold or
supported in any other manner by Solactive AG nor does Solactive AG offer any express or implicit guarantee or assurance either with regard to the results of using the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index and/or their
trademarks or their prices at any time or in any other respect. The Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index are calculated and maintained by Solactive AG. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Agribusiness
Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index are calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas
Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index to third parties including but not limited to investors and/or financial intermediaries of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors
Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and
91
LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS (continued)
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF. Neither the publication of the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index by Solactive AG nor the licensing of the Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas
Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, Solar Energy Index and Nuclear Energy Index or their trademarks for the purpose of use in connection with Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market
Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF constitutes a recommendation by Solactive AG to invest capital in Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors
Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF nor does it in any way represent an assurance or opinion of Solactive AG with regard to any investment in Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners
ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF. Structured Solutions AG is not responsible for fulfilling the legal requirements concerning the accuracy and completeness of the
Prospectus.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with Ardour to use the Ardour Global Index. Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF is entitled to use its Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR. ARDOUR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC
REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES MARKET.
ARDOUR’S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO THE ADVISER IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF ARDOUR AND OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX THAT IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY ARDOUR WITHOUT REGARD TO THE ADVISER OR THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
ETF. ARDOUR HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ADVISER OR THE OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX. ARDOUR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE
DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF TO BE USED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE TO BE CONVERTED INTO CASH.
ARDOUR HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
ARDOUR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND ARDOUR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY
THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ARDOUR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
“ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXES, LLCSM”, “ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXSM, (COMPOSITE),” “ARDOUR COMPOSITESM”, “ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXSM” (EXTRA LIQUID)”, “ARDOUR XL
SM”, “ARDOUR GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDEXESSM”, “ARDOUR FAMILYSM” ARE SERVICE MARKS OF ARDOUR AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY THE ADVISER. THE
SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR AND ARDOUR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX IS CALCULATED BY DOW JONES INDEXES, A BUSINESS UNIT OF DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC. (“DOW JONES”). THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF BASED ON THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY DOW JONES INDEXES, AND
DOW JONES INDEXES MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
92
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES, SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “INDEX CALCULATION AGENT”) SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM (I) ANY
INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO (THE “INDEX DATA”) OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR THIRD PARTY IN
RELIANCE UPON THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR ANY ONE ELSE REGARDING THE INDEX DATA, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CURRENTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF
THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT
OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with S-Network to use The Rogersä—Van Eck Hard Natural Resources Index. The Adviser has also granted S-Network a license to use the Van Eck name in connection with The Rogersä—Van Eck Natural Resources Index and S-Network will pay the Adviser a share of the revenues received by S-Network from
the licensing of The Rogersä—Van Eck Natural Resources Index. Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF is entitled to use its Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
S-NetworkSM is a service mark of S-Network and has been licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF. Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network, which makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Natural
Resources.
The Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network. S-Network makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the
Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF particularly or the ability of the Natural Resources Index to track the performance of the physical commodities market. S-Network’s only relationship to the Adviser (“Licensee”) is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of S-Network and of the Natural Resources Index that is determined,
composed and calculated by S-Network without regard to the Licensee or the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF. S-Network has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Natural Resources Index. S-
Network is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF are to be converted into cash. S-Network has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF.
S-NETWORK DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S-NETWORK SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE
OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S-NETWORK HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING
LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P or its third party licensors. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of
investing in securities generally or in the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF particularly or the ability of the Natural Resources Index to track general stock market performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to S-Network is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party
licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance services related to the Natural Resources Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF is to be converted into cash. S&P has no
93
LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS (continued)
obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF.
NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed for use by S-Network.
“Jim Rogers,” “James Beeland Rogers, Jr.” and “Rogers” are trademarks, service marks and/or registered trademarks of Beeland Interests, Inc. (“Beeland Interests”), which is owned and controlled by James Beeland Rogers, Jr., and are used subject to license. The personal names and likeness of Jim Rogers/James Beeland Rogers, Jr. are owned and
licensed by James Beeland Rogers, Jr.
The Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Beeland Interests or James Beeland Rogers, Jr. Neither Beeland Interests nor James Beeland Rogers, Jr. makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, nor accepts any responsibility, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this
Prospectus, or the advisability of investing in securities or commodities generally, or in the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or in futures particularly.
BEELAND INTERESTS AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL BEELAND INTERESTS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
VAN ECK AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NATURAL
RESOURCES INDEX. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL VAN ECK INTERESTS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES, SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS (TOGETHER, THE “INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION AGENT”) SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE ADVISER, ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM (I) ANY INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR
DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INTRA-DAY INDICATIVE VALUE WITH RESPECT TO MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF (THE “INDICATIVE VALUE”) OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO (THE “DATA”) OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY THE ADVISER, ANY CUSTOMER OR THIRD
PARTY IN RELIANCE UPON THE DATA. THE INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION AGENT DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE ADVISER, ANY INVESTOR IN MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF OR ANY ONE ELSE REGARDING THE DATA, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT
TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CORRECTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, ANY INVESTORS IN MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF OR OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH
THE USE OF THE DATA. THE INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE ADVISER, ANY INVESTOR IN MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
94
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights tables which follow are intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance since each Fund’s inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent that rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, are included in the Funds’ Annual Report, which is available upon request.
95
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agribusiness ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
52.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.21 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
53.39 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
43.69 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
27.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
1.08 |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
1.46 |
|
|
|
|
5.70 |
|
|
|
|
(6.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
9.72 |
|
|
|
|
15.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
2.54 |
|
|
|
|
6.70 |
|
|
|
|
(5.88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
10.03 |
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.42 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
54.44 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
52.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.21 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
53.39 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
43.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
4.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
14.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(11.01 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
22.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
59.18 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
4,635,318 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
5,667,221 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
5,530,813 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,624,216 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,992,374 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.79 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.56 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coal ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.17 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.41 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.07 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.93 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(5.62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(7.30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(14.71 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.15 |
|
|
|
|
21.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(5.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6.81 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(14.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.33 |
|
|
|
|
21.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.31 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.50 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.17 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.41 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.07 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
(20.77 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(21.05 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(30.12 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
31.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
149.05 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
154,994 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
235,358 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
314,420 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
529,563 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
418,528 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.02 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.51 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global Alternative Energy ETF# |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.26 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.88 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
60.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
75.51 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
69.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
|
1.02 |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
|
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
|
22.68 |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
|
(27.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(15.30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
23.19 |
|
|
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
|
|
(26.31 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(14.70 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.54 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
55.90 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.26 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.88 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
60.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
75.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
69.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(43.69 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(19.46 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
9.11 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
91,309 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
46,013 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
58,644 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
134,547 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
212,645 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
26 |
% |
|
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Miners ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
46.32 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
51.50 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
61.44 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
46.15 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
|
(25.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5.11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(10.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
15.65 |
|
|
|
|
12.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(24.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(4.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(9.79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
15.69 |
|
|
|
|
12.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.46 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
21.16 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
46.32 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
51.50 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
61.44 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
46.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
(53.90 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(9.16 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(15.93 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
34.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
37.27 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
6,652,611 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
9,406,054 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
8,772,539 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
7,677,408 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
5,568,529 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.88 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
|
|
97
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Gold Miners ETF#
|
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
November 10,
2009 (a) through
December 31,
2009 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
79.13 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
97.84 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
159.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
103.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
98.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
|
2.72 |
|
|
|
|
(0.40 |
)(c) |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
|
(48.64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(16.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(57.80 |
) |
|
|
|
|
68.12 |
|
|
|
|
4.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(48.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(15.71 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(55.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
67.72 |
|
|
|
|
4.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(3.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(4.84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(11.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(1.48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(3.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6.32 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(11.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.90 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
79.13 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
97.84 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
159.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
103.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(60.95 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(16.07 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(34.57 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
65.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
4.41 |
%(d) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,136,823 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,537,231 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,922,665 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,123,857 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
660,843 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
|
|
|
|
(0.07 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
0.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(0.22 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.34 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.43 |
)%(e) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
49 |
% |
|
|
|
|
20 |
%(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Resources ETF
|
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.76 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.83 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.58 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
23.27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.87 |
|
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
1.48 |
|
|
|
|
2.17 |
|
|
|
|
(5.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
5.26 |
|
|
|
|
10.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
2.35 |
|
|
|
|
3.03 |
|
|
|
|
(4.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
5.56 |
|
|
|
|
10.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.83 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.85 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.66 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.31 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
37.46 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.76 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.83 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
6.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(11.36 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
16.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
45.36 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
101,140 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
122,204 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
158,687 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
209,695 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
97,394 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.49 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.26 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.38 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil Services ETF# |
| |
For the Year
Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
December 20,
2011 (a) through
December 31,
2011 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.64 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.29 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
|
—(b |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
|
9.45 |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
10.00 |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.54 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.54 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.10 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.64 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (c)
|
|
|
|
25.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
%(d) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,482,094 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,283,326 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
913,653 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(0.35 |
)%(e) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0 |
%(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF* |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
October 27,
2010 (a) through
December 31,
2010 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
52.92 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
60.40 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
94.72 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
79.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
|
0.88 |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
|
(17.21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(7.44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(31.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
15.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(16.86 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6.56 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(30.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
15.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.92 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.80 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.98 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
52.92 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
60.40 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
94.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(31.85 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(10.88 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(32.21 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
19.84 |
%(d) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
96,243 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
174,652 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
198,535 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
236,782 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
%(e) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(0.38 |
)%(e) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9 |
%(d) |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
|
|
Amount represents less than $0.005 per share
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/
distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Not annualized |
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
Annualized |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split. |
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On February 14, 2012, the Fund effected a 3 for 1 share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
|
99
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solar Energy ETF# |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
36.38 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
55.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
165.75 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
233.70 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
213.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
|
1.29 |
|
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
|
0.90 |
|
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
36.66 |
|
|
|
|
(18.94 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(110.70 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(67.80 |
) |
|
|
|
|
20.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
36.98 |
|
|
|
|
(17.65 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(106.95 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(66.90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
21.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.32 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
72.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36.38 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
55.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
165.75 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
233.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
101.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(31.89 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(64.50 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(28.65 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
10.17 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
21,788 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
10,914 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
9,950 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24,867 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
34,279 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.86 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.06 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.86 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
37 |
% |
|
|
|
|
51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steel ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.85 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.64 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
72.48 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
61.57 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
29.43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
|
1.09 |
|
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
|
|
|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
|
(24.84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.08 |
|
|
|
|
32.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
1.89 |
|
|
|
|
2.29 |
|
|
|
|
(23.70 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.94 |
|
|
|
|
33.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.87 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.92 |
) |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.98 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.98 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
49.76 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.85 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.64 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
72.48 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
61.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (a)
|
|
|
|
3.88 |
% |
|
|
|
|
4.80 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(32.70 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
19.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
112.51 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
144,312 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
153,881 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
181,037 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
279,066 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
390,947 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.97 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.79 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 2, 2012, the Fund effected a 1 for 15 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF |
| |
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013 |
|
For the Period
February 14,
2012 (a) through
December 31,
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.54 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
|
5.90 |
|
|
|
|
(2.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
6.03 |
|
|
|
|
(2.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.43 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
26.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(9.04 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
46,906 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
15,780 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.12 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF# |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
41.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
44.82 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
75.87 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
67.95 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
57.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
1.26 |
|
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
1.53 |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
6.29 |
|
|
|
|
(2.84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(24.99 |
) |
|
|
|
|
9.57 |
|
|
|
|
10.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
7.09 |
|
|
|
|
(1.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(25.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.10 |
|
|
|
|
11.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.89 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5.79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.11 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
41.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
44.82 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
75.87 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
67.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
17.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(3.53 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(33.29 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
16.37 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19.52 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
77,778 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
78,567 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
86,668 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
260,442 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
157,402 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest
expense, to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.82 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
48 |
% |
|
|
|
|
52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.
|
|
101
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
Information regarding how often the Shares of each Fund traded on NYSE Arca at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund during the past four calendar quarters, as applicable, can be found at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities
on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving
solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete
description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary trading transactions), and thus dealing with Shares that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by
Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with
ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to
Shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is
only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
In addition, certain affiliates of the Funds and the Adviser may purchase and resell Fund shares pursuant to this Prospectus.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15, 2001. Its Declaration of Trust currently permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest. If shareholders are required to vote on any matters, each Share outstanding would be entitled to one vote. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as
required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the Funds’ SAI for more information concerning the Trust’s form of organization. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including Shares of a Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in
the Funds beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Funds.
Dechert LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Funds. Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Fund’s financial statements annually.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Funds’ Shares. Information about the Funds can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1.202.551.8090. The Funds’ Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the Funds’ SAI and the exhibits may be examined at the offices of the SEC (100 F Street,
102
NE, Washington, DC 20549) or on the EDGAR database at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. These documents and other information
concerning the Trust also may be inspected at the offices of NYSE Arca (20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005).
The SAI for the Funds, which has been filed with the SEC, provides more information about the Funds. The SAI for the Funds is incorporated herein by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus. Additional information about the Funds’ investments is available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund’s annual
report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained without charge by writing to the Funds at Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Funds’ distributor, at 335 Madison Avenue,
New York, New York 10017 or by calling the distributor at the following number: Investor Information: 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Funds in writing to 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017 or by calling 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
The Funds’ SAI is available at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-10325)
103
For more detailed information about the Funds, see the SAI dated May 1, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Funds’ investments will be available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
Call Van Eck at 888.MKT.VCTR to request, free of charge, the annual or semi-annual reports, the SAI, or other information about the Funds or to make shareholder inquiries. You may also obtain the SAI or a Fund’s annual or semi-annual reports, when available, by visiting the Van Eck website at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.551.8090.
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-0102.
|
|
|
Transfer Agent: The Bank of New York Mellon
SEC Registration Number: 333-123257
1940 Act Registration Number: 811-10325 |
|
888.MKT.VCTR |
MVHAPRO |
|
marketvectorsetfs.com |
MAY 1, 2014
MARKET VECTORS
INTERNATIONAL ETFs
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for each Fund: NYSE Arca, Inc.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARKET VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® GDP Africa Index (the “Africa Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.12 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.78% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
83 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
284 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
503 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,132 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 86% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Africa Index is comprised of African companies. The Africa Index includes local listings of companies that are incorporated in Africa and offshore listings of companies incorporated outside of Africa but that generate at least 50% of their
revenues (or, where applicable, have at least 50% of their assets) in Africa. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies. Subject to country and issuer limitations, the country weightings in the Africa Index are based on their relative gross domestic product (“GDP”) weights as compared to all other countries
represented in the Africa Index. As of December 31, 2013, the Africa Index included 107 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $308 million
1
MARKET VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF (continued)
and $115.9 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $10.2 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Africa Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Africa Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Africa Index
will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Africa Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Africa Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the energy, basic materials and telecommunications sectors represented a
significant portion of the Africa Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in African Issuers. Investment in securities of African issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries or geographic regions that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others,
expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious,
ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.
The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries or geographic regions. As a result, securities markets in Africa are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading
volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of sectors or industries. Moreover, trading on securities
markets may be suspended altogether.
Certain governments in Africa may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in countries in Africa. Moreover, certain countries in
Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for
purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the
Fund’s Shares.
The value of certain African currencies may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation and the income received by the Fund will be principally in African currencies. The Fund’s exposure to certain African currencies and changes in value of such African currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur
costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the particular African currency.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Frontier Market Issuers. Most African countries are considered to be “frontier markets.” Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in frontier market countries are magnified. Investments in securities of
frontier market issuers are
2
exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the
United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Africa Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Africa Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Africa Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be
subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.
Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Africa Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Africa Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector. Because the telecommunications sector represented a significant portion of the Africa Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the
telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to technological advancement.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium- capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
3
MARKET VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF (continued)
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Africa Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Africa Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Africa Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Africa Index, the Fund’s return may deviate
significantly from the return of the Africa Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Africa Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Africa Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain African countries, a lack of liquidity on stock
exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Africa Index is based on securities’ closing prices on
local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Africa Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Africa Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Africa Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Africa Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Africa Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after
4
income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
36.75%
|
|
2Q ’09 |
|
Worst Quarter |
|
-18.09%
|
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years
|
|
Since Inception
(7/10/2008) |
|
|
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
3.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.50 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
2.06 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.31 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
1.83 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.19 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® GDP Africa Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
|
|
|
|
5.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
11.28 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-1.17 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.76 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Prior to June 24, 2013, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the Dow Jones Africa Titans IndexSM. Therefore index data prior to June 24, 2013, reflects that of the Dow Jones Africa Titans IndexSM. From June 24, 2013 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors®
GDP Africa Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
|
|
5
MARKET VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF (continued)
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
July 2008 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
July 2008 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
6
MARKET VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Brazil Small-Cap Index (the “Brazil Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.04 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.59% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
61 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
201 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
353 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
795 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Brazil Small-Cap Index is comprised of securities of Brazilian small-capitalization companies. A company is generally considered to be a Brazilian company if it is incorporated in Brazil or is incorporated outside of Brazil but generates at
least 50% of its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Brazil. As of December 31, 2013, the Brazil Small-Cap Index included 77 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $48 million and $3.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.4 billion. These amounts are
subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
7
MARKET VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Brazil Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Brazil Small-Cap Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and
that of the Brazil Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% if its assets in securities that comprise the Brazil Small-Cap Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Brazil Small-Cap Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Brazil Small-Cap Index was concentrated in the consumer discretionary sector, and each of the financial services, industrials, utilities and
health care sectors represented a significant portion of the Brazil Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Brazilian Issuers. The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent, and occasionally drastic, interventions by the Brazilian government, including the imposition of wage and price
controls, exchange controls, limiting imports and other measures. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, trade and other policies to influence the core of Brazil’s economy. Actions taken by the Brazilian government concerning the economy may have significant effects on Brazilian companies and on market conditions and
prices of Brazilian securities. The Brazilian government has privatized or has begun the process of privatizing certain entities, notably in the telecommunications and energy sectors. Certain of these newly privatized entities have suffered losses due to, among other things, the inability to adjust to a competitive environment.
The market for Brazilian securities is directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries. As a result, adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the
Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.
Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign investment. Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and
on the conversion of the Brazilian Real into foreign currency.
Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and a high level of debt, each of which may constrain economic growth. Despite rapid development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of corruption, crime and income disparity. The Brazilian economy is also heavily dependent upon commodity prices and international trade.
Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. An increase in prices for commodities, such as petroleum, the depreciation of the Brazilian Real and future governmental measures seeking to maintain the value of the Brazilian Real in relation to the U.S. dollar, may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil
and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy. Conversely, appreciation of the Brazilian Real relative to the U.S. dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil’s current account and balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.
Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Brazilian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Brazilian Real. The Fund’s exposure to the Brazilian Real and changes in value of the Brazilian Real versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in
connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and Brazilian Real.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments,
8
nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited
trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Brazil Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Brazil Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the Brazil Small-Cap Index was concentrated in the consumer discretionary sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies engaged in
the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of
resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the Brazil Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the
financial services sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in
economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from
government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the
Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Brazil Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the utilities sector represented a significant portion of the Brazil Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely
affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitations on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in the Health Care Sector. Because the health care sector represented a significant portion of the Brazil Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the health care sector. Companies in the health care sector may
be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare
companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend
9
MARKET VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may
have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Brazil Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Brazil Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Brazil Small-Cap Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Brazil Small-
Cap Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Brazil Small-Cap Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Brazil Small-Cap Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Brazil Small-Cap Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the
government of Brazil, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Brazil
Small-Cap Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Brazil Small-Cap Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Brazil Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Brazil Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Brazil Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were
concentrated in the consumer discretionary sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
10
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
25.09%
|
|
3Q ’10 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-29.14%
|
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past
One Year |
|
Since Inception
(5/12/2009) |
|
|
Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-28.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.35 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-29.12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.99 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-16.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.59 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Brazil Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-27.99 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.07 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19.07 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
May 2009 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
May 2009 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
11
MARKET VECTORS COLOMBIA ETF
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Colombia ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Colombia Index (the “Colombia Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
4.45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
4.95 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(4.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
77 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,109 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
2,143 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
4,731 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Colombia Index is comprised of securities of Colombian companies. A company is generally considered to be a Colombian company if it is incorporated in Colombia or is incorporated outside of Colombia but generates at least 50% of its
revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Colombia. Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Colombia Index included 23 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $216 million and $79.0 billion and a weighted
average market capitalization of $11.1 billion. These
12
amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Colombia Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Colombia Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the
Colombia Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Colombia Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Colombia Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the energy, utilities, basic materials and consumer staples sectors
represented a significant portion of the Colombia Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Colombian Issuers. Investment in securities of Colombian issuers, including issuers located outside of Colombia that generate significant revenues from Colombia, involves special risk considerations not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your
investment in the Fund. The Colombian economy has experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates, all of which could negatively affect the value of companies located in Colombia and the value of your investment in the Fund. Colombia has experienced periods of political instability,
violence associated with internal conflicts and drug-trafficking and high unemployment. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. In addition, commodities (such as oil, natural gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of Colombia’s exports and its economy is particularly sensitive to
fluctuations in commodity prices. Colombia’s infrastructure may also require major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Adverse economic events in other countries, especially the United States or other countries in Central and South America, may have a significant adverse effect on Colombia’s economy and companies located in Colombia.
Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Colombian issuers, the income received by the Fund will be principally in Colombian pesos. The Fund’s exposure to the Colombian peso and changes in value of the Colombian peso versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur
costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and Colombian pesos.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Colombia Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the Colombia Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Colombia Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may
be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must
13
MARKET VECTORS COLOMBIA ETF (continued)
maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new
products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in such institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines
in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Colombia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the utilities sector represented a significant portion of the Colombia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by
changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitation on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Colombia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production
and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. Because the consumer staples sector represented a significant portion of the Colombia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer staples sector. These companies may be
adversely affected by changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, exploration and production spending.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Colombia Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Colombia Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes
in the composition of the
14
Colombia Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Colombia Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly
from the return of the Colombia Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Colombia Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Colombia Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Colombia, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such
securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Colombia Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets
(i.e., the value of the Colombia Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Colombia Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Colombia Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact
of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because the Colombia Index is comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Colombia Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Colombia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated
in the financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
15
MARKET VECTORS COLOMBIA ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
15.52%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-11.82%
|
|
2Q ’13 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(3/14/2011) |
|
|
Market Vectors Colombia ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-12.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.72 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Colombia ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-12.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-4.23 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Colombia ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-6.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.98 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Colombia Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-11.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.36 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.99 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
March 2011 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
March 2011 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
16
MARKET VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Egypt Index (the “Egypt Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
1.18 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.94% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until May 1, 2015.
During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
100 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
355 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
630 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,414 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 78% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Egypt Index is comprised of securities of Egyptian companies. A company is generally considered to be an Egyptian company if it is incorporated in Egypt or is incorporated outside Egypt but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or,
in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Egypt. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Egypt Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $115 million and $6.1 billion and a weighted average market
capitalization of $1.6 billion. These amounts are
17
MARKET VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF (continued)
subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach will attempt to approximate the investment performance of the Egypt Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Egypt Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Egypt
Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Egypt Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Egypt Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the energy, basic materials and telecommunications sectors represented a
significant portion of the Egypt Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Egyptian Issuers. Investment in securities of Egyptian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, the imposition of capital
controls, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Issuers
in Egypt are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Egypt significantly riskier than investing
in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The securities markets in Egypt are underdeveloped and may be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. Securities markets in Egypt are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations,
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These risks could cause the Fund’s shares to trade at a significant premium or discount to its net asset value (“NAV”). Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether. Recently, the securities markets in Egypt
were closed for an extended period of time due to political and civil unrest.
The government in Egypt may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Egypt. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Egypt. For example, there may be prohibitions or substantial
restrictions on foreign investing in Egypt’s capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. Moreover, Egypt may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain
class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Egypt and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. There may be a risk of loss due to the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, there may be limitations or delays in the convertibility
or repatriation of the Egyptian pound which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of the Fund’s investments denominated in the Egyptian pound, may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and/or may impede the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests in a timely manner. When the Fund holds illiquid
investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Frontier markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The value of the Egyptian pound may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Egyptian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Egyptian pounds. The Fund’s exposure to
the Egyptian pound and changes in value of the Egyptian pound versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Egyptian pound.
In Egypt, the marketability of quoted shares is limited due to the restricted opening hours of stock exchanges (normally 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday), a narrow range of investors and a relatively high proportion of market value being concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of shareholders. In addition, because Egyptian
stock exchanges on which
18
the Fund’s portfolio securities may trade are open when the NYSE Arca is closed, the Fund may be subject to heightened risk associated with market movements.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Frontier Market Issuers. Egypt is considered to be a “frontier market.” Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in frontier market countries are magnified. Investments in securities of frontier market issuers
are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the
United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Egypt Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Egypt Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Egypt Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be
subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.
Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Egypt Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and
distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Egypt Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector. Because the telecommunications sector represented a significant portion of the Egypt Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the
telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to technological advancement.
19
MARKET VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF (continued)
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium- capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Egypt Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Egypt Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Egypt Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Egypt Index, the Fund’s return may deviate
significantly from the return of the Egypt Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Egypt Index or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Egypt Index, due to legal and regulatory rules and limitations imposed by the government of Egypt, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which
such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Egypt Index is based on the securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value
of the Egypt Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Egypt Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Egypt Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The
20
Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because the Egypt Index is comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Egypt Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Egypt Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s
average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
33.71%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-26.46%
|
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(2/16/2010) |
|
|
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
10.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.65 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
10.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.74 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
6.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.35 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Egypt Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
10.32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.32 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
16.95 |
% |
|
21
MARKET VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF (continued)
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
February 2010 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
February 2010 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
22
MARKET VECTORS GERMANY SMALL-CAP ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Germany Small-Cap Index (the “Germany Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
3.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
4.02 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(3.47 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
56 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
904 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,769 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
4,006 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 23% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Germany Small-Cap Index is comprised of securities of German small-capitalization companies. A company is generally considered to be a German company if it is incorporated in Germany or is incorporated outside of Germany but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Germany. As of December 31, 2013, the Germany Small-Cap Index included 85 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $170 million and $5.5 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $2.4
billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities of small-capitalization German companies. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Germany Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Germany Small-Cap Index. The
23
MARKET VECTORS GERMANY SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Germany Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Germany Small-Cap Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, each of the consumer discretionary, financial services, information technology, health care and industrials sectors represented a significant
portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in German Issuers. Germany has an export dependent economy and therefore relies heavily on trade with key trading partners, including the United States and other countries in Europe. Exports account for more than one-third of Germany’s output and are a key element in German economic expansion.
Reduction in spending by European countries on German products and services or negative changes in any of these countries may cause an adverse impact on the German economy. Decreasing U.S. imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or a recession in the United States may also have an adverse impact on the
German economy.
The Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union (the “EU”) requires compliance with restrictions on inflation, deficits, interest rates, public debt and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect each country in Europe. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the
exchange rate of the Euro, the default or threat of default by an EU country on its sovereign debt, and recessions in an EU country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt levels of several
European countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Cyprus. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and other bodies, including austerity measures and reforms may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future economic growth or have other uncertain or unintended consequences. In
addition, one or more countries may abandon the Euro and/or withdraw from the EU, which could have significant and far-reaching consequences. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect other countries in Europe. The German economy, along with certain other EU nations, experienced
a significant slowdown during the recent financial crisis.
Investing in German issuers involves political, social and regulatory risks. Certain sectors and regions of Germany have experienced high unemployment and social unrest. These issues may have an adverse effect on the German economy or the German industries or sectors in which the Fund invests. Heavy regulation of labor and product markets is
pervasive in Germany. These regulations may stifle economic growth or result in extended recessionary periods.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Germany Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Germany Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector.
Companies engaged in the
24
consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of
resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the
financial services sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in
economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from
government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the
Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the information technology sector represented a significant portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector.
Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to
rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Health Care Sector. Because the health care sector represented a significant portion of the Germany Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the health care sector. Companies in the healthcare sector
may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare
companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Germany Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Germany Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Germany Small-Cap Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Germany Small-Cap Index.
In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Germany Small-Cap Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Germany Small-Cap Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Germany, a lack of liquidity on stock
25
MARKET VECTORS GERMANY SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Germany Small-Cap Index is based on securities’
closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Germany Small-Cap Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Germany Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen
the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Germany Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. To the extent the Fund’s investments are concentrated in a particular sector or industry, the Fund will
be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
19.54%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-7.72%
|
|
2Q ’12 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(4/4/2011) |
|
|
Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
35.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.17 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
34.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.49 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
20.16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.97 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Germany Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
36.26 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.42 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.15 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2011 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2011 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
27
MARKET VECTORS GULF STATES INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® GDP GCC Index (the “GCC Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
2.09 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
2.59 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(1.61 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
100 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
652 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,231 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
2,804 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The GCC Index is comprised of Gulf Cooperation Council (the “GCC”) companies. The GCC Index includes local listings of companies that are incorporated in the GCC and offshore listings of companies incorporated outside of the GCC that
generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, where applicable, have at least 50% of their assets) in the GCC. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium capitalization companies. Countries belonging to the GCC currently include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”). Subject to country and issuer
limitations, the country weightings in the GCC Index are based on their relative gross domestic product (“GDP”) weights as compared to all other countries represented in the GCC Index. As of December 31, 2013, the GCC Index included 52 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $210 million and $33.1
billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $9.5 billion. These amounts are
28
subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the GCC Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the GCC Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the GCC Index
will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the GCC Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the GCC Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the telecommunications and industrials sectors represented a significant
portion of the GCC Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in GCC Issuers. Investment in securities of GCC issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization
of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, terrorist activities, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or
socioeconomic unrest.
The securities markets in certain countries belonging to the GCC are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in certain countries belonging to the GCC are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility,
lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of sectors or
industries. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
Certain economies in the GCC depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities such as oil. A sustained decrease in commodity prices would have a significant negative impact on all aspects of the economy in certain countries belonging to the GCC. Certain GCC governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial
influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in certain countries belonging to the GCC.
Certain governments in certain countries belonging to the GCC may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in certain countries
belonging to the GCC. Moreover, certain countries belonging to the GCC may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that
may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in certain countries belonging to the GCC significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more
developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the currencies of certain countries belonging to the GCC may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of GCC issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in currencies of such countries. The Fund’s exposure to the currencies of certain countries belonging
to the GCC and changes in value of such currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the particular currency of such countries belonging to the GCC.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of
29
MARKET VECTORS GULF STATES INDEX ETF (continued)
investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Frontier Market Issuers. Certain GCC countries are considered to be “frontier markets.” Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in frontier market countries are magnified. Investments in securities of
frontier market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as
well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the GCC Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the GCC Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the GCC Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be
subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.
Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector. Because the telecommunications sector represented a significant portion of the GCC Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the
telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to technological advancement.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the GCC Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely
affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically
30
generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the GCC Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the GCC Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the GCC Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the GCC Index, the Fund’s return may deviate
significantly from the return of the GCC Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the GCC Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the GCC Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries belonging to the GCC, a lack of liquidity on
stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the GCC Index is based on securities’ closing price
on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the GCC Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the GCC Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the GCC Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the GCC Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the GCC Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
31
MARKET VECTORS GULF STATES INDEX ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
33.00%
|
|
2Q ’09 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-16.07%
|
|
1Q ’09 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years
|
|
Since Inception
(7/22/2008) |
|
|
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
34.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.08 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
33.29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.76 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
19.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-4.04 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® GDP GCC Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
|
|
|
|
36.41 |
% |
|
|
|
|
11.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-4.41 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9.44 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Prior to June 24, 2013, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the Dow Jones GCC Titans 40 IndexSM. Therefore index data prior to June 24, 2013, reflects that of the Dow Jones GCC Titans 40 IndexSM. From June 24, 2013 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors®
GDP GCC Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
|
|
32
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
July 2008 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
July 2008 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
33
MARKET VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® India Small-Cap Index (the “India Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.89 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(b) |
|
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(b) |
|
|
|
(0.46 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(b) |
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
“Other Expenses” reflects the expenses at both the Fund and the Fund’s wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) levels. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund and Subsidiary expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses of the Fund and the Subsidiary) from exceeding 0.85% of the Fund’s average
daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
95 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
395 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
717 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,629 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 77% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund currently intends to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in the Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary located in the Republic of Mauritius (“Mauritius”). The Subsidiary in turn will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index, and depositary receipts
based on the securities in the Fund’s benchmark index. The India Small-Cap Index is comprised of Indian small-capitalization companies selected on the basis of their relative market capitalizations. A company is generally considered an Indian company if it is incorporated in India or is incorporated outside of India but generates at least 50% of its
revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its
34
assets) in India. As a result of the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary, the Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities of small-capitalization Indian companies. As of December 31, 2013, the India Small-Cap Index included 88 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $102 million and $1.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $481 million. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. The Adviser serves as investment adviser to both the Fund and the Subsidiary and,
through this investment structure, the Subsidiary and the Fund expect to benefit from favorable tax treatment by the Indian Government pursuant to a tax treaty between India and Mauritius. Except where otherwise indicated, the term “Fund,” as used throughout this Summary Section, refers to the Fund and/or the Subsidiary, as applicable.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, will attempt to approximate the investment performance of the India Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the India Small-Cap Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and
that of the India Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the India Small-Cap Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, each of the consumer discretionary, financial services, industrials and information technology sectors represented a significant portion of the
India Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Indian Issuers. Investment in securities of Indian issuers involve special considerations not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, greater
government control over the economy, including the risk that the Indian government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, political and legal uncertainty, currency fluctuations or blockage of foreign currency exchanges and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. Issuers in India are subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. India is also located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Any such natural
disaster could cause a significant impact on the Indian economy and could impact operations of the Subsidiary, causing an adverse impact on the Fund. In addition, religious and border disputes persist in India. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and the Indian government has
confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. India has experienced acts of terrorism that has targeted foreigners. Such acts of terrorism have had a negative impact on tourism, an important sector of the Indian economy.
The securities market of India is considered an emerging market characterized by a small number of listed companies with significantly smaller market capitalizations, greater price volatility and substantially less liquidity than developed markets, such as the United States. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors,
limit the supply of securities available for investment by the Fund. This will affect the rate at which the Fund is able to invest in India, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the timing of purchases and sales. Emerging markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. Certain restrictions on foreign
investment may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio or inhibit the Fund’s ability to track the India Small-Cap Index. In addition, the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”), the Indian counterpart of the Federal Reserve Bank in the United States, imposes certain limits on the foreign ownership of Indian securities. These restrictions and/or controls may at
times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in India and may inhibit the Fund’s ability to track the India Small-Cap Index.
The value of the Indian rupee may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Indian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Indian rupees. The Fund’s exposure to the Indian rupee and changes in value of the Indian rupee versus the U.S. dollar may result in
reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Indian rupee.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of
35
MARKET VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF (continued)
investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the India Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the India Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary represented a significant portion of the India Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies
engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition,
depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the India Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the
financial services sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in
economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from
government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the
Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the India Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the information technology sector represented a significant portion of the India Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector.
Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to
rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s
36
capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally
also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the India Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the India Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the India Small-Cap Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs are not factored in to the return of the India Small-Cap
Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the India Small-Cap Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the India Small-Cap Index or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the India Small-Cap Index due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government
of India, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the India Small-Cap
Index is based on the securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the India Small-Cap Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the India Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the India Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the India Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. To the extent the Fund’s investments are concentrated in a particular sector or industry, the Fund will be
subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s
average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
37
MARKET VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
36.28%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-27.31%
|
|
4Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(8/23/2010) |
|
|
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-28.91 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-23.51 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-29.05 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-23.71 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-16.36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-16.46 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® India Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-27.84 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-23.25 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
20.87 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2010 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2010 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
38
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Indonesia Index (the “Indonesia Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.10 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
The Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.57% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense
limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
58 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
204 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
363 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
825 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Indonesia Index is comprised of securities of Indonesian companies. A company is generally considered to be an Indonesian company if it is incorporated in Indonesia or is incorporated outside of Indonesia but generates at least 50% of
its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Indonesia. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Indonesia Index included 52 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $117 million and $22.6 billion and a weighted average
market capitalization of $9.8 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
39
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF (continued)
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Indonesia Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Indonesia Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the
Indonesia Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% if its assets in securities that comprise the Indonesia Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Indonesia Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Indonesia Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the consumer discretionary, consumer staples and telecommunications sectors represented a significant portion of the Indonesia Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Indonesian Issuers. Investment in securities of Indonesian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, currency devaluations, high rates of inflation, corruption, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, acts of terrorism, the impact on the economy as a result of civil
war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. In addition, the Indonesian economy is dependent upon trade with other nations, including China, Japan, Singapore and the United States. Indonesia has experienced acts of terrorism that have targeted foreigners. Such acts of terrorism have had a negative impact on
tourism, an important sector of the Indonesia economy.
The securities markets of Indonesia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Indonesia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity,
inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
The government in Indonesia may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. Moreover, governmental approval or special
licenses may be required prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of
Indonesia and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Indonesia’s securities laws are unsettled and judicial enforcement of contracts with foreign entities is inconsistent and, as a result of pervasive corruption, is subject to the risk that cases will not be judged impartially. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or
operating in Indonesia significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Indonesian Rupiah may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Indonesian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Indonesian Rupiah. The Fund’s exposure to the Indonesian Rupiah and changes in value of the Indonesian Rupiah versus the
U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Indonesian Rupiah.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal
40
systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have
inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Indonesia Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Indonesia Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Indonesia Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may
be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by
credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may
be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial
institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Indonesia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies
engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition,
depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. Because the consumer staples sector represented a significant portion of the Indonesia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer staples sector. These companies may be
adversely affected by changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, exploration and production spending.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector. Because the telecommunications sector represented a significant portion of the Indonesia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the
telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to technological advancement.
Risk of Investing in Medium-Capitalization Companies. Medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of medium-capitalization
companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Indonesia Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Indonesia Index and incurs costs associated with buying
41
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF (continued)
and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Indonesia Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Indonesia Index, the Fund’s return may deviate
significantly from the return of the Indonesia Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Indonesia Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Indonesia, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other
regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Indonesia Index is based on securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Indonesia Index is not based on fair value
prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Indonesia Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Indonesia Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact
of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Indonesia Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Indonesia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated
in the financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
42
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
18.45%
|
|
3Q ’10 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-20.76%
|
|
3Q ’13 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past
One Year |
|
Since Inception
(1/15/2009) |
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-24.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
22.51 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-25.29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
21.76 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-13.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18.26 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Indonesia Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-23.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
23.46 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19.71 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 2009 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 2009 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
43
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA SMALL-CAP ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Indonesia Small-Cap Index (the “Indonesia Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
|
|
2.19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)
|
|
|
|
2.69 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a)
|
|
|
|
(2.08 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.61% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
62 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
637 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,239 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
2,868 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover was 68% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Indonesia Small-Cap Index is comprised of securities of Indonesian small-capitalization companies. A company is generally considered to be an Indonesian company if it is incorporated in Indonesia or is incorporated outside of Indonesia
but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Indonesia. As of December 31, 2013, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index included 35 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $117 million and $657 million and a weighted average market capitalization of $363 million. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
44
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Indonesia Small-Cap Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses
and that of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Indonesia Small-Cap Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Fund was concentrated in the financial services and industrials sectors, and the energy sector represented a significant portion of the
Indonesia Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Indonesian Issuers. Investment in securities of Indonesian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, currency devaluations, high rates of inflation, corruption, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, acts of terrorism, the impact on the economy as a result of civil
war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. In addition, the Indonesian economy is dependent upon trade with other nations, including China, Japan, Singapore and the United States. Indonesia has experienced acts of terrorism that have targeted foreigners. Such acts of terrorism have had a negative impact on
tourism, an important sector of the Indonesia economy.
The securities markets of Indonesia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Indonesia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity,
inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
The Indonesian government may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. Moreover, governmental approval or special
licenses may be required prior to investments by foreign investors, and governmental restrictions may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer, limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by
domiciliaries of Indonesia and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Indonesia’s securities laws are unsettled and judicial enforcement of contracts with foreign entities is inconsistent and, as a result of pervasive corruption, is subject to the risk that cases will not be judged impartially. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers
located or operating in Indonesia significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Indonesian Rupiah may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Indonesian issuers, and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Indonesian Rupiah. The Fund’s exposure to the Indonesian Rupiah and changes in value of the Indonesian Rupiah versus the
U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns to the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Indonesian Rupiah.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that
45
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Indonesia Small-Cap Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services
sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns,
and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the
past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial
institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the Indonesia Small-Cap Index was concentrated in the industrials sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely
affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are
subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific
utility services. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Indonesia Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities
holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Indonesia Small-Cap
Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain
46
securities included in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions in which they are represented in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Indonesia, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other
regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the is not based on fair value
prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Indonesia Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen
the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and
losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Indonesia Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s
assets were concentrated in the financial services and industrials sectors and that the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the last calendar year. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter:
|
|
27.85% |
|
1Q ’13 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-29.26% |
|
3Q ’13 |
47
MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year
|
|
Since Inception
(3/20/2012) |
|
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF (return before taxes)
|
|
|
|
-20.02 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-24.72 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF (return after taxes on distributions)
|
|
|
|
-20.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-25.13 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)
|
|
|
|
-11.33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-18.40 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Indonesia Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-17.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-23.76 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19.20 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
March 2012 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
March 2012 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
48
MARKET VECTORS ISRAEL ETF
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Israel ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the BlueStar Israel Global IndexTM (the “Israel Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
|
|
0.44 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a)
|
|
|
|
(0.35 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a)
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.59% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1,
2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
| |
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
60 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
265 |
|
|
5
|
|
|
$ |
|
486 |
|
|
10
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,123 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from June 25, 2013 (the Fund’s commencement of operations) through December 31, 2013, the Fund’s portfolio turnover was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Israel Index is comprised of equity securities, which may include depositary receipts, of publicly traded companies that are generally considered by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC (“BlueStar” or the “Index Provider”) to be Israeli
companies. The Israel Index Provider considers a range of factors such as domicile, country of company formation/founding, primary location of management, operations and/or research and development facilities, tax status, location of revenues and employees, among others, when determining whether a company will be included in the Israel Index.
Such companies may include small- and medium-capitalization companies. The Fund may also utilize depositary receipts to seek performance that corresponds to the Fund’s
49
MARKET VECTORS ISRAEL ETF (continued)
benchmark index. Investments in depositary receipts of Israeli companies whose securities are represented in the Israel Index will count towards satisfaction of the Fund’s 80% investment policy. As of December 31, 2013, the Israel Index included 104 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $109 million and $33.8 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $10.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Israel Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Israel Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Israel Index
will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Israel Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Israel Index was concentrated in the health care sector, and the financial services and information technology sectors represented a significant portion
of the Israel Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Israeli Issuers. Investment in securities of Israeli issuers involves risks that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Among other things, Israel’s economy depends on imports of certain key items, such as crude oil, coal, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Israel’s relations with
the Palestinian Authority and certain neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Iran, among others, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities or security concerns, which may cause uncertainty in the Israeli markets and adversely affect the overall economy. Furthermore, Israel’s economy is heavily dependent
upon trade relationships with key counterparties around the world. Any reduction in these trade flows may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments.
Israel has experienced a history of hostile relations with several countries in the Mid-East region. Israel and its citizens have also been the target of periodic acts of terrorism that have the potential to disrupt economic activity in the country, and certain terrorist groups are committed to violence against Israel. Current hostilities and the potential for
future hostilities may diminish the value of companies whose principal operations or headquarters are located in Israel. Actual hostilities or the threat of future hostilities may cause significant volatility in the share price of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in the Health Care Sector. Because the Israel Index was concentrated in the health care sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the health care sector. Companies in the healthcare sector may be affected by extensive
government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent
on patent protection and are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the information technology sector represented a significant portion of the Israel Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Information
technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid
technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
50
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the Israel Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services
sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns,
and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the
past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial
institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Israel Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Israel Index.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Israel Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Israel Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Israel Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Israel Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Israel Index. In addition, the Fund may not invest in certain securities or types of
securities included in the Israel Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Israel Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Israel, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to
value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Israel Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Israel Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Israel Index
may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Israel Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder
51
MARKET VECTORS ISRAEL ETF (continued)
purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Israel Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Israel Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the
health care sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on June 25, 2013 and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year. The Fund’s financial performance for the Fund’s first fiscal period is included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus. Visit www.marketvectorsetfs.com for current performance figures.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
June 2013 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
June 2013 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
52
MARKET VECTORS LATIN AMERICA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Latin America Small-Cap Index (the “LatAm Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
1.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
2.35 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(1.72 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.63% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until May 1, 2015.
During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
64 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
568 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,099 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
2,553 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 47% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The LatAm Small-Cap Index is comprised of securities of Latin American small-capitalization companies. A company is generally considered to be a Latin American company if it is incorporated in Latin America or is incorporated outside of
Latin America but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Latin America. The Latin America region covers the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela. As of December 31, 2013, the LatAm Small-Cap Index included 163 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $32 million and $3.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.2 billion. These amounts
53
MARKET VECTORS LATIN AMERICA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF (continued)
are subject to change. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, will attempt to approximate the investment performance of the LatAm Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the LatAm Small-Cap Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses
and that of the LatAm Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the LatAm Small-Cap Index concentrates in such industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, each of the basic materials, consumer discretionary, financial services and industrials sectors represented a significant portion of the LatAm
Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Latin America. Investments in securities of Latin American issuers involve special considerations not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers located in the United States. The economies of certain Latin American countries have, at times, experienced high interest rates, economic volatility,
inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region’s exports and many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on
other countries of this region.
Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many Latin American
countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.
The political history of certain Latin American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such events could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and could result in significant disruption in
securities markets in the region.
The economies of Latin American countries are generally considered emerging markets and can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain Latin American countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead
to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. Certain Latin American countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many Latin American currencies and it would,
as a result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies.
Finally, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries. There have been moratoria on, and a rescheduling of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
54
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the LatAm Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the LatAm Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the LatAm Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the
production and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the LatAm Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector.
Companies engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased
competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the LatAm Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the
financial services sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in
economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from
government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the
Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the LatAm Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risk associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the LatAm Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the LatAm Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the LatAm Small-Cap Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly
55
MARKET VECTORS LATIN AMERICA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF (continued)
created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs are not factored in to the return of the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the LatAm Small-Cap Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in
certain securities included in the LatAm Small-Cap Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the LatAm Small-Cap Index, due to legal and regulatory rules and limitations imposed by certain Latin American countries, a lack of liquidity on the stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or
other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the LatAm Small-Cap Index is based on the securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the LatAm Small-Cap Index is
not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the LatAm Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the LatAm Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. To the extent that the Fund’s investments are concentrated in a particular sector or industry, the Fund
will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s
average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
56
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
17.32%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-27.84%
|
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(4/6/2010) |
|
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF (return before taxes) |
|
-22.79%
|
|
-4.71% |
|
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
-23.13%
|
|
-5.57% |
|
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF (return after taxes on distributions
and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
-12.90%
|
|
-3.70% |
|
Market Vectors® Latin America Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)
|
|
-22.21% |
|
-4.07% |
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
32.39%
|
|
14.95% |
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2010 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2010 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
57
MARKET VECTORS POLAND ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Poland ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Poland Index (the “Poland Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
1.07 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.46 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
62 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
295 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
545 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,264 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Poland Index is comprised of securities of Polish companies. A company is generally considered to be a Polish company if it is incorporated in Poland or is incorporated outside of Poland but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or, in
certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Poland. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Poland Index included 28 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $577 million and $16.3 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $7.8
billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
58
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Poland Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Poland Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Poland
Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% if its assets in securities that comprise the Poland Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Poland Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Poland Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the basic materials, energy and utilities sectors represented a significant
portion of the Poland Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Polish Issuers. Investment in securities of Polish issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic
and/or socioeconomic unrest. Furthermore, events and evolving conditions in certain European countries have greatly increased market volatility due to concerns about high levels of government debt, credit rating downgrades of sovereign debt and uncertainty about the future use of the Euro as a common currency. Responses to the financial problems
by European governments, central banks and other bodies, including austerity measures and reforms may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future economic growth or have other uncertain or unintended consequences. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect every
country in Europe. One or more countries may abandon the Euro and/or withdraw from the European Union (“EU”), which could have significant and far-reaching consequences. In addition, the Polish economy, along with certain other EU nations, experienced a significant slowdown during the recent financial crisis. Poland’s economy is dependent upon
the export of raw materials and consumer goods. Poland is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including Germany and other European Union nations and as a result may be affected if demand for Poland’s exports in those nations declines.
The securities markets in Poland are underdeveloped and are less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Poland are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
The government in Poland may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Poland. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Poland. Moreover, Poland may require governmental approval
or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Poland and/or
impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Poland significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Polish Zloty may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Polish issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Polish Zloty. The Fund’s exposure to the Polish Zloty and changes in value of the Polish Zloty versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced
returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Polish Zloty.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of
59
MARKET VECTORS POLAND ETF (continued)
investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Poland Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Poland Index.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Poland Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be
subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.
Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Poland Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production
and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Poland Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the utilities sector represented a significant portion of the Poland Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by
changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitation on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in Medium-Capitalization Companies. Medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of medium-capitalization
companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend
60
risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may
have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Poland Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Poland Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in
the composition of the Poland Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Poland Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Poland Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities
included in the Poland Index, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Poland Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Poland, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to
value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Poland Index is based on securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Poland Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Poland
Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Poland Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of
a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Poland Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Poland Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in
the financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectoretfs.com.
61
MARKET VECTORS POLAND ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
31.98%
|
|
3Q ’10 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-35.24%
|
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(11/24/2009) |
|
|
Market Vectors Poland ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
4.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Poland ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
3.47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-0.33 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Poland ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
2.79 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Poland Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
5.51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.19 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.77 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
November 2009 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
November 2009 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
62
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Russia ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Russia Index (the “Russia Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.71 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.08 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.62% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
64 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
219 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
387 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
875 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Russia Index is comprised of securities of Russian companies. A company is generally considered to be a Russian company if it is incorporated in Russia or is incorporated outside of Russia but generates at least 50% of its revenues (or,
in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Russia. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Russia Index included 46 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $226 million and $98.2 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $33.7 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
63
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA ETF (continued)
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Russia Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Russia Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Russia
Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Russia Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Russia Index was concentrated in the energy sector, and each of the basic materials, financial services and telecommunications sectors represented
a significant portion of the Russia Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Russian Issuers. Investment in securities of Russian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory or punitive taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the imposition of economic sanctions by other nations, the impact on the economy as a result
of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest.
The securities markets of Russia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Russia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, inflation, greater
price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Additionally, certain investments in Russia may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of
market turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets. Moreover, trading on securities markets in Russia may be suspended altogether.
The government in Russia may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. Moreover, governmental approval or special licenses
may be required prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Russia and/or
impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Less information may be available about companies in which the Fund invests because many companies that are tied economically to Russia are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices required by U.S. companies. These factors, among others, make
investing in issuers located or operating in Russia significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and a Russian bank. The United States and other nations or international organizations may impose additional economic sanctions or take other actions that may adversely affect
Russian-related issuers, including companies in various sectors of the Russian economy, including, but not limited to, the financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense and defense-related materials sectors. These sanctions, any future sanctions or other actions, or even the threat of further sanctions or other actions, may
negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio and may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, the Fund may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, the sanctions may require the Fund to freeze its existing investments in Russian companies,
prohibiting the Fund from buying, selling or otherwise transacting in these investments. Russia may undertake countermeasures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio and potentially disrupt its operations.
For these or other reasons, the Fund could seek to suspend redemptions of Creation Units, including in the event that an emergency exists in which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine its net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund could also, among other things, limit or suspend creations of Creation Units.
During the period that creations or redemptions are affected, the Fund’s shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to their NAV. In the
64
case of a period during which creations are suspended, the Fund could experience substantial redemptions, which may exacerbate the discount to NAV at which the Fund’s shares trade, cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs, and cause the Fund to make greater taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund. The Fund may also
change its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an alternative index, or the Fund could liquidate all or a portion of its assets, which may be at unfavorable prices.
Despite recent reform and privatization, the Russian government continues to control a large share of economic activity in the region. The Russian government owns shares in corporations in a range of sectors including banking, energy production and distribution, automotive, transportation and telecommunications. Additionally, because Russia produces
and exports large volumes of oil and gas, the Russian economy is particularly sensitive to the price of oil and gas on the world market, and a decline in the price of oil and gas could have a significant negative impact on the Russian economy.
The value of the Russian Ruble may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Russian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Russian Rubles. The Fund’s exposure to the Russian Ruble and changes in value of the Russian Ruble versus the U.S. dollar may result
in reduced returns to the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Russian Ruble. In addition, current political and economic events in Russia and the effects of the recent global economic crisis on the Russian economy may have significant adverse effects on the Russian Ruble and on the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Russia Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Russia Index.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the Russia Index was concentrated in the energy sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not
limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these
companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production
and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector. Because the telecommunications sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the
telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to technological advancement.
65
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA ETF (continued)
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services
sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns,
and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the
past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial
institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in Medium-Capitalization Companies. Medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of these companies could
trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and debt in
a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Russia Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Russia Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Russia Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Russia Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Russia Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities
included in the Russia Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Russia Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Russia, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value
certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Russia Index is based on securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Russia Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Russia Index may be adversely
affected. In the event economic sanctions are imposed by the United States against certain Russian companies, the Fund may not be able to fully replicate the Russia Index by investing in the relevant securities, which may lead to increased tracking error. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased
expenses.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not “actively”
managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Russia Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline
or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
66
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Russia Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Russia Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in
the energy sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter |
|
47.95%
|
|
2Q ’09 |
|
Worst Quarter |
|
-52.99%
|
|
4Q ’08 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold
Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Past Five Years |
|
Since Inception
(4/24/2007) |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.99 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-1.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.57 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale
of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-0.37 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-2.46 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Russia Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*
|
|
|
|
-1.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.73 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.66 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Prior to March 19, 2012, the Fund sought to replicate an index called the DAXglobal® Russia+ Index. Therefore index data prior to March 19, 2012, reflects that of the DAXglobal® Russia+ Index. From March 19, 2012 forward, the index data reflects that of the Market Vectors
® Russia Index. All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned indexes.
|
|
67
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA ETF (continued)
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2007 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
December 2007 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
68
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Russia Small-Cap Index (the “Russia Small-Cap Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
|
|
1.37 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)
|
|
|
|
1.87 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a)
|
|
|
|
(1.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.67% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
68 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
471 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
899 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
2,092 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 74% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Russia Small-Cap Index is comprised of securities of Russian small-capitalization companies. A company is generally considered to be a Russian company if it is incorporated in Russia or is incorporated outside of Russia but generates at
least 50% of its revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Russia. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities of small-capitalization Russian companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Russia Small-Cap Index included 28 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between
approximately $107 million and $18.6 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $3.0 billion. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
69
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Russia Small-Cap Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Russia Small-Cap Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and
that of the Russia Small-Cap Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Russia Small-Cap Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, each of the energy, basic materials, financial services, industrials, consumer discretionary and utilities sectors represented a significant portion
of the Russia Small-Cap Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Russian Issuers. Investment in securities of Russian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory or punitive taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the imposition of economic sanctions by other nations, the impact on the economy as a result
of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest.
The securities markets of Russia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Russia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, inflation, greater
price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Additionally, certain investments in Russia may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of
market turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets. Moreover, trading on securities markets in Russia may be suspended altogether.
The government in Russia may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. Moreover, governmental approval or special licenses
may be required prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Russia and/or
impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Less information may be available about companies in which the Fund invests because many companies that are tied economically to Russia are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices required by U.S. companies. These factors, among others, make
investing in issuers located or operating in Russia significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and a Russian bank. The United States and other nations or international organizations may impose additional economic sanctions or take other actions that may adversely affect
Russian-related issuers, including companies in various sectors of the Russian economy, including, but not limited to, the financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense and defense-related materials sectors. These sanctions, any future sanctions or other actions, or even the threat of further sanctions or other actions, may
negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio and may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, the Fund may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, the sanctions may require the Fund to freeze its existing investments in Russian companies,
prohibiting the Fund from buying, selling or otherwise transacting in these investments. Russia may undertake countermeasures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio and potentially disrupt its operations.
For these or other reasons, the Fund could seek to suspend redemptions of Creation Units, including in the event that an emergency exists in which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine its net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund could also, among other things, limit or suspend creations of Creation Units.
During the period that creations or redemptions are affected, the Fund’s shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to their NAV. In the
70
case of a period during which creations are suspended, the Fund could experience substantial redemptions, which may exacerbate the discount to NAV at which the Fund’s shares trade, cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs, and cause the Fund to make greater taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund. The Fund may also
change its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an alternative index, or the Fund could liquidate all or a portion of its assets, which may be at unfavorable prices.
Despite recent reform and privatization, the Russian government continues to control a large share of economic activity in the region. The Russian government owns shares in corporations in a range of sectors including banking, energy production and distribution, automotive, transportation and telecommunications. Additionally, because Russia produces
and exports large volumes of oil and gas, the Russian economy is particularly sensitive to the price of oil and gas on the world market, and a decline in the price of oil and gas could have a significant negative impact on the Russian economy.
The value of the Russian Ruble may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Russian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Russian Rubles. The Fund’s exposure to the Russian Ruble and changes in value of the Russian Ruble versus the U.S. dollar may result
in reduced returns to the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Russian Ruble. In addition, current political and economic events in Russia and the effects of the recent global economic crisis on the Russian economy may have significant adverse effects on the Russian Ruble and on the
value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Russia Small-Cap Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Russia Small-Cap Index.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject
to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility
services. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. Because the basic materials sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the
production and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the financial services sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the
financial services sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by
71
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in
the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership
positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets have caused companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector.
Companies engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased
competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. Because the utilities sector represented a significant portion of the Russia Small-Cap Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely
affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitations on rates charged to customers.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. Small-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than medium- and large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of small-
capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of medium- and large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risk associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Russia Small-Cap Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Russia Small-Cap Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to
reflect changes in the composition of the Russia Small-Cap Index. Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Russia Small-Cap Index. In addition, the
Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Russia Small-Cap Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Russia Small-Cap Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Russia, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax
consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Russia Small-Cap Index is based on securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Russia Small-Cap Index is not
based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Russia Small-Cap Index may be adversely affected. In the event economic sanctions are imposed by the United States against certain Russian companies, the Fund may not be able to fully replicate the Russia Small-Cap Index by investing in the relevant securities, which may lead to increased
tracking error. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses.
72
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the
impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions partially for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Russia Small-Cap Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. To the extent that the Fund’s investments are concentrated in a particular sector or industry, the Fund
will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
11.60%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-20.06%
|
|
2Q ’12 |
73
MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF (continued)
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(4/13/2011) |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-3.77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-17.40 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-4.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-18.03 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-2.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-12.92 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Russia Small-Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
-2.17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-17.19 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15.86 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2011 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
April 2011 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information About Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
74
MARKET VECTORS VIETNAM ETF
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors® Vietnam Index (the “Vietnam Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.76% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
74 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
230 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
401 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
894 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 48% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Vietnam Index is comprised of securities of Vietnamese companies. A company is generally considered to be a Vietnamese company if it is incorporated in Vietnam or is incorporated outside of Vietnam but generates at least 50% of its
revenues (or, in certain circumstances, has at least 50% of its assets) in Vietnam. In addition, the Fund may invest in securities of companies that (i) are expected to generate at least 50% of their revenues in Vietnam or (ii) demonstrate a significant and/or dominant position in the Vietnamese market and are expected to grow. Such companies may
include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies. As of December 31, 2013, the Vietnam Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $154 million and $40.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $3.4 billion. The Fund’s 80%
75
MARKET VECTORS VIETNAM ETF (continued)
investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Vietnam Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Vietnam Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the
Vietnam Index will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% if its assets in securities that comprise the Vietnam Index.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Vietnam Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Vietnam Index was concentrated in the financial services sector, and each of the energy and industrials sectors represented a significant portion of
the Vietnam Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Vietnamese Issuers. Investment in securities of Vietnamese issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or
nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or
socioeconomic unrest. Vietnam is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, China and Japan, and as a result may be adversely affected if demand for Vietnam’s exports in those nations decline.
The securities markets in Vietnam are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Vietnam are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity,
inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
Current regulations in Vietnam require the Fund to execute trades of securities of Vietnamese companies through a single broker. As a result, the Adviser will have less flexibility to choose among brokers on behalf of the Fund than is typically the case for investment managers. In addition, because the process of purchasing securities in Vietnam requires
that payment to the local broker occur prior to receipt of securities, failure of the broker to deliver the securities will adversely affect the Fund.
The government in Vietnam may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. Moreover, Vietnam may require governmental
approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of
Vietnam and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Vietnam significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Vietnam Dong may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Vietnamese issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Vietnam Dong. The Fund’s exposure to the Vietnam Dong and changes in value of the Vietnam Dong versus the U.S. dollar may
result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Vietnam Dong.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks
associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
76
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts in which the Fund may invest are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. Investments in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the
underlying shares in their primary trading market and, if not included in the Vietnam Index, may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Vietnam Index.
Risk of Investing in Frontier Market Issuers. Vietnam is considered to be a “frontier market.” Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in frontier market countries are magnified. Investments in securities of frontier market
issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws
of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in Issuers Located Outside of Vietnam. It is currently anticipated that approximately 26% of the Vietnam Index will consist of securities of issuers located outside of Vietnam that have exposure to the Vietnamese market. Because securities of issuers located outside of Vietnam may not move in tandem with changes in the Vietnamese
securities market, the Fund’s portfolio may not be as closely linked to the Vietnamese market as a fund that invests solely in issuers that are located in Vietnam or in issuers that actually derive a substantial portion of their revenues from Vietnam.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Vietnam Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may
be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by
credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may
be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial
institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. Because the energy sector represented a significant portion of the Vietnam Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks
including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In
addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Vietnam Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely
affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of
small- and medium- capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.
77
MARKET VECTORS VIETNAM ETF (continued)
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Vietnam Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Vietnam Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in
the composition of the Vietnam Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). Because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Vietnam Index, the Fund’s return may
deviate significantly from the return of the Vietnam Index. In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Vietnam Index, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Vietnam Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the government of Vietnam, a lack of liquidity on stock
exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse consequences or other regulatory reasons. The Fund is expected to value certain of its investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) based on fair value prices and the value of the Vietnam Index is based on securities’ closing price on
local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Vietnam Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Vietnam Index may be adversely affected.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Vietnam Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of
a market decline.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because the Vietnam Index is comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Vietnam Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Vietnam Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in
the financial services sector; therefore the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
78
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the
Fund’s average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
29.34%
|
|
1Q ’12 |
|
Worst Quarter: |
|
-16.96%
|
|
4Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(8/11/2009) |
|
|
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
12.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-4.81 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
11.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.47 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
7.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-3.83 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors® Vietnam Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
|
|
|
|
14.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-4.27 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.65 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2009 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
August 2009 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares and tax information, please turn to “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 80 of this Prospectus.
79
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES OF FUND SHARES AND TAXES
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
The Funds issue and redeem Shares at NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. A Creation Unit consists of 50,000 Shares.
Individual Shares of a Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Funds are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”) and because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares of the Funds may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV.
TAX INFORMATION
Each Fund’s distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, each Fund will hold all of the securities that comprise its Index in proportion to their weightings in such Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in those weightings. In these circumstances, a Fund may purchase a sample of securities in
its Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser may choose to underweight or overweight a security in a Fund’s Index, purchase securities not in the Fund’s Index that the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in such Index or utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking to
replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Fund’s Index. Each Fund may sell securities that are represented in its Index in anticipation of their removal from such Index or purchase securities not represented in its Index in anticipation of their addition to such Index. Each Fund may also, in order to
comply with the tax diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), temporarily invest in securities not included in its Index that are expected to be highly correlated with the securities included in its Index.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each Fund may invest in securities not included in their respective Index, money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one
or more specified factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index) and certain derivatives. Convertible securities and depositary receipts not included in a Fund’s Index may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to its respective Index and in managing cash flows, and may count towards compliance with a
Fund’s 80% policy. Certain Funds may also utilize participation notes to seek performance that corresponds to its respective Index. Each Fund may also invest, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in other affiliated and unaffiliated funds, such as open-end or closed-end management investment companies, including other ETFs. A Fund will not invest
in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.
Market Vectors Israel ETF may invest in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) to the extent they are included in the Israel Index. MLPs are limited partnerships that are operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. The ownership interests/common units of an MLP are listed and publicly traded on securities exchanges or in
the over-the-counter market.
An authorized participant (i.e., a person eligible to place orders with the Distributor (defined below) to create or redeem Creation Units of a Fund) that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption,
restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
BORROWING MONEY
Each Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of one-third of the market value of its assets. To the extent that a Fund borrows money, it will be leveraged; at such times, the Fund will appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its benchmark Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Each Fund’s investment objective and each of its other investment policies are non-fundamental policies that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, except as noted in this Prospectus or the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) under the section entitled “Investment Policies and Restrictions—Investment
Restrictions.”
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, a Fund receives liquid collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being loaned. This collateral is marked-to-market on a
daily basis. Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of loss should a borrower fail to return the borrowed securities (e.g., the Fund would have to buy replacement securities and the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of the collateral held by
the Fund) or become insolvent. A Fund may pay fees to the party arranging the loan of securities. In addition, a Fund will bear the risk of loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
The following section provides additional information regarding the principal risks identified under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund” in each Fund’s “Summary Information” section followed by additional risk information. The risks listed below are applicable to each Fund unless otherwise noted.
81
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Investors in the Funds should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Funds’ Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Funds involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Funds is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Funds.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in African Issuers. (Market Vectors Africa Index ETF only.) Investment in securities of African issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries or geographic regions that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such
heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and
social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.
The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries or geographic regions. As a result, securities markets in Africa are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading
volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of sectors or industries. Moreover, trading on securities
markets may be suspended altogether.
Certain governments in Africa may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in countries in Africa. For example, there may be
prohibitions or substantial restrictions on foreign investing in the capital markets of certain countries in Africa or in certain sectors or industries of such countries. Moreover, certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign
investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers
located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
There may be a risk of loss due to the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, there may be limitations or delays in the convertibility or repatriation of the 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 a timely manner. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
The value of certain African currencies may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation and the income received by the Fund will be principally in African currencies. The Fund’s exposure to certain African currencies and changes in value of such African currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may
incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the particular African currency.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Brazilian Issuers. (Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF only.) The Brazilian government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent, and occasionally drastic, interventions by the Brazilian government,
including the imposition of wage and price controls, exchange controls, limiting imports and other measures. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, trade and other policies to influence the core of Brazil’s economy. Actions taken by the Brazilian government concerning the economy may have significant effects on Brazilian
companies and on market conditions and prices of Brazilian securities. The Brazilian government has privatized or has begun the process of privatizing certain entities, notably in the telecommunications and energy sectors. Certain of these newly privatized entities have suffered losses due to, among other things, the inability to adjust to a competitive
environment.
The market for Brazilian securities is directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries. As a result, adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the
Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.
Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign investment. Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose
82
temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and on the conversion of the Brazilian Real into foreign currency.
Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation and a high level of debt, each of which may constrain economic growth. Despite rapid development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of corruption, crime and income disparity. The Brazilian economy is also heavily dependent upon commodity prices and international trade. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. An increase in prices for commodities, such as petroleum, the depreciation of the Brazilian Real and future governmental measures seeking to maintain the value of the Brazilian Real in relation to the U.S. dollar, may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil
and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy. Conversely, appreciation of the Brazilian Real relative to the U.S. dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil’s current account and balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.
Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Brazilian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Brazilian Real. The Fund’s exposure to the Brazilian Real and changes in value of the Brazilian Real versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in
connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and Brazilian Real.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Colombian Issuers. (Market Vectors Colombia ETF only.) The agriculture and mining sectors of the Colombian economy accounts for a substantial portion of its exports. Any changes in these sectors or fluctuations in the commodity markets could have an adverse impact on Colombia’s economy and companies
located in Colombia. Commodity prices may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors, including, where applicable, high volatility, changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, trade, pestilence, changes in interest rates and monetary and other governmental policies, action and inaction.
The Colombian economy is dependent on the financial health of companies in the energy sector. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global energy prices, energy supply and demand, capital expenditures on
exploration and production, energy conservation efforts, exchange rates and technological advances. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings. As a result, governmental budget constraints may have a material
adverse effect on the stock prices of companies in this industry. Energy companies also face a significant risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Colombia is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, droughts, floods and tsunamis. In addition, emerging markets are especially economically sensitive to environmental events.
The Colombian economy and companies located in Colombia are dependent on commodity prices and the economies of other Central and South American countries, Europe, Asia, particularly China, and the United States, which are key trading partners. Reduction in spending on products and services offered by companies located in Colombia by any of
these trading partners or a downturn in any of these economies could adversely affect Colombia’s economy and the value of your investment in the Fund.
Colombia has historically experienced strained international relations due to territorial disputes, historical animosities or other defense concerns. These situations may cause uncertainty in Colombia’s market and may adversely affect the performance of Colombia’s economy.
The Colombian economy is subject to political, social, economic and regulatory risks which could adversely affect investments in the Fund. Colombia has experienced periods of political instability and social unrest in the past, and unemployment remains a problem. There may be a risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets
and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. Colombia has experienced economic instability resulting from periods of high inflation and currency devaluations. Colombia’s infrastructure may also require major improvements to sustain economic expansion. Heavy regulation of labor is pervasive
in Colombia and may stifle economic growth.
Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Colombian issuers, the income received by the Fund will be principally in Colombian pesos. The Fund’s exposure to the Colombian peso and changes in the value of the Colombian peso versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may
incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and Colombian pesos.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Egyptian Issuers. (Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF only.) Investment in securities of Egyptian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include,
among others, the imposition of capital controls, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, regional conflict, political instability,
83
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Issuers in Egypt are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Egypt significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the
value of the Fund’s Shares.
The securities markets in Egypt are underdeveloped and may be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. Securities markets in Egypt are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations,
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These risks could cause the Fund’s shares to trade at a significant premium or discount to its NAV. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether. Recently, the securities markets in Egypt were closed for an
extended period of time due to political and civil unrest.
The government in Egypt may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Egypt. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Egypt. For example, there may be prohibitions or substantial
restrictions on foreign investing in Egypt’s capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. Moreover, Egypt may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain
class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Egypt and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. There may be a risk of loss due to the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, there may be limitations or delays in the convertibility
or repatriation of the Egyptian pound which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of the Fund’s investments denominated in the Egyptian pound, may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and/or may impede the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests in a timely manner. When the Fund holds illiquid
investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.
Emerging markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The value of the Egyptian pound may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Egyptian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Egyptian pounds. The Fund’s exposure to
the Egyptian pound and changes in value of the Egyptian pound versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Egyptian pound.
In Egypt, the marketability of quoted shares is limited due to the restricted opening hours of stock exchanges (normally 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday), a narrow range of investors and a relatively high proportion of market value being concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of shareholders. In addition, because Egyptian
stock exchanges on which the Fund’s portfolio securities may trade are open when the NYSE Arca is closed, the Fund may be subject to heightened risk associated with market movements.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in German Issuers. (Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF only.) Germany has an export dependent economy and therefore relies heavily on trade with key trading partners, including the United States and other countries in Europe. Exports account for more than one-third of Germany’s output and are a key
element in German economic expansion. Reduction in spending by European countries on German products and services or negative changes in any of these countries may cause an adverse impact on the German economy. Decreasing U.S. imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or a recession in the United States may
also have an adverse impact on the German economy.
The Economic and Monetary Union of the EU requires compliance with restrictions on inflation, deficits, interest rates, public debt and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect each country in Europe. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the Euro,
the default or threat of default by an EU country on its sovereign debt, and recessions in an EU country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU countries. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt levels of several European countries,
including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and other bodies, including austerity measures and reforms may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future economic growth or have other uncertain or unintended consequences. In addition, one or more
countries may abandon the Euro and/or withdraw from the EU, which could have significant and far-reaching consequences. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect other countries in Europe. The German economy, along with certain other EU nations, experienced a significant slowdown
during the recent financial crisis.
84
Investing in German issuers involves political, social and regulatory risks. Certain sectors and regions of Germany have experienced high unemployment and social unrest. These issues may have an adverse effect on the German economy or the German industries or sectors in which the Fund invests. Heavy regulation of labor and product markets is
pervasive in Germany. These regulations may stifle economic growth or result in extended recessionary periods.
Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of German issuers, the income received by the Fund will be principally in Euros. The Fund’s exposure to the Euro and changes in the value of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions
between U.S. dollars and Euros.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in GCC Issuers. (Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF only.) Investment in securities of GCC issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include,
among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, terrorist activities, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social
instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest.
The securities markets in certain countries belonging to the GCC are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in certain countries belonging to the GCC are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility,
lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of sectors or
industries. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
Certain economies in the GCC depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities such as oil. A sustained decrease in commodity prices would have a significant negative impact on all aspects of the economy in certain countries belonging to the GCC. Certain GCC governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial
influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in certain countries belonging to the GCC.
Certain governments in certain countries belonging to the GCC may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in certain countries
belonging to the GCC. Moreover, certain countries belonging to the GCC may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that
may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in certain countries belonging to the GCC significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more
developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the currencies of certain countries belonging to the GCC may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of GCC issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in currencies of such countries. The Fund’s exposure to the currencies of certain countries belonging
to the GCC and changes in value of such currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the particular currency of such countries belonging to the GCC.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Indian Issuers. (Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF only.) Investment in securities of Indian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks
include, among others, greater government control over the economy, including the risk that the Indian government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, political and legal uncertainty, currency fluctuations or blockage of foreign currency exchanges and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. Issuers in India are
subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. In addition, religious and border disputes persist in India. Moreover, India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with
neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and the Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. In addition, India has experienced acts of terrorism that have targeted foreigners. Such acts of terrorism have had a negative impact on tourism, an important sector of the Indian economy.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.
Economic Risk. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy. The Indian government has
experienced chronic structural public sector deficits. High amounts of debt and public spending could have an adverse impact on India’s economy. In recent years the Indian government has implemented several economic structural reforms which seek to achieve, among others, reduction in India’s fiscal deficit, a decrease in, and control of, the
rate of inflation, the liberalization of India’s exchange and trade policies along with promoting a sound monetary policy, a reformation of the financial sector as well placing a greater reliance on market mechanism to direct economic activity. Despite recent downturns, the Indian economy has experienced generally sustained growth during the last
several years. However, there are no guarantees this level of growth will continue. Additionally, the Indian economy is heavily dependent upon agriculture and thus the Fund’s investments may be susceptible to adverse weather changes include the threat of monsoons and other natural disasters.
Investment and Repatriation Restrictions. The RBI, the Indian counterpart of the Federal Reserve Bank in the United States, imposes certain limits on the foreign ownership of Indian securities. In general, ownership by a foreign institutional investor (“FII”) is limited to 24% of the outstanding voting securities of an Indian issuer which limit can be
further extended to the applicable foreign investment limit in a specific sector if the shareholders of a company pass a special resolution to that effect. No single FII or its sub-accounts (provided such sub-account is broad based) can hold more than 10% of the total paid-up equity capital of an Indian company. Further, in the case of foreign
corporates or individuals, each of such sub-account cannot invest more than 5% of the total paid-up equity capital of an Indian company. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”), the Indian counterpart of the SEC in the United States, monitors foreign holdings and periodically announces current foreign ownership limitations and
changes to such limits. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in India and may inhibit the Fund’s ability to track the India Small-Cap Index.
Regulatory Risk. The Adviser is a qualified foreign institutional investor (“FII”) with the SEBI, and the Subsidiary is registered as a sub-account with the SEBI in order to obtain the ability to make and dispose of investments. There can be no assurances that the Indian regulatory authorities will continue to grant such qualifications, and the loss of
such qualifications could adversely impact the ability of the Fund to make investments in India.
The Subsidiary’s investments will be made in accordance with investment restrictions prescribed under the FII regulation. If new policy announcements or regulations in India are made, including, potentially policies with retroactive effect, which require changes in the structure or operations of the Fund, these may adversely impact the performance
of the Fund.
Tax Risk. The Subsidiary is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust in Mauritius and obtains benefits from favorable tax treatment by the Indian government pursuant to a taxation treaty between India and Mauritius. The Supreme Court of India has upheld the validity of this tax treaty in response to a challenge in a lower court contesting the treaty’s
applicability to entities such as the Fund; however, there can be no assurance that any future challenge will result in a favorable outcome. In recent years, there has been discussion in the Indian press that the treaty may be re-negotiated. There can be no assurance that the terms of the treaty will not be subject to re-negotiation in the future or
subject to a different interpretation or that the Subsidiary will continue to be deemed a tax resident by Mauritius, allowing it favorable tax treatment. Any change in the provisions of this treaty or in its applicability to the Subsidiary could result in the imposition of withholding and other taxes on the Subsidiary by India, which would reduce the
return to the Fund on its investments. The Fund intends to elect to “pass-through” to the Fund’s shareholders as a deduction or credit the amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. The taxes passed through to shareholders are included in each shareholder’s income. Certain shareholders, including some non-U.S. shareholders, are not entitled to
the benefit of a deduction or credit with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Other foreign taxes, such as transfer taxes, may be imposed on the Fund, but would not give rise to a credit, or be eligible to be passed through to shareholders.
Proposed budget legislation in India (the “2012 Finance Bill”) proposes to implement a general anti-avoidance provision (“GAAR”) expected to become effective in 2015. GAAR would be applicable where the main purpose of an arrangement is tax avoidance. GAAR provisions empower the tax authorities to declare any arrangement as an
“impermissible avoidance arrangement,” provided the same has been entered into with the main objective of obtaining tax benefit under specified circumstances. If the Fund’s use of the Subsidiary were considered to be such an impermissible avoidance arrangement, the Fund would become subject directly to taxation in India. The burden of proof
in enforcing the rule will reside with the Indian government, not the taxpayer, and India’s current double tax treaty arrangements will remain in force. If the Indian tax authorities were to apply the GAAR to the Subsidiary, this could result in the benefits under the tax treaty being denied to the Subsidiary, and consequently have an adverse impact
on the taxability of the Subsidiary and the returns to the
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investors. In a recent case of a cross border acquisition transaction involving the transfer of shares of a non-resident company holding underlying shares in an Indian company to another non-resident company, the Indian Supreme Court held that the transfer of offshore assets ordinarily would not attract Indian tax liability. However, the 2012
Finance Bill in its current form includes a proposal to retrospectively overrule this decision and tax indirect transfers of Indian entities by non-residents, which would subject the Fund to tax on any gains it realizes on transactions in the shares of the Subsidiary between it and the Subsidiary and could have other adverse effects on the Fund. The
2012 Finance Bill introduced provisions that provide where shares of a non-Indian company derive their value substantially from assets in India, the transfer of such shares may, for the purposes of Indian tax rules, be deemed to amount to the transfer of capital assets situated in India. The amendments to the Income Tax Act, 1961 (“ITA”), set out
in the 2012 Finance Bill, further provide that the term “transfer” includes a direct or an indirect disposal of an asset whether or not such transfer is dependent upon, or flows from, the transfer or redemption of shares of a non-Indian company. As a result, it is possible that Indian tax authorities may find a tax liability arising from the transfer of
shares of the Subsidiary by the Fund on the basis that such shares derive their value substantially from assets in India. However, there are currently no rules or guidance relating to possible Indian tax liability and the circumstances in which the shares of a non-Indian company can be said to derive their value substantially from assets in India,
although an expert committee set up by the Government of India recommended that the foregoing tax treatment of indirect transfers be mitigated in certain respects.
Further, the Government of India has recently issued a Direct Tax Code Bill for discussion purposes, which if enacted will replace the existing ITA. The provisions of the new Direct Tax Code, if enacted, could change the manner in which the Subsidiary or the portfolio companies are currently taxed in India, and could adversely impact the returns to
the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF and its shareholders. Hence, no assurance can be given that the interpretations described in this discussion will remain in effect. Any changes could also be applied retroactively. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their own tax situations and the tax
consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Limitations on the Subsidiary’s Ability to Make Distributions or Pay Redemption Proceeds to the Fund. Under applicable laws in Mauritius, the Subsidiary can only make distributions if the value of its assets is greater than the sum of the value of its liabilities and its stated capital. In addition, the Subsidiary is subject to limitations under
applicable laws in Mauritius on payments of redemption proceeds depending on its accumulated losses for accounting purposes. These limitations may adversely affect the ability of the Subsidiary to make distributions or pay redemption proceeds to the Fund, which may negatively affect the Fund.
Currency Fluctuation and Conversion Risk. Because the Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Indian issuers, the income received by the Fund will be principally in Indian rupees. The Fund’s exposure to the Indian rupee and changes in the value of the Indian rupee versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the
Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and Indian rupees.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Indonesian Issuers. (Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF and Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF only.) Investment in securities of Indonesian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your
investment in each Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, currency devaluations, high rates of inflation, corruption, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental
decision making, armed conflict, acts of terrorism, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. In addition, the Indonesian economy is dependent upon trade with other nations, including China, Japan, Singapore and the United States. Indonesia has experienced acts
of terrorism that have targeted foreigners. Such acts of terrorism have had a negative impact on tourism, an important sector of the Indonesia economy.
The securities markets of Indonesia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Indonesia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity,
inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
The government in Indonesia may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Indonesia. Moreover, governmental approval or special
licenses may be required prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of
Indonesia and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Indonesia’s securities laws are unsettled and judicial enforcement of contracts with foreign entities is inconsistent and, as a result of pervasive corruption, is subject to the risk that cases will not be judged impartially. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Indonesia significantly riskier than investing in issuers
located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of each Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Indonesian Rupiah may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. Each Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Indonesian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Indonesian Rupiah. Each Fund’s exposure to the Indonesian Rupiah and changes in value of the Indonesian Rupiah versus the
U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, each Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Indonesian Rupiah.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Israeli Issuers. (Market Vectors Israel ETF only.) Investment in Israeli issuers involves risks that are specific to Israel, including regulatory, legal, political, security and economic risks. Israel’s economy is dependent upon external trade with other economies, notably the United States, China, Japan, Canada and
European Union countries. Reduction in spending on Israeli products and services or changes in any of these other economies may adversely impact the Fund. The government of Israel may change the way in which Israeli companies are taxed, or may impose taxes on foreign investment. Such actions could have a negative impact on the overall market
for Israeli securities and on the Fund. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority and its neighboring countries Lebanon, Syria and Iran, among others, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities or security concerns, which may cause uncertainty in the Israeli markets and adversely affect the overall economy.
Israel has experienced a history of hostile relations with several countries in the Mid-East region. Israel and its citizens have also been the target of periodic acts of terrorism that have the potential to disrupt economic activity in the country, and certain terrorist groups are committed to violence against Israel. Current hostilities and the potential for
future hostilities may diminish the value of companies whose principal operations or headquarters are located in Israel. Actual hostilities or the threat of future hostilities may cause significant volatility in the share price of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel.
Due to political or civil unrest in Israel, the Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. In addition, the Israeli government may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Israel.
These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Israel and may inhibit the Fund’s ability to track the Israel Index.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Latin America. (Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF only.) Investments in securities of Latin American issuers involve special considerations not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers located in the United States. The economies of certain Latin American countries have, at
times, experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region’s exports and many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic
events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on other countries of this region.
Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many Latin
American countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.
The political history of certain Latin American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such events could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and could result in significant disruption
in securities markets in the region.
The economies of Latin American countries are generally considered emerging markets and can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain Latin American countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can
lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. Certain Latin American countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many Latin American currencies and it
would, as a result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies.
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Finally, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries. There have been moratoria on, and a rescheduling of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their
economies.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Polish Issuers. (Market Vectors Poland ETF only.) Investment in securities of Polish issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include, among
others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a
result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Furthermore, events and evolving conditions in certain European countries have greatly increased market volatility due to concerns about high levels of government debt, credit rating downgrades of sovereign debt and uncertainty about the future use of the Euro as a common currency. These events
have adversely affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe. In addition, Poland’s economy is dependent upon the export of raw materials and consumer goods. Poland is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including Germany and other European Union nations
and as a result may be affected if demand for Poland’s exports in those nations declines.
The securities markets in Poland are underdeveloped and are less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Poland are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
The government in Poland may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Poland. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Poland. Moreover, Poland may require governmental approval
or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Poland and/or
impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Poland significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Polish Zloty may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Polish issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Polish Zloty. The Fund’s exposure to the Polish Zloty and changes in value of the Polish Zloty versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced
returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Polish Zloty.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Russian Issuers. (Market Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only.) Investment in securities of Russian issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in each
Fund. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory or punitive taxation, regional conflict, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the imposition of
economic sanctions by other nations, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest.
The securities markets of Russia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Russia are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, inflation, greater
price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Additionally, certain investments in Russia may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of
market turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets. Moreover, trading on securities markets in Russia may be suspended altogether.
The government in Russia may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Russia. Moreover, governmental approval or special licenses
may be required prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of Russia and/or
impose additional taxes on foreign investors. Less
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
information may be available about companies in which the Fund invests because many companies that are tied economically to Russia are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices required by U.S. companies. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Russia
significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of each Fund’s Shares.
As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and a Russian bank. The United States and other nations or international organizations may impose additional economic sanctions or take other actions that may adversely affect
Russian-related issuers, including companies in various sectors of the Russian economy, including, but not limited to, the financial services, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense and defense-related materials sectors. These sanctions, any future sanctions or other actions, or even the threat of further sanctions or other actions, may
negatively affect the value and liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio and may impair a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, a Fund may be prohibited from investing in securities issued by companies subject to such sanctions. In addition, the sanctions may require a Fund to freeze its existing investments in Russian companies,
prohibiting a Fund from buying, selling or otherwise transacting in these investments. Russia may undertake countermeasures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio and potentially disrupt its operations.
For these or other reasons, a Fund could seek to suspend redemptions of Creation Units, including in the event that an emergency exists in which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine its NAV. A Fund could also, among other things, limit or suspend creations of Creation Units. During the period that
creations or redemptions are affected, a Fund’s shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to their NAV. In the case of a period during which creations are suspended, a Fund could experience substantial redemptions, which may exacerbate the discount to net asset value at which the Fund’s shares trade, cause the Fund to experience
increased transaction costs, and cause the Fund to make greater taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund. A Fund may also change its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an alternative index, or the Fund could liquidate all or a portion of its assets, which may be at unfavorable prices.
Despite recent reform and privatization, the Russian government continues to control a large share of economic activity in the region. The Russian government owns shares in corporations in a range of sectors including banking, energy production and distribution, automotive, transportation and telecommunications. Additionally, because Russia produces
and exports large volumes of oil and gas, the Russian economy is particularly sensitive to the price of oil and gas on the world market, and a decline in the price of oil and gas could have a significant negative impact on the Russian economy.
The value of the Russian Ruble may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. Each Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Russian issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Russian Rubles. Each Fund’s exposure to the Russian Ruble and changes in value of the Russian Ruble versus the U.S. dollar may
result in reduced returns to the Fund. Moreover, each Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Russian Ruble. In addition, current political and economic events in Russia and the effects of the recent global economic crisis on the Russian economy may have significant adverse effects on the Russian Ruble and
on the value and liquidity of each Fund’s investments.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Vietnamese Issuers. (Market Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) Investment in securities of Vietnamese issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks include,
among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of
religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Vietnam is dependent on trading relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States, China and Japan, and as a result may be adversely affected if demand for Vietnam’s exports in those nations decline.
The securities markets in Vietnam are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. As a result, securities markets in Vietnam are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity,
inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.
Current regulations in Vietnam require the Fund to execute trades of securities of Vietnamese companies through a single broker. As a result, the Adviser will have less flexibility to choose among brokers on behalf of the Fund than is typically the case for investment managers. In addition, because the process of purchasing securities in Vietnam requires
that payment to the local broker occur prior to receipt of securities, failure of the broker to deliver the securities will adversely affect the Fund.
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The government in Vietnam may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in Vietnam. Moreover, Vietnam may require governmental
approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of
Vietnam and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in Vietnam significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares.
The value of the Vietnam Dong may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund’s assets will be invested primarily in equity securities of Vietnamese issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in Vietnam Dong. The Fund’s exposure to the Vietnam Dong and changes in value of the Vietnam Dong versus the U.S. dollar may
result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and the Vietnam Dong.
Risk of Investing in Issuers Located Outside of Vietnam. (Market Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) It is currently expected that approximately 26% of the Vietnam Index will consist of securities of issuers located outside of Vietnam that have exposure to the Vietnamese market. Because securities of issuers located outside of Vietnam may not move in tandem
with changes in the Vietnamese securities market, Market Vectors Vietnam ETF’s portfolio may not be as closely linked to the Vietnamese market as a fund that invests solely in issuers that are located in Vietnam or in issuers that actually derive a substantial portion of their revenues from Vietnam.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Each Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs,
taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because many foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the prices of securities that trade in such markets may be influenced by large traders. Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to
changed conditions or new developments. Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact a Fund’s ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund
from repatriating its investments. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries.
Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trade patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory
measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a Fund’s ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the Fund’s investments in such securities harder to value. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such
foreign issuers or otherwise adversely affect a Fund’s operations. Each Fund may also invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. In addition, a Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal
obligation to distribute shareholder communications.
Because a Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund from these investments may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The values of the currencies of the countries in which a Fund may invest may be subject to a high
degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. Therefore, a Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. Moreover, a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies. Each Fund may, but is not obligated to, invest in derivative instruments to lock in certain currency exchange rates from time to time.
Risk of Investing in Emerging and Frontier Market Issuers. Certain Funds invest in securities of emerging market issuers and frontier market issuers. Each of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF invests its assets in securities of frontier market issuers.
Emerging and frontier market countries include countries in Africa, the GCC and Latin America, as well as the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Poland, Russia and Vietnam. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in frontier market countries are magnified. Investment in securities of emerging and frontier market issuers involves risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of
your investment in a Fund. Such heightened risks may include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the
economy as a result of civil war, crime (including drug violence) and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Issuers in certain emerging and frontier market countries are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed
markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on a Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.
Securities Markets. Securities markets in emerging and frontier market countries are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. Securities markets in emerging and frontier market countries are subject to greater risks associated with market
volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors, limit the supply of securities available for
investment by a Fund. This will affect the rate at which the Fund is able to invest in emerging and frontier market countries, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the timing of purchases and sales. Emerging and frontier markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The prices of certain securities
listed on securities markets in emerging and frontier market countries have been subject to sharp fluctuations and sudden declines, and no assurance can be given as to the future performance of listed securities in general. Volatility of prices may be greater than in more developed securities markets. Moreover, securities markets in emerging and
frontier market countries may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether due to political or civil unrest. Market volatility may also be heightened by the actions of a small number of investors. Brokerage firms in emerging and frontier market countries may be fewer in number and less
established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since a Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent a Fund effects securities transactions through a
single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions, and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging and frontier market countries as is the case in
certain more developed markets.
Political and Economic Risk. Certain emerging and frontier market countries have historically been subject to political instability and their prospects are tied to the continuation of economic and political liberalization in the region. Instability may result from factors such as government or military intervention in decision making, terrorism, civil unrest,
extremism or hostilities between neighboring countries. An outbreak of hostilities could negatively impact a Fund’s returns. Extremist groups in certain countries in the Middle East and North Africa region have traditionally held anti-Western views and are opposed to openness to foreign investments. Egypt borders the Gaza Strip and Israel and there
are risks of further instability and violence in the region. Limited political and democratic freedoms in emerging and frontier market countries might cause significant social unrest. These factors may have a significant adverse effect on an emerging or frontier market country’s economy.
Many emerging and frontier market countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which it trades. They also
have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.
In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the Latin American region’s exports and many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on other countries of this region. In
addition, most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in
many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels. The political history of certain Latin American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such events
92
could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region.
Also, certain issuers located in emerging and frontier market countries in which a Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer
may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. A Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.
Investment and Repatriation Restrictions. The government in an emerging or frontier market country may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in such emerging and frontier market countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign
investment in securities of issuers located or operating in emerging and frontier market countries and may inhibit a Fund’s ability to track its Index. In addition, a Fund may not be able to buy or sell securities or receive full value for such securities. Moreover, certain emerging and frontier market countries may require governmental approval or
special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of such emerging
and frontier market countries; and/or may impose additional taxes on foreign investors. A delay in obtaining a required government approval or a license would delay investments in those emerging and frontier market countries, and, as a result, a Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. The government of
certain emerging and frontier market countries may also withdraw or decline to renew a license that enables a Fund to invest in such country. These factors make investing in issuers located or operating in emerging and frontier market countries significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any
one of them could cause a decline in the value of a Fund’s Shares.
Additionally, investments in issuers located in certain emerging and frontier market countries may be subject to a greater degree of risk associated with governmental approval in connection with the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. Moreover, there is the risk that if the balance of
payments in an emerging or frontier market country declines, the government of such country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. Consequently, a Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of
any restrictions on investments. Furthermore, investments in emerging and frontier market countries may require a Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund.
Available Disclosure About Emerging and Frontier Market Issuers. Issuers located or operating in emerging and frontier market countries are not subject to the same rules and regulations as issuers located or operating in more developed countries. Therefore, there may be less financial and other information publicly available with regard to issuers
located or operating in emerging and frontier market countries and such issuers are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to issuers located or operating in more developed countries.
Foreign Currency Considerations. A Fund’s assets that are invested in equity securities of issuers in emerging and frontier market countries will generally be denominated in foreign currencies, and the income received by the Fund from these investments will be principally in foreign currencies. The value of an emerging or frontier market country’s
currency may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. This fluctuation may be due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. The
economies of certain emerging and frontier market countries can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain emerging and frontier market countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to
sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors.
A Fund’s exposure to an emerging or frontier market country’s currency and changes in value of such foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar may reduce a Fund’s investment performance and the value of your investment in the Fund. Meanwhile, a Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of
income will be made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. Therefore, if the value of the respective emerging or frontier market country’s currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the earning of the income and the time at which a Fund converts the relevant emerging or
frontier market country’s currency to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain positions in order to make distributions if the Fund has
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices or otherwise have an adverse impact on a Fund’s performance.
Certain emerging and frontier market countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many such currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for a Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the
Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies. Furthermore, if permitted, a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and an emerging or frontier market country’s currency. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. A Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the
foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. The Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF does not expect to hedge its currency risk.
Operational and Settlement Risk. In addition to having less developed securities markets, emerging and frontier market countries have less developed custody and settlement practices than certain developed countries. Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit a Fund to maintain its foreign securities and cash in the custody of certain eligible non-
U.S. banks and securities depositories. Banks in emerging and frontier market countries that are eligible foreign sub custodians may be recently organized or otherwise lack extensive operating experience. In addition, in certain emerging and frontier market countries there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of a Fund to recover
assets held in custody by a foreign sub-custodian in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian. Because settlement systems in emerging and frontier market countries may be less organized than in other developed markets, there may be a risk that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities of the Fund may be in jeopardy
because of failures of or defects in the systems. Under the laws in many emerging and frontier market countries, a Fund may be required to release local shares before receiving cash payment or may be required to make cash payment prior to receiving local shares, creating a risk that the Fund may surrender cash or securities without ever
receiving securities or cash from the other party. Settlement systems in emerging and frontier market countries also have a higher risk of failed trades and back to back settlements may not be possible.
A Fund may not be able to convert a foreign currency to U.S. dollars in time for the settlement of redemption requests. In the event of a redemption request from an authorized participant, a Fund will be required to deliver U.S. dollars to the authorized participant on the settlement date. In the event that a Fund is not able to convert the foreign
currency to U.S. dollars in time for settlement, which may occur as a result of the delays described above, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain investments and/or borrow money in order to fund such redemption. The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices or otherwise have an adverse impact on the
Fund’s performance (e.g., by causing the Fund to overweight foreign currency denominated holdings and underweight other holdings which were sold to fund redemptions). In addition, a Fund will incur interest expense on any borrowings and the borrowings will cause the Fund to be leveraged, which may magnify gains and losses on its
investments.
In certain frontier and emerging market countries, the marketability of quoted shares may be limited due to the restricted opening hours of stock exchanges, and a narrow range of investors and a relatively high proportion of market value may be concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of shareholders. In addition, because certain
frontier and emerging market countries’ stock exchanges on which a Fund’s portfolio securities may trade are open when the NYSE Arca is closed, the Fund may be subject to heightened risk associated with market movements. Trading volume may be lower on certain frontier and emerging market countries’ stock exchanges than on more
developed securities markets and equities may be generally less liquid. The infrastructure for clearing, settlement and registration on the primary and secondary markets of certain frontier and emerging market countries are less developed than in certain other markets and under certain circumstances this may result in a Fund experiencing delays in
settling and/or registering transactions in the markets in which it invests, particularly if the growth of foreign and domestic investment in certain frontier and emerging market countries places an undue burden on such investment infrastructure. Such delays could affect the speed with which a Fund can transmit redemption proceeds and may
inhibit the initiation and realization of investment opportunities at optimum times.
Certain issuers in emerging and frontier market countries may utilize share blocking schemes. Share blocking refers to a practice, in certain foreign markets, where voting rights related to an issuer’s securities are predicated on these securities being blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a period of time around a
shareholder meeting. These restrictions have the effect of barring the purchase and sale of certain voting securities within a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders will be taken. Share
94
blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities for a period of time. During the time that shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. The process for having a blocking restriction lifted can be quite onerous with the particular requirements varying widely by country.
In addition, in certain countries, the block cannot be removed. As a result of the ramifications of voting ballots in markets that allow share blocking, the Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies in those markets.
Corporate and Securities Laws. Securities laws in emerging and frontier market countries are relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities regulation, title to securities and shareholder rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected
by new or amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which emerging and frontier market issuers are subject may be less advanced than those systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of issuers located in emerging and frontier market countries
may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries. In circumstances where adequate laws and shareholder rights exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law. In addition, the enforcement of systems of taxation at federal, regional and local levels in
emerging and frontier market countries may be inconsistent and subject to sudden change.
Risk of Investing in Depositary Receipts. A Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. Depositary receipts are receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges issued by banks or trust companies that entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the
underlying foreign shares. The issuers of certain depositary receipts are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Investment in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading
market, if not included in a Fund’s Index, and may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of its Index. In addition, investments in depositary receipts may lead to tracking error.
Risk of Investing in the Basic Materials Sector. (Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes
securities of issuers in the basic materials sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the basic materials sector. Companies engaged in the production and distribution of basic materials may be adversely affected by changes in world events, political and economic
conditions, energy conservation, environmental policies, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. (Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index
includes securities of issuers in the consumer discretionary sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies engaged in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may
also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector. (Market Vectors Colombia ETF and Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the consumer staples sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the
consumer staples sector. These companies may be adversely affected by changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, exploration and production spending. Companies in this sector are also affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions.
Risk of Investing in the Energy Sector. (Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index
includes securities of issuers in the energy sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions
that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of
loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the financial services sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit
downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be subject
to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent
developments in the credit markets may cause companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Health Care Sector. (Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Israel ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the health care sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on,
the overall condition of the health care sector. Companies in the health care sector may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry
innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Many health care companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Health care
companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many new products in the health care sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly. Companies in the health care sector may be thinly capitalized and may
be susceptible to product obsolescence.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. (Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market
Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the industrials sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government
regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates. The stock prices of companies in the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial sector
products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. In addition, the industrials sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. (Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF and Market Vectors Israel ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the information technology sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and their performance may
depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of technology
companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the
profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Telecommunications Sector (Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF and Market Vectors Russia ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers in the telecommunications sector, a Fund may be
sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the telecommunications sector. Companies in the telecommunications sector may be affected by industry competition, substantial capital requirements, government regulations and obsolescence of telecommunications products and services due to
technological advancement.
Risk of Investing in the Utilities Sector. (Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only.) Because each Fund’s respective Index includes securities of issuers
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in the utilities sector, a Fund may be sensitive to changes in, and their performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Issuers in the utilities sector are subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction and
improvement programs, difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets, and the effects of effects of economic slowdowns and surplus capacity. Companies in the utilities sector are subject to extensive regulation, including governmental regulation of rates charged to
customers, and may face difficulty in obtaining regulatory approval of new technologies. The effects of a U.S. national energy policy and lengthy delays and greatly increased costs and other problems associated with the design, construction, licensing, regulation and operation of nuclear facilities for electric generation, including, among other
considerations, the problems associated with the use of radioactive materials and the disposal of radioactive wastes, may adversely affect companies in the utilities sector. Certain companies in the utilities sector may be inexperienced and may suffer potential losses resulting from a developing deregulatory environment. Technological innovations may
render existing plants, equipment or products obsolete. Companies in the utilities sector may face increased competition from other providers of utility services. The potential impact of terrorist activities on companies in the utilities sector and its customers and the impact of natural or man-made disasters may adversely affect the utilities sector. Issuers
in the utilities sector also may be subject to regulation by various governmental authorities and may be affected by the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
Risk of Investing in Small- and/or Medium-Capitalization Companies. Each Fund may invest in small- and/or medium-capitalization companies and, therefore will be subject to certain risks associated with small- and medium-capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable
periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their
product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger companies.
Risk of Investing in Small-Capitalization Companies. (Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only.) A Fund may invest in small-capitalization companies and, therefore will be subject to certain risks associated with small-
capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small-capitalization companies could trail the returns on
investments in securities of larger companies.
Risk of Investing in Micro-Capitalization Companies. (Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) A Fund may invest in micro-capitalization companies. These companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their
earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. Micro-capitalization companies may be newly formed or in the early stages of development, with limited product
lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management depth. In addition, there may be less public information available about these companies. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future
ability to sell these securities. Also, it may take a long time before the Fund realizes a gain, if any, on an investment in a micro-capitalization company.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by each Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by a Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which a Fund invests. For example, an adverse event, such as an unfavorable
earnings report, may result in a decline in the value of equity securities of an issuer held by a Fund; the price of the equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the securities markets; or a drop in the securities markets may depress the price of most or all of the equities securities held by a Fund. In addition, the
equity securities of an issuer in a Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than
preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. (Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF only.) The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller
issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market perception or the credit rating of an issuer of securities included in a Fund’s Index may cause the value of its securities to decline.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the each Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in a Fund may lose money. Overall securities values could decline generally or underperform other investments.
Index Tracking Risk. Each Fund’s return may not match the return of its Index for a number of reasons. For example, a Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to its Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of
its Index and, to the extent the Fund creates and redeems Creation Units in cash, raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units. A Fund’s return may also deviate significantly from the return of its Index because the Fund bears the costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities while
such costs and risks are not factored into the return of its Index. A Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows into the Fund (if the Fund effects creations and redemptions for cash) or reserves of cash held by the Fund to pay expenses or meet redemptions. In addition, a Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities
included in its Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of its Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. Moreover, a Fund may be delayed in
purchasing or selling securities included in its Index. Any issues a Fund encounters with regard to currency convertibility (including the cost of borrowing funds, if any) and repatriation may also increase the index tracking risk.
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF may accept cash in connection with a purchase of
Creation Units or effect their redemptions in cash rather than in-kind and, as a result, each Fund’s ability to match the return of its respective Index will be affected.
Pursuant to the methodology of the Index Provider (defined herein) used to calculate and maintain the India Small-Cap Index, when a security in the India Small-Cap Index reaches its limitation on foreign ownership, it may not be removed from the India Small-Cap Index that day. The Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, however, may be forced to
sell securities at inopportune times or for prices other than at current market values or may elect not to sell such securities on the day that they are removed from the India Small-Cap Index, due to market conditions or otherwise. Due to these factors, the variation between the Fund’s annual return and the return of its India Small-Cap Index may
increase.
In addition, with respect to Market Vectors Vietnam ETF, pursuant to the methodology of the Index Provider (defined herein) used to calculate and maintain the Vietnam Index, a company may be removed from the Vietnam Index at a quarterly rebalancing as a result of reaching its limitation on foreign ownership. Consequently, Market Vectors Vietnam
ETF may be forced to sell securities at inopportune times or for prices other than at current market values or may elect not to sell such securities on the day that they are removed from the Vietnam Index, due to market conditions or otherwise. Due to these factors, the variation between a Fund’s annual return and the return of its Index may increase.
Each Fund is expected to fair value certain of the foreign securities it holds except those securities primarily traded on exchanges that close at the same time the Fund calculates its NAV. To the extent a Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of its Index is based on securities’ closing price on local foreign markets (i.e., the
value of its Index is not based on fair value prices) or if a Fund otherwise calculates its NAV based on prices that differ from those used in calculating its Index, the Fund’s ability to track its Index may be adversely affected. The need to comply with the tax diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact a Fund’s
ability to replicate the performance of its Index. In addition, if a Fund utilizes depositary receipts and other derivative instruments, its return may not correlate as well with its Index as would be the case if the Fund purchased all the securities in its Index directly. Actions taken in response to proposed corporate actions could result in increased tracking
error.
With respect to Market Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF only, in the event economic sanctions are imposed by the United States against certain Russian companies, Market Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF may not be able to fully replicate the Russia Index and the Russia Small-Cap Index by
investing in the relevant
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securities, which may lead to increased tracking error. Market Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses.
Replication Management Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Funds are not “actively” managed. Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from its Index, a Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer is in financial trouble. If a specific security is removed from a Fund’s Index, the Fund may be forced to sell such
security at an inopportune time or for prices other than at current market values. An investment in a Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. Each Fund’s Index may not contain the appropriate or a diversified mix of securities for any particular economic cycle. The timing of changes in the securities of a Fund’s portfolio in seeking to replicate its Index could have a negative effect on the Fund. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser does not use techniques or
defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, a Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. The NAV of the Shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of each Fund’s securities holdings. The
market prices of Shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely
related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of a Fund’s Index trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder
may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most ETFs, Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors
Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF effect all of their creations and redemptions partially or principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in such Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional ETF. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing
gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. Because these Funds currently intend to effect all or a portion of redemptions, as applicable, for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, they may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which
involves transaction costs. If a Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Funds generally intend to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid
being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Additionally, transactions may have to be carried out over
several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable transaction fees and taxes.
Non-Diversified Risk. Each Fund is a separate investment portfolio of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act. Each Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act. As a result, each Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a
diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on a Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. Market Vectors Colombia ETF,
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF may be particularly vulnerable to this risk because their respective Indices are comprised of securities of a very limited number of issuers.
Concentration Risk. A Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent that its respective Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. The securities of many or all of the companies in the same sector or industry may decline in value due to
developments adversely affecting such sector or industry. By concentrating its assets in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, a Fund is subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets
were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
ADDITIONAL RISKS
Risk of Investing in MLPs. (Market Vectors Israel ETF only.) MLP units may trade infrequently and in limited volume. Investments in MLPs could also expose the Fund to volatility risk, because units of MLPs may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of MLP units are
subject to certain risks inherent in the structure of MLPs, including (i) tax risks (described further below), (ii) the limited ability to elect or remove management or the general partner or managing member, (iii) limited voting rights and (iv) conflicts of interest between the general partner or managing member and its affiliates and the limited partners or
members. Holders of units of MLPs have more limited control rights and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP as compared to holders of stock of a corporation. For example, MLP unit holders may not elect the general partner or the directors of the general partner and the MLP unit holders have limited ability to remove an MLP’s general
partner. MLPs are controlled by their general partners, which generally have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties to the MLP, which may permit the general partner to favor its own interests over the MLPs. The amount of cash that each individual MLP can distribute to its partners will depend on the amount of cash it generates from
operations, which will vary from quarter to quarter depending on factors affecting the particular business lines of the MLP. Available cash will also depend on the MLPs’ level of operating costs (including incentive distributions to the general partner), level of capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisition costs (if any), fluctuations in working
capital needs and other factors. Currently, the MLPs that may be included in the Israel Index operate in the energy sector. MLPs operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates
charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility and the cost of providing the specific utility services. In addition, these MLPs are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Some MLPs may be treated as “passive foreign investment companies” or “controlled foreign corporations” corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The manner and extent of the Fund’s investments in MLPs may be limited by its intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (which would increase the
risk of tracking error), and any such investments by the Fund may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to so qualify. If any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as entities other than partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it could result in a reduction of the value of an investment in the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are based on the value of one or more indicators, such as a security, asset, currency, interest rate, or index. A Fund’s use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more
traditional investments. Moreover, although the value of a derivative is based on an underlying indicator, a derivative does not carry the same rights as would be the case if a Fund invested directly in the underlying securities.
Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as potential changes in value in response to market developments, in the case of “over-the-counter” derivatives, or as a result of the counterparty’s credit quality and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or
improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying indicator. Derivative transactions can create investment leverage, may be highly volatile, and a Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of
taxes payable by shareholders of a Fund.
Many derivative transactions are entered into “over-the-counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and the willingness of a Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, a Fund’s contractual
remedies against such counterparty may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor (e.g., the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive). A liquid secondary market may not always exist for a Fund’s derivative positions at any time.
Participation Notes. Participation Notes (“P-Notes”) are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to the performance of a particular underlying equity security or market. P-Notes can have the characteristics or take the form of various instruments, including, but not limited to, certificates or warrants. The holder of
a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security is entitled to receive any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a P-Note generally does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security.
P-Notes constitute direct, general and unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, which therefore subject a Fund to counterparty risk, as discussed below.
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Investments in P-Notes involve certain risks in addition to those associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose return they seek to replicate. For instance, there can be no assurance that the trading price of a P-Note will equal the underlying value of the foreign company or foreign
securities market that it seeks to replicate. As the purchaser of a P-Note, a Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of the counterparty issuing the P-Note and has no rights under a P-Note against the issuer of the underlying security. Therefore, if such counterparty were to become insolvent, a Fund would lose its investment. The risk that a Fund
may lose its investments due to the insolvency of a single counterparty may be amplified to the extent the Fund purchases P-Notes issued by one issuer or a small number of issuers. P-Notes also include transaction costs in addition to those applicable to a direct investment in securities. In addition, a Fund’s use of P-Notes may cause the Fund’s
performance to deviate from the performance of the portion of its Index to which the Fund is gaining exposure through the use of P-Notes.
Due to liquidity and transfer restrictions, the secondary markets on which P-Notes are traded may be less liquid than the markets for other securities, which may lead to the absence of readily available market quotations for securities in a Fund’s portfolio. The ability of a Fund to value its securities becomes more difficult and the judgment in the
application of fair value procedures may play a greater role in the valuation of a Fund’s securities due to reduced availability of reliable objective pricing data. Consequently, while such determinations will be made in good faith, it may nevertheless be more difficult for a Fund to accurately assign a daily value to such securities.
Leverage Risk. To the extent that a Fund borrows money or utilizes certain derivatives, it may be leveraged. Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio securities.
Short History of an Active Market/No Guarantee of Active Trading Market. Certain Funds are recently organized series of an investment company. While Shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that active trading markets for the Shares will be maintained, especially for recently organized Funds. Van Eck Securities Corporation, the
distributor of each Fund’s Shares (the “Distributor”), does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares.
Trading Issues. Trading in Shares on NYSE Arca may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of NYSE Arca, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on NYSE Arca is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to NYSE Arca’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no
assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.
TAX ADVANTAGED PRODUCT STRUCTURE
Unlike many conventional mutual funds which are only bought and sold at closing NAVs, the Shares have been designed to be tradable in a secondary market on an intra-day basis and to be created and redeemed in-kind, except for Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors
Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF whose Shares are created and redeemed partially or principally for cash, in Creation Units at each day’s
market close. These in-kind arrangements are designed to mitigate the adverse effects on a Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash purchase and redemption transactions that affect the NAV of the Fund. Moreover, in contrast to conventional mutual funds, where frequent redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders
because of the need to sell portfolio securities which, in turn, may generate taxable gain, the in-kind redemption mechanism of certain Funds, to the extent used, generally is not expected to lead to a tax event for shareholders whose shares are not being redeemed.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of each Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has responsibility for the general oversight of the management of the Funds, including general supervision of the Adviser and other service providers, but is not involved in the day-to-day management of the Trust. A list of the Trustees and the Trust officers, and their present positions and principal
occupations, is provided in the Funds’ SAI.
Investment Adviser. Under the terms of an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation with respect to the Funds (the “Investment Management Agreement”), Van Eck Associates Corporation serves as the adviser to each Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the
day-to-day investment
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS (continued)
management of the Fund. As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser managed approximately $30.45 billion in assets. The Adviser has been an investment adviser since 1955 and also acts as adviser or sub-adviser to other mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. The Adviser’s principal business address
is 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Investment Management Agreement is available in the Trust’s semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2013.
For the services provided to each Fund under the Investment Management Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.50%. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee. Until at least May 1, 2015, the Adviser has agreed to waive fees
and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% (with respect to Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF), 0.57% (with respect to Market Vectors
Indonesia Index ETF), 0.59% (with respect to Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Israel ETF), 0.60% (with respect to Market Vectors Poland ETF), 0.61% (with respect to Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF), 0.62% (with respect to Market Vectors Russia ETF), 0.63% (with respect to Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index
ETF), 0.67% (with respect to Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF), 0.75% (with respect to Market Vectors Colombia ETF), 0.76% (with respect to Market Vectors Vietnam ETF), 0.78% (with respect to Market Vectors Africa Index ETF), 0.85% (with respect to Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF), 0.94% (with respect to Market Vectors Egypt Index
ETF) and 0.98% (with respect to Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF) of its average daily net assets per year. Offering costs excluded from the expense caps are: (a) legal fees pertaining to a Fund’s Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of a Fund to be listed on an exchange.
Each Fund is responsible for all of its expenses, including the investment advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, legal, audit and other services, interest, taxes, any distribution fees or expenses, offering fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses.
Manager of Managers Structure. With respect to Market Vectors Israel ETF, the Adviser and the Trust may rely on an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC that permits the Adviser to enter into investment sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated sub-advisers without obtaining shareholder approval. The Adviser, subject to the review and approval
of the Board of Trustees, may select sub-advisers for Market Vectors Israel ETF and supervise, monitor and evaluate the performance of each sub-adviser.
The Order also permits the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to replace sub-advisers and amend investment sub-advisory agreements, including fees, without shareholder approval whenever the Adviser and the Board of Trustees believe such action will benefit Market Vectors Israel ETF and its shareholders. The Adviser thus would
have the responsibility (subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees) to recommend the hiring and replacement of sub-advisers as well as the discretion to terminate any sub-adviser and reallocate Market Vectors Israel ETF’s assets for management among any other sub-adviser(s) and itself. This means that the Adviser would be able to reduce the
sub-advisory fees and retain a larger portion of the management fee, or increase the sub-advisory fees and retain a smaller portion of the management fee. The Adviser would compensate each sub-adviser out of its management fee.
Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. Van Eck Associates Corporation is the administrator for the Funds (the “Administrator”), and The Bank of New York Mellon is the custodian of the Funds’ assets and provides transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Funds. The Administrator is responsible for certain clerical, recordkeeping and/or
bookkeeping services which are provided pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement.
Distributor. Van Eck Securities Corporation is the distributor of the Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in less than Creation Units, and does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. The Shares are traded in the secondary market.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers who currently share joint responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio are Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao and George Cao. Mr. Liao has been employed by the Adviser since the summer of 2004 as an Analyst. Mr. Liao also serves as a portfolio manager for certain other investment companies advised by the
Adviser. Mr. Cao has been employed by the Adviser since December 2007 as a Senior Analyst. Prior to joining the Adviser, he served as a Controller of Operations Administrations Division and Corporate Safety (September 2006-December 2007) for United Airlines. See the Funds’ SAI for additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation,
other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and their respective ownership of Shares of each Fund.
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is
determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The values of each Fund’s portfolio securities are based on the securities’ closing prices on local markets when available. Due to the time difference between the United States and certain countries in which a Fund invests, securities on these exchanges may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a last reported sales
price, or if no sales were reported, and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Prices obtained by an outside independent pricing service may use information provided by market
makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. If a market quotation for a security is not readily available or the Adviser believes
it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security at the time a Fund calculates its NAV, the security will be fair valued by another method that the Adviser believes will better reflect the security’s market value in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may use
fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to, situations when the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or
trading in a security has been suspended or halted. In addition, each Fund that holds foreign equity securities currently expects that it will fair value certain of such securities held by the Fund each day the Fund calculates its NAV, except those securities principally traded on exchanges that close at the same time a Fund calculates its NAV. Accordingly,
a Fund’s NAV is expected to reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices at the time the exchanges on which they principally trade close. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale
of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by such Fund’s Index. This may adversely affect a Fund’s ability to track its Index. With respect to securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities may change
on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.
BUYING AND SELLING EXCHANGE-TRADED SHARES
The Shares of the Funds are listed on NYSE Arca. If you buy or sell Shares in the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In times of severe market
disruption or low trading volume in a Fund’s Shares, this spread can increase significantly. It is anticipated that the Shares will trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the NAV of the Shares. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market prices
of Shares are more likely to differ significantly from the Shares’ NAV.
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) serves as securities depository for the Shares. (The Shares may be held only in book-entry form; stock certificates will not be issued.) DTC, or its nominee, is the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares. Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or its participants (described
below). Beneficial owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder thereof. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of: (i)
DTC; (ii) “DTC Participants,” i.e., securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC; and (iii) “Indirect Participants,” i.e., brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC
Participant, either directly or indirectly, through which such beneficial owner holds its interests. The Trust understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any action of holders of Shares, or a beneficial owner desires to take any action that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding Shares, is entitled to take, DTC
would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and beneficial owners acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. As described above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its
nominee as the owner of all Shares for all purposes. For more information, see the section entitled “Book Entry Only System” in the Funds’ SAI.
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
The NYSE Arca is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when a Fund does not price
its Shares, the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell a Fund’s Shares.
Market Timing and Related Matters. The Funds impose no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions. The Board of Trustees considered the nature of each Fund (i.e., a fund whose shares are expected to trade intra-day), that the Adviser monitors the trading activity of authorized participants for patterns of abusive trading, that the
Funds reserve the right to reject orders that may be disruptive to the management of or otherwise not in the Funds’ best interests, and that each Fund fair values certain of its securities. Given this structure, the Board of Trustees determined that it is not necessary to impose restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions for the Funds at
the present time.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income and Capital Gains. As a shareholder of a Fund, you are entitled to your share of such Fund’s distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as “distributions.”
Each Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are typically passed along to Fund shareholders as dividends from net investment income. Each Fund realizes capital gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net capital gains are distributed to shareholders as “capital gain
distributions.”
Net investment income, if any, and net capital gains, if any, are typically distributed to shareholders at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently to improve index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, a Fund may determine to distribute at least annually amounts
representing the full dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities, as if the Fund owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend period, in which case some portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital, which, for tax purposes, is treated as a return of your investment in Shares. Record
shareholders will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional Shares of a Fund only if the broker through which you purchased Shares makes such option available.
TAX INFORMATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in a Fund, including the possible application of foreign, state and local taxes. Unless your investment in
a Fund is through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when: (i) the Fund makes distributions, (ii) you sell Shares in the secondary market or (iii) you create or redeem Creation Units.
Taxes on Distributions. As noted above, each Fund expects to distribute net investment income at least annually, and any net realized long-term or short-term capital gains annually. Each Fund may also pay a special distribution at any time to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements.
In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in a Fund. Distributions of net investment income, including any net short-term gains, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Whether on distributions of capital gains represent long-term or short-term capital
gains is determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Shares. Distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long—term capital losses, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital
losses, if any, that are reported as capital gain dividends are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. After 2012, long-term capital gains of non-corporate shareholders are taxable at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts.
The Funds may receive dividends, the distribution of which the Fund may designate as qualified dividends. In the event that a Fund receives such a dividend and designates the distribution of such dividend as a qualified dividend, the dividend may be taxed at the maximum capital gains rates, provided holding period and other requirements are met at
both the shareholder and the Fund level.
Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of your investment to the extent of your basis in the Shares, and generally as capital gain thereafter. A return of capital, which for tax purposes is treated as a return of your investment, reduces your basis in Shares, thus reducing any loss or
increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of Shares. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an economic standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
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Dividends, interest and gains from non-U.S. investments of a Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may, in some cases, reduce or eliminate such taxes.
If more than 50% of a Fund’s total assets at the end of its taxable year consist of foreign securities, the Fund may elect to “pass through” to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, as an additional dividend, even though not actually received, the investor’s pro rata
share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S. taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to certain holding period and other limitations, the investor’s pro rata share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes. It is expected that more than 50% of each Fund’s assets will consist of foreign securities.
Backup Withholding. Each Fund may be required to withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or otherwise established a basis for exemption from backup withholding. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%. This is not an additional tax
and may be refunded, or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxes on the Sale or Cash Redemption of Exchange Listed Shares. Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares
held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited. To the extent that a shareholder’s Shares are redeemed for cash, this is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and
the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss
realized upon an exchange of primarily securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities for Creation Units or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax adviser with respect to
whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible and the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been
held for one year or less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you created or sold and at what price.
Medicare Tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross
income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
Non-U.S. Shareholders. If you are not a citizen or resident alien of the United States, a Fund’s ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business.
As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, (“FATCA”), the Fund may be required to impose a 30% withholding tax on certain types of U.S. sourced income (e.g., dividends, interest, and other types of passive income) paid effective July 1, 2014, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property producing U.S. sourced income paid
effective January 1, 2017 to (i) foreign financial institutions (“FFI’s”), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities (“NFFE’s”), unless they certify certain information
regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid possible withholding, FFI’s will need to enter into agreements with the IRS which state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures
with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the IRS, or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue
authority, should an applicable intergovernmental agreement be implemented. NFFE’s will need to provide certain
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree to provide certain information to the IRS.
While final FATCA rules have not been finalized, the Fund may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform due diligence reviews to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. Investors are required to agree to provide information necessary to allow the Fund to comply with the FATCA rules. If the Fund is
required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.
Non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Funds, including the possible applicability of the U.S. estate tax.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in a Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in a Fund under all applicable tax laws.
Mauritian Tax Status. The Subsidiary is wholly-owned by the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (for purposes of this section, the “Fund”) and is a tax resident of Mauritius. The Subsidiary is regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius (“FSC”) which has issued a Category 1 Global Business License (“GBL 1 License”) to the
Subsidiary to conduct the business of “investment holding” under the Financial Services Act 2007. The Subsidiary will apply for a tax residence certificate (“TRC”) to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (the “MRA”) through the FSC. The MRA will issue a TRC to the Subsidiary if the Subsidiary provides an undertaking to the MRA that it is and will be centrally
managed and controlled in Mauritius.
In order to satisfy the MRA that it is centrally managed and controlled in Mauritius, the Subsidiary must:
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have at all times at least two (2) directors of appropriate caliber and able to exercise independence of mind and judgment, who are ordinarily resident in Mauritius; |
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maintain, at all times, its principal bank account in Mauritius; |
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keep and maintain, at all times, its accounting records in Mauritius; |
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prepare its statutory financial statements and cause its financial statements to be audited in Mauritius; and |
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have at least two (2) directors from Mauritius present in meetings of directors.
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In addition to the above, the FSC has devised additional requirements when determining whether a company holding a GBL 1 License is ‘managed and controlled’ in Mauritius (this by way of amendments brought to section 3 of chapter 4 of the Guide to Global Business (the “Guide”)). Holders of GBL 1 Licenses are expected to comply with the new
‘economic substance’ requirement by January 1, 2015, and the FSC shall consider whether a corporation meets at least one of the following criteria:
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the corporation has or shall have office premises in Mauritius; or
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the corporation employs or shall employ on a full time basis at administrative/technical level, at least one person who shall be resident in Mauritius; or
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the corporation’s constitution contains a clause whereby all disputes arising out of the constitution shall be resolved by way of arbitration in Mauritius; or
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the corporation holds or is expected to hold within the next twelve months, assets (excluding cash held in bank account or shares/interests in another corporation holding a GBL 1 License) which are worth at least United States Dollars 100,000 in Mauritius; or
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the corporation’s shares are listed on a securities exchange licensed by the FSC; or
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the corporation has or is expected to have a yearly expenditure in Mauritius which can be reasonably expected from any similar corporation which is controlled and managed from Mauritius.
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The Guide further provides that a corporation shall be deemed to have satisfied the additional ‘economic substance’ requirements where a related corporation, that is a subsidiary, fellow subsidiary, a parent corporation or any other corporation within the same group structure, holding a GBL 1 License satisfies one of the ‘economic substance’ criteria.
A TRC currently is issued on an annual basis. Under the current provisions of the Income Tax Act 1995 (“ITA 95”), a Mauritian company is taxed at the rate of fifteen percent on its chargeable income. A company holding a GBL 1 License is entitled to claim a tax credit on foreign source income at a rate which is the higher of:
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the actual foreign tax paid (including if the Mauritius company holds more than 5% of the issued capital of a company effecting a dividend distribution, a proportionate share of the foreign tax paid by such company) on such income; or |
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a deemed foreign tax representing 80% of the Mauritius tax on such income.
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Section 2 of ITA 95 defines the term ‘foreign source income’ as income which is not derived from Mauritius. This includes, in the case of a corporation holding a GBL 1 License, income derived from transactions with ‘non-residents’. The ITA 95 has an extensive definition of ‘non-residents’. The Fund expects to derive foreign source income only.
Therefore, it will pay tax in Mauritius at an effective maximum rate of 3% on its taxable profits.
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Under ITA 95, dividends paid to shareholders that do not otherwise derive income from Mauritius are not subject to Mauritius income tax. Moreover, there are no withholding taxes on dividends paid by a Mauritian resident company to its non-resident and resident shareholders. Distributions paid to shareholders following a redemption of shares are not
subject to Mauritius income tax provided that the shareholder does not hold its shares in the course of trading activities. There is no Mauritius capital gains tax on the disposal of shares. Profits made from the disposal of securities in the course of trading activities may be liable to income tax at the applicable rate. Under ITA 95, interests paid by a
corporation holding a GBL 1 License out of its foreign source income to non-residents that do not carry on any business in Mauritius are not subject to Mauritius income tax.
Indian Tax Status. The Subsidiary expects to obtain benefits under the tax treaty between Mauritius and India (referred to herein as the “tax treaty.”) In light of Circular 789 of April 13, 2000 issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes in India, the Subsidiary will be eligible for the benefits under the tax treaty if it holds a valid tax residence certificate
issued by the Mauritius income tax authorities. The tax treaty may be subject to re-negotiation and there can be no assurance that the terms of the treaty will not be subject to different interpretation. In addition, there is no assurance that the Subsidiary will continue to be deemed a tax resident by Mauritius, allowing it favorable tax treatment. Proposed
legislation (“2013 Finance Bill”) proposes to amend the domestic India tax laws to provide that that a valid tax residency certificate “shall be necessary but not a sufficient condition” to claim tax treaty benefits. While no criterion has been prescribed in the 2013 Finance Bill to determine what constitutes “sufficient condition,” statements have been
made by the Finance Minister that only persons having “beneficial ownership” of assets would be eligible to claim tax treaty benefits.
Provided that the Subsidiary does not have a permanent establishment in India, the tax treatment in India of income derived by the Subsidiary is as follows:
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capital gains are not subject to tax in India by virtue of the tax treaty between India and Mauritius; |
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dividends from Indian companies on which dividend distribution tax has been paid are distributed to the Subsidiary free of Indian tax in the hands of the Subsidiary; |
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any interest income earned on Indian securities is subject to withholding tax in India at the rate of 40%. This rate is reduced to 20% in the case of interest earned on loans provided in non-rupee currency. However if such interest arises out of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (“FCCBs”) held by the Subsidiary then such interest shall be taxed
at the rate of 10%. All rates are exclusive of applicable surcharge and education cess.
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The Subsidiary will seek to (i) comply with the requirements of the tax treaty, (ii) qualify as a tax resident of Mauritius, (iii) maintain its central management and control in Mauritius and (iv) continue to hold the TRC. Therefore the Fund’s management believes that the Subsidiary will be able to obtain the benefits of the tax treaty and benefits to the Fund
ultimately. However, there can be no assurance that the Subsidiary will be granted a certificate of tax residency in the future, or that the Indian government will grant benefits under the tax treaty based on the issuance of such certificate. In addition, while the validity of the tax treaty and its applicability to entities such as the Subsidiary was upheld by
the Supreme Court of India, no assurance can be given that the terms of the tax treaty will not be subject to re-interpretation and re-negotiation in the future. Any change in the tax treaty’s application could have a material adverse effect on the returns of the Fund. Further, it is possible that the Indian tax authorities may take the position that the
Subsidiary is not entitled to the benefits of the tax treaty notwithstanding the receipt of a TRC.
It is currently not clear whether income from entities such as the Subsidiary will be classified as “capital gains” income or as “business income” under Indian law. However, this distinction should not effect the ultimate tax consequences to the Subsidiary or the Fund. Under the tax treaty, capital gains from investment in Indian securities and depositary
receipts issued with respect to Indian companies are exempt from tax, provided that the Subsidiary does not have a permanent establishment in India. Similarly, “business income” is not chargeable to tax in India under the treaty so long as the Subsidiary does not have a permanent establishment in India. The Subsidiary expects that it will be considered
a tax resident of Mauritius and does not expect to be deemed to have a permanent establishment in India. If the Subsidiary were deemed to have such a permanent establishment, income attributable to that permanent establishment could be taxable in India at a rate of up to 40%.
In the event that the benefits of the treaty are not available to the Subsidiary, or the Subsidiary is held to have a permanent establishment in India, taxation of interest and dividend income of the Subsidiary would be the same as described above. The taxation of capital gains would be as under:
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capital gains from the sale of listed Indian securities held for twelve months or less will be taxed as short-term capital gains at the rate of 15%, provided the STT (as discussed below) has been paid; |
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capital gains from the sale of listed Indian securities held for more than twelve months will be exempt from tax in India provided the STT has been paid; |
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capital gains from the sale of listed Indian securities not executed on the stock exchange or unlisted securities held for twelve months or less will be taxed at the rate of 30% and those held for more than twelve months shall be taxed at the rate of 10%;
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
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capital gains arising from the transfer of FCCBs, GDRs or ADRs outside India between non-resident investors, will not be subject to tax in India; |
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gains from the disposal of shares acquired on redemption of GDRs or ADRs are treated as short-term if such shares are held for less than or equal to 12 months prior to disposal and long-term if such shares are held for more than 12 months prior to disposal. Short-term gains will be taxed at the rate of 15% provided STT (as discussed below)
has been paid. Long-term gains will be exempt from tax if STT has been paid.
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Regardless of the application of the treaty, all transactions entered on a recognized stock exchange in India are subject to the Securities Transaction Tax (“STT”), which is levied on the value of a transaction at rates not exceeding 0.125%. The STT can be set off against business income tax calculated under the Indian Income Tax Act, provided that the
gains on the transactions subject to the STT are taxed as business income and not as capital gains. In the event the benefits of the Treaty are not available to the Subsidiary and the Subsidiary is held to have a permanent establishment (“PE”) in India, then the Subsidiary may be subject to Indian Mauritian Alternative Tax (“MAT”). If the MAT does apply,
and the Indian income tax payable by the Subsidiary is less than 18.5% of its book profits, then the Subsidiary would be deemed to owe taxes of 18.5% of book profits. Such a fee would not be included in the fee charged by the Adviser. Long-term capital gains on the sale of listed securities are included in the definition of “book profits” for the
purposes of calculating MAT.
Please note that the above description is based on current provisions of Mauritius and Indian law, and any change or modification made by subsequent legislation, regulation, or administrative or judicial decision could increase the Indian tax liability of the Subsidiary and thus reduce the return to Fund shareholders.
Prevention of Money Laundering and Anti-terror Financing in Mauritius. Under the Mauritius Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2002, in Mauritius an offence of money laundering carries a fine not exceeding 2,000,000 Mauritius Rupees (approximately US$ 69,200) and a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years. Consequently, the
Fund will carry out a due diligence selection process, based on generally accepted industry norms, prior to accepting investors. This will include but may not be limited to: (a) applying the ‘know your client’ principle by making sure that investors provide valid proof of identification; (b) maintaining records of identification information; (c) determining that
potential investors are not known or suspected terrorists by checking their names against a list of known or suspected terrorists; (d) informing investors that information they provide may be used to verify their identity; and (e) monitoring investors’ money transactions, that is, the level of subscriptions.
To ensure compliance with the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2002 and the Code on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (“Anti Money Laundering Code”) issued by the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius, an investor will be required to provide certain information/documents for the purpose of
verifying the identity of the investor and source of funds and obtain confirmation that the subscription monies do not represent, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of any crime. The request for information may be exempted where an investor (other than an agent acting on behalf of underlying principals) is a regulated financial services business based in
Mauritius or in an equivalent jurisdiction (that is subject to the supervision of a public authority) or in the case of public companies listed on recognized stock/investment exchanges, as set out in the Anti-Money Laundering Code.
By way of example, an individual will be required to produce a copy of a passport or identification card duly certified by a public authority such as a notary public, the police or an accountant together with evidence of his address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. In the case of corporate applicants, this may require production of a certified copy
of the certificate of incorporation (and any change of name) and the memorandum and articles of association (or equivalent), and of the names and residential and business addresses of all directors and beneficial owners, the passport copies and utility bills of directors and controllers as well as due diligence on source of funds of the corporate entity.
The details given above are by way of example only and the Fund may request such information and documentation as it considers necessary to verify the identity of an investor. In the event of delay or failure on the part of an investor to produce any information required for verification purposes, the Fund may refuse to accept the application and the
subscription monies relating thereto or may refuse to process a redemption request until proper information has been provided.
INDEX PROVIDERS
The Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index are published by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”), which is a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Adviser.
The Israel Index is published by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC (“BlueStar”).
BlueStar and MVIS 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.
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MARKET VECTORS® GDP AFRICA INDEX
The Africa 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 largest and most liquid companies in Africa. The Africa Index includes local listings of companies that are incorporated in Africa and offshore listings of companies incorporated outside
of Africa but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, where applicable, have at least 50% of their assets) in Africa. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies.
To be eligible for the Africa Index, stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million on a rebalancing date. Constituent stocks of the Africa Index whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of any rebalancing date will no longer be eligible to remain in the Africa Index. Stocks must have a three month average daily trading
volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Africa Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least 250,000 shares each month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).
The country weightings in the Africa Index are based on their relative GDP weights (as defined by the International Monetary Fund) as compared to all other countries covered by the Africa Index. If a single country weighting exceeds 25% of the Africa Index, then the country-weighting cap factor will be applied to reduce the country weighting accordingly.
The maximum weight for any single security in the Africa Index is 8%. If a security exceeds the maximum weight, then the weight will be reduced to the maximum weight and the excess weight shall be re-distributed proportionally across all other Index constituents. This process is repeated until no securities have weights exceeding the respective
maximum weight.
As of December 31, 2013, the Africa Index included 107 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $308 million and $115.9 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $10.2 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Africa Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Africa Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Africa Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out
errors in the Africa Index to third parties. Market Vectors Africa ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Africa ETF. Africa Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m.
and 6:15 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Africa Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Africa Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September and
December, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Africa Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Africa Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share
weights of the Africa Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Africa Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
109
MARKET VECTORS® BRAZIL SMALL-CAP INDEX
The Brazil Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-cap companies that are incorporated in Brazil or that are incorporated outside of Brazil but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances,
have at least 50% of their assets) in Brazil. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Brazil may be eligible for inclusion in the Brazil Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the Brazil Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of local companies. The Brazil Small-Cap Index generally only includes Brazilian companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of the full
market capitalization of local Brazilian companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 15% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the Brazil Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Brazil Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which
any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Brazil Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Brazil Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares
that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Brazil Small-Cap Index included 77 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $48 million and $3.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Brazil Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Brazil Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Brazil Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG
has no obligation to point out errors in the Brazil Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF. Brazil Small-Cap Index values are calculated daily and are
disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Brazil Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Brazil Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end
month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Brazil Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Brazil Small-Cap Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and
have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Brazil Small-Cap Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Brazil Small-Cap Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
110
MARKET VECTORS® COLOMBIA INDEX
The Colombia Index is a rules-based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Colombia or that are incorporated outside of Colombia but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at
least 50% of their assets) in Colombia. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Colombia may be eligible for inclusion in the Colombia Index.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Colombia Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe. The Colombia Index generally only includes Colombian companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization of
all Colombian companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Colombia Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Colombia Index is below 21 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 21.
Constituent securities of the Colombia Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be added to the Colombia Index. Securities whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any
rebalancing date occurs will be deleted from the Colombia Index. Securities must have a three-month average daily turnover greater than $1 million to be included in the Colombia Index and issuers of such securities must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized
domestic or international securities exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market securities must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to securities with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Colombia Index included 23 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $216 million and $79.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $11.1 billion.
The Colombia Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Colombia Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Colombia Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to
point out errors in the Colombia Index to third parties. Market Vectors Colombia ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Colombia ETF. Colombia Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of
approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Colombia Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Colombia Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday of each quarter-end month, and
companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Colombia Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent securities exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Colombia Index on any quarterly rebalancing date, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The
share weights of the Colombia Index components are adjusted on each quarterly rebalancing date.
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Colombia Index is issued on the second Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® EGYPT INDEX
The Egypt Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Egypt or that are incorporated outside of Egypt but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of
their assets) in Egypt. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Egypt may be eligible for inclusion in the Egypt Index.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Egypt Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of all the investable universe. The Egypt Index generally only includes Egyptian companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization of all
Egyptian companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Egypt Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Egypt Index is below 25 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 25.
Constituent stocks of the Egypt Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Egypt Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing date
occurs will no longer be eligible for the Egypt Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Egypt Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Egypt Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $115 million and $6.1 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.6 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Egypt Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Egypt Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Egypt Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out
errors in the Egypt Index to third parties. Market Vectors Egypt ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Egypt ETF. Egypt Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m.
and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Egypt Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Egypt Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end month (i.e., March, June,
September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Egypt Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Egypt Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading
days. The share weights of the Egypt Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Egypt Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GERMANY SMALL-CAP INDEX
The Germany Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are incorporated in Germany or that are incorporated outside of Germany but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in
certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Germany. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Germany may be eligible for inclusion in the Germany Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the Germany Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of local companies. The Germany Small-Cap Index generally only includes German companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of the
full market capitalization of local German companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 15% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the Germany Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Germany Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in
which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Germany Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Germany Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months.
Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 30, 2013, the Germany Small-Cap Index included 85 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $170 million and $5.5 billion with a weighted average market capitalization of $2.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Germany Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Germany Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Germany Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Germany Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF. Germany Small-Cap Index values are
calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Germany Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Germany Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-
end month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Germany Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Germany Small-Cap Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility
criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Germany Small-Cap Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Germany Small-Cap Index is issued on the second Friday in a quarter-
end month. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® GDP GCC INDEX
The GCC 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 largest and most liquid companies in the GCC. The GCC Index includes local listings of companies that are incorporated in the GCC and offshore listings of companies incorporated
outside of the GCC but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, where applicable, have at least 50% of their assets) in the GCC. Such companies may include micro-, small- and medium-capitalization companies. Countries belonging to the GCC currently include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
To be eligible for the GCC Index, stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million on a rebalancing date. Constituent stocks of the GCC Index whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of any rebalancing date will no longer be eligible to remain in the GCC Index. Stocks must have a three month average daily trading
volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the GCC Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least 250,000 shares each month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).
The country weightings in the GCC Index are based on their relative GDP weights (as defined by the International Monetary Fund) as compared to all other countries covered by the GCC Index. If a single country weighting exceeds 35% of the GCC Index, then the country-weighting cap factor will be applied to reduce the country weighting accordingly.
The maximum weight for any single security in the GCC Index is 8%. If a security exceeds the maximum weight, then the weight will be reduced to the maximum weight and the excess weight shall be re-distributed proportionally across all other GCC Index constituents. This process is repeated until no securities have weights exceeding the respective
maximum weight.
As of December 31, 2013, the GCC Index included 52 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $210 million and $33.1 billion and an average market capitalization of $9.5 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The GCC Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the GCC Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the GCC Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out
errors in the GCC Index to third parties. Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF. GCC Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of
approximately 7:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. (Eastern time).
The GCC Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The GCC Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in March, June, September and December,
and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the GCC Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the GCC Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the GCC Index components are adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s website prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the GCC Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
114
MARKET VECTORS® INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX
The India Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-cap companies that are incorporated in India or that are incorporated outside of India but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances,
have at least 50% of their assets) in India. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from India may be eligible for inclusion in the India Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the India Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of all local companies. The India Small-Cap Index generally only includes Indian companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of the full
market capitalization of local Indian companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 15% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the India Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the India Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which
any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the India Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the India Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that
trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the India Small-Cap Index included 88 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $102 million and $1.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $481 million. These amounts are subject to change.
The India Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the India Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the India Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG
has no obligation to point out errors in the India Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors India Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors India Small-Cap ETF. India Small-Cap Index values are calculated daily and are
disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The India Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The India Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end
month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the India Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the India Small-Cap Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and
have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the India Small-Cap Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the India Small-Cap Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® INDONESIA INDEX
The Indonesia Index is a rules based 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 generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Indonesia. The
Indonesia Index is a modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Indonesia or that generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Indonesia. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived
from Indonesia may be eligible for inclusion in the Indonesia Index.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Indonesia Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe. The Indonesia Index generally only includes Indonesian companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization
of all Indonesian companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Indonesia Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Indonesia Index is below 25 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 25.
Constituent stocks of the Indonesia Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Indonesia Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $100 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any
rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Indonesia Index. Stocks must have a three month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Indonesia Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a
recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Indonesia Index included 52 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $117 million and $22.6 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $9.8 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Indonesia Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Indonesia Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Indonesia Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to
point out errors in the Indonesia Index to third parties. Market Vectors Indonesia ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Indonesia ETF. Indonesia Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours
of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Indonesia Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Indonesia Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter end month (i.e.,
March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Indonesia Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Indonesia Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for
more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Indonesia Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Indonesia Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date.
Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® INDONESIA SMALL-CAP INDEX
The Indonesia Small-Cap Index is a rules-based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are incorporated in Indonesia or that are incorporated outside of Indonesia but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in
certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Indonesia. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Indonesia may be eligible for inclusion in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of local companies. The Indonesia Small-Cap Index generally only includes Indonesian companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of
the range of full market capitalizations of local Indonesian companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 15% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Indonesia Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month
in which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Indonesia Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Indonesia Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six
months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of the date of this December 31, 2013, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index included 35 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $117 million and $657 million and a weighted average market capitalization of $363 million. These amounts are subject to change.
The Indonesia Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Indonesia Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Indonesia Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Indonesia Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF. Indonesia Small-Cap Index values are
calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Indonesia Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Indonesia Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday of each
quarter-end month, and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Indonesia Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent securities exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Indonesia Small-Cap Index on any quarterly rebalancing date provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have
been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Indonesia Small-Cap Index components are adjusted on each quarterly rebalancing date.
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Indonesia Small-Cap Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Targeted share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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BLUESTAR ISRAEL GLOBAL INDEXTM
The Israel Index is a rules based, modified capitalization, free-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. The Index Provider considers a range of factors such as domicile, country of company
formation/founding, primary location of management, operations and/or research and development facilities, tax status, location of revenues and employees, among other things, when determining whether a company will be included in the Israel Index.
For a company to be considered part of the Israel Index, it must meet at least one quantitative criterion and/or at least two qualitative criteria, below, as decided upon by the BlueStar Index Advisory Committee. If a company meets this requirement, it will be considered an Israeli company and part of the universe of Israeli global equities.
Quantitative criteria:
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The company is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. |
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The company’s tax status is in Israel. |
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The company is headquartered in Israel. |
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The company generates at least 50% of its revenues or at least 50% of its operating expenses are derived from operations in Israel.
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Qualitative criteria:
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The company was founded or formed in Israel. |
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The company has major management, operational, logistical, or R&D facilities in Israel. |
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The company has a majority of its board of directors or at least two executives domiciled in Israel. |
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The company’s business results would be materially altered without its Israel based assets. These assets may include, but are not limited to: intellectual and human capital, or licenses to Israeli technology that materially affect revenue or R&D |
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The company is a subsidiary or non-Israel operating branch of an Israeli company that meets at least one of the quantitative criteria described above.
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The Israel Index generally only includes the largest and most liquid companies as well mid-cap and small-cap companies that display sufficient liquidity for global investors. Companies are added or removed by BlueStar Indexes and the International Securities Exchange (“ISE”) based on the methodology described below. Each component security must not
be listed on an exchange in a country which employs restrictions on foreign capital investment such that those restrictions render the component effectively non-investible, as determined by the ISE and BlueStar Indexes.
Constituent stocks of the Israel Index must have a float-adjusted market capitalization of at least $75 million on a rebalancing date to be eligible for the Israel Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of any rebalancing date will no longer be eligible for the Israel Index. Stocks must have a minimum six-month average daily
trading volume of at least $250,000 to be eligible for the Israel Index. No single component stock represents more than 12.5% of the weight of the Israel Index. Should a component represent greater than 12.5% of the weight of the Israel Index, the weight shall be modified such that it represents no more than 12.5% of the Israel Index at the conclusion
of rebalance periods. The cumulative weight of all components with an individual weight of 5% or greater may not in the aggregate account for more than 50% of the weight of the Israel Index. This particular requirement will be satisfied at the conclusion of the Israel Index’s semi-annual rebalance periods.
As of December 31, 2013, the Israel Index included 104 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $109 million and $33.8 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $10.9 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Israel Index is the exclusive property of BlueStar Indexes, and is calculated and maintained by Standard & Poor’s based on a methodology developed by BlueStar Indexes and the ISE in consultation with Standard & Poor’s. The Israel Index is calculated on an end-of-day basis. Information on the Israel Index is freely available on the website of BlueStar Indexes
at www.BlueStarIndexes.com, and the Israel Index is freely available on ISE’s website, http://www.ise.com/etf-ventures/index-data/bluestar-israel-global-index-bls/.
The Israel Index is reconstituted semi-annually in June and December of each year. Component changes are made after the close on the third Friday of June and December, and become effective at the opening on the next trading day. Companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Israel Index eligibility criteria described above. BlueStar maintains
a watch list of securities that might be eligible for inclusion. This list is available on BlueStar’s website. Whenever possible, BlueStar and ISE will publicly announce changes to the Israel Index on ISE’s publicly available website at least five trading days prior to the effective date.
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MARKET VECTORS® LATIN AMERICA SMALL-CAP INDEX
The LatAm Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-cap companies that are incorporated in the Latin American region or that are incorporated outside of Latin America but generate at least 50% of their revenues
(or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in the Latin American region. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from the Latin American region may be eligible for inclusion in the LatAm Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the LatAm Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of local companies. The LatAm Small-Cap Index generally only includes Latin American companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of
the full market capitalization of local Latin American companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 15% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the LatAm Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the LatAm Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in
which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the LatAm Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the LatAm Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only
shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the LatAm Small-Cap Index included 163 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $32 million and $3.7 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $1.2 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The LatAm Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the LatAm Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the LatAm Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive
AG has no obligation to point out errors in the LatAm Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF. LatAm Small-Cap Index values are calculated
daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The LatAm Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The LatAm Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end
month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the LatAm Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the LatAm Small-Cap Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and
have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the LatAm Small-Cap Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the LatAm Small-Cap Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing
date. Target share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® POLAND INDEX
The Poland Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Poland or that are incorporated outside of Poland but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50%
of their assets) in Poland. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Poland may be eligible for inclusion in the Poland Index.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Poland Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe. The Poland Index generally only includes Polish companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization of all Polish
companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Poland Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Poland Index is below 25 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 25.
Constituent stocks of the Poland Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Poland Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing
date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Poland Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Poland Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic
or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Poland Index included 28 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $577 million and $16.3 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $7.8 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Poland Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Poland Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Poland Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point
out errors in the Poland Index to third parties. Market Vectors Poland ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Poland ETF. Poland Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately
7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Poland Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Poland Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end month (i.e., March, June,
September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Poland Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Poland Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading
days. The share weights of the Poland Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Poland Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date. Target
share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® RUSSIA INDEX
The Russia Index is a rules-based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publically traded companies that are incorporated in Russia or that are incorporated outside of Russia but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50%
of their assets) in Russia. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Russia may be eligible for inclusion in the Russia Index.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Russia Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of all the investable universe. The Russia Index generally only includes Russian companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization of all
Russian companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Russia Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Russia Index is below 25 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 25.
Constituent stocks of the Russia Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Russia Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing
date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Russia Index. Stocks must have a three-month average trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Russia Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Russia Index included 46 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $226 million and $98.2 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $33.7 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Russia Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Russia Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Russia Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point
out errors in the Russia Index to third parties. Market Vectors Russia ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Market Vectors Russia ETF. Russia Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately
7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Russia Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Russia Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday of each quarter end month, and
companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Russia Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent securities exchange listings (i.e., recent initial public offerings) may be added to the Russia Index on any quarterly rebalancing date provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30 trading days.
The share weights of the Russia Index components are also adjusted on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month). Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A
press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Russia Index is issued on the second Friday in a quarter-end month. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® RUSSIA SMALL-CAP INDEX
The Russia Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small—capitalization companies that are incorporated in Russia or that are incorporated outside of Russia but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain
circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Russia. In exceptional cases, companies with less than 50% of their revenues derived from Russia may be eligible for inclusion in the Russia Small-Cap Index.
The universe of small-capitalization companies that may be included in the Russia Small-Cap Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the full market capitalization of local companies. The Russia Small-Cap Index generally only includes Russian companies ranking in the bottom 90-98% of the full
market capitalization of local Russian companies, but may also include companies whose market capitalization falls outside of this range but within the bottom 20% of companies ranked by market capitalization.
Constituent stocks of the Russia Small-Cap Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Russia Small-Cap Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in
which any rebalancing date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Russia Small-Cap Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily trading volume value of at least $1 million to be eligible for the Russia Small-Cap Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only
shares that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Russia Small-Cap Index included 28 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $107 million and $18.6 billion with a weighted average market capitalization of $3.0 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Russia Small-Cap Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Russia Small-Cap Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Russia Small-Cap Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive
AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Russia Small-Cap Index to third parties. Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF. Russia Small-Cap Index values are calculated daily and are
disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Russia Small-Cap Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Russia Small-Cap Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end
month (i.e., March, June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Russia Small-Cap Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Russia Small-Cap Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and
have been trading for more than 30 trading days. The share weights of the Russia Small-Cap Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Russia Small-Cap Index is issued on the second Friday in a quarter-end
month. Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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MARKET VECTORS® VIETNAM INDEX
The Vietnam Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors exposure to Vietnam. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 74% of the market capitalization of the Vietnam Index was composed of securities of companies that are incorporated in Vietnam or that are incorporated outside of Vietnam
but generate at least 50% of their revenues (or, in certain circumstances, have at least 50% of their assets) in Vietnam. The remaining securities included in the Vietnam Index consist of companies that (i) are expected to generate at least 50% of their revenues in Vietnam or (ii) demonstrate a significant and/or dominant position in the Vietnamese
market and are expected to grow.
The universe of companies that may be included in the Vietnam Index is determined on the basis of such companies’ relative market capitalization as compared to the free-float market capitalization of the investable universe. The Vietnam Index generally only includes Vietnamese companies ranking in the top 85% of the free-float market capitalization of
all Vietnamese companies. Existing components between the 85th and 100th percentiles also qualify for the Vietnam Index. If the coverage is still below 90% or the number in the Vietnam Index is below 25 companies, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until coverage of at least 90% is reached and the number of stocks equals 25.
Constituent stocks of the Vietnam Index must have a market capitalization of greater than $150 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which a rebalancing date occurs to be eligible for the Vietnam Index. Stocks whose market capitalizations fall below $75 million as of the end of the month prior to the month in which any rebalancing
date occurs will no longer be eligible for the Vietnam Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily turnover greater than $1 million to be eligible for the Vietnam Index and issuers of such stocks must have traded at least an average of 250,000 shares per month over the last six months. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (e.g., National Stock Market stocks must be “reported securities” under Rule 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
As of December 31, 2013, the Vietnam Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $154 million and $40.0 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $3.4 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
The Vietnam Index is the exclusive property of MVIS (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Vietnam Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Vietnam Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to
point out errors in the Vietnam Index to third parties. Market Vectors Vietnam ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS and MVIS makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors Vietnam ETF. Vietnam Index values are calculated daily and are disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of
approximately 7:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. (Eastern time).
The Vietnam Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to facilitate compliance with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Vietnam Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the third Friday in a quarter-end month (i.e., March,
June, September and December) and companies are added and/or deleted based upon the Vietnam Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock exchange listings, i.e., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the Vietnam Index on a quarterly basis, provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 30
trading days. The share weights of the Vietnam Index components are adjusted also on a quarterly basis (every third Friday in a quarter-end month).
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider’s web site prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and deletions to the Vietnam Index is issued on the Friday prior to a rebalancing date.
Target share weights of the constituents normally remain constant between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and reverse stock splits.
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LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with MVIS to use each of the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index. Each
of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors
LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF is entitled to use its Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
The Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF,
Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS. MVIS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF,
Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market
Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt
Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF
and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF particularly or the ability of the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index to track the
performance of its respective securities market. MVIS’s only relationship to the Adviser is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names and of the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index,
Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index that is determined, composed and calculated by MVIS without regard to the Adviser or the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF,
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF. MVIS has no
obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index,
Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index. MVIS is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares of Market Vectors Africa
Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index
ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index
ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are to be converted into cash. MVIS has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market
Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-
124
Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF.
MVIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE AFRICA INDEX, BRAZIL SMALL-CAP INDEX, COLOMBIA INDEX, EGYPT INDEX, GERMANY SMALL-CAP INDEX, GCC INDEX, INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, INDONESIA INDEX, INDONESIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, LATAM SMALL-CAP INDEX, POLAND INDEX, RUSSIA INDEX,
RUSSIA SMALL-CAP INDEX AND VIETNAM INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MVIS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS AFRICA
INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF, MARKET VECTORS COLOMBIA ETF, MARKET VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS GERMANY SMALL-CAP ETF, MARKET VECTORS GULF STATES INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS INDONESIA
SMALL-CAP ETF, MARKET VECTORS LATIN AMERICA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF, MARKET VECTORS POLAND ETF, MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA ETF, MARKET VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF AND MARKET VECTORS VIETNAM ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE AFRICA INDEX, BRAZIL SMALL-CAP INDEX, COLOMBIA INDEX,
EGYPT INDEX, GERMANY SMALL-CAP INDEX, GCC INDEX, INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, INDONESIA INDEX, INDONESIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, LATAM SMALL-CAP INDEX, POLAND INDEX, RUSSIA INDEX, RUSSIA SMALL-CAP INDEX AND VIETNAM INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE AFRICA INDEX, BRAZIL SMALL-CAP INDEX, COLOMBIA INDEX, EGYPT INDEX, GERMANY SMALL-CAP INDEX, GCC INDEX, INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, INDONESIA INDEX, INDONESIA SMALL-CAP INDEX, LATAM
SMALL-CAP INDEX, POLAND INDEX, RUSSIA INDEX, RUSSIA SMALL-CAP INDEX AND VIETNAM INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MVIS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF,
Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are not sponsored, promoted, sold or supported in any other manner by Solactive AG nor does Solactive AG offer any express or implicit guarantee or assurance either with regard to
the results of using the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index and/or its trade mark or its price at any time or in any other
respect. The Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index are calculated and maintained by Solactive AG. Solactive AG uses its best
efforts to ensure that the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index are calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards
MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index to third parties
including but not limited to investors and/or financial intermediaries of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF. Neither publication of the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC
Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index by Solactive AG nor the licensing of the Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Colombia Index, Egypt Index, Germany Small-Cap Index, GCC Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index,
Indonesia Small-Cap Index, LatAm Small-Cap Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index and Vietnam Index or its trade mark for the purpose of use in connection with the Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-
Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF constitutes
a recommendation by Solactive AG to invest capital in Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India
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LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS (continued)
Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF nor does it in any way represent an assurance or opinion of Solactive AG with
regard to any investment in Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF. Solactive AG is not responsible for fulfilling the legal requirements concerning the accuracy and completeness of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors
Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors LatAm Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland
ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF’s Prospectus.
The Israel Index is the exclusive property of BlueStar Indexes, and is calculated and maintained by Standard & Poor’s based on a methodology developed by BlueStar Indexes and the ISE in consultation with Standard & Poor’s. The Israel Index is calculated on an end-of-day basis. Information on the Israel Index is freely available on the website of BlueStar Indexes
at www.BlueStarIndexes.com, and the Israel Index is freely available on ISE’s website, www.ise.com/etf-ventures/index-data/bluestar-israel-globalindex-bls/.
The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar. BlueStar makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of acquiring, bidding, investing or trading in the Fund. BlueStar has licensed to the Adviser certain trademarks and trade names of
BlueStar and of the Israel Index which is determined, composed and calculated by BlueStar without regard to Adviser or the Fund and BlueStar has no obligation to take the needs of Adviser or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Israel Index. BlueStar is not responsible for and has not participated in
the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Fund. BlueStar has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund.
126
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights tables which follow are intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance since each Fund’s inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent that rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, are included in the Funds’ Annual Report, which is available upon request.
127
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Africa Index ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.77 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
26.06 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
34.68 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.15 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
21.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
|
|
|
|
1.05 |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
|
4.72 |
|
|
|
|
(8.65 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.47 |
|
|
|
|
6.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
0.99 |
|
|
|
|
5.77 |
|
|
|
|
(7.65 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
|
|
6.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.83 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.38 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.93 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.77 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
26.06 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
34.68 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
3.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
22.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(22.06 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
24.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
31.15 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
108,245 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
84,627 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
63,838 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
107,515 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36,591 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.91 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.43 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.84 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.83 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
86 |
% |
|
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brazil Small-Cap ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
May 12, 2009(a)
through
December 31,
2009 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
42.20 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
57.19 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.39 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
|
1.04 |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(12.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
5.88 |
|
|
|
|
(16.75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
11.65 |
|
|
|
|
23.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(12.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.50 |
|
|
|
|
(15.71 |
) |
|
|
|
|
12.37 |
|
|
|
|
24.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.78 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(4.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.65 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(5.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
29.61 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
42.20 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36.35 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
57.19 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
48.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(28.58 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
17.86 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(27.47 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
25.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
97.42 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
196,891 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
552,816 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
512,575 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,078,117 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
699,245 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.42 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.82 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.01 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
84 |
% |
|
|
|
|
72 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
128
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colombia ETF |
| |
For the Year
Ended
December 31, |
|
For the Period
March 14, 2011(a)
through
December 31,
2011 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
16.50 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(2.69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.83 |
|
|
|
|
(3.51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(2.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.77 |
|
|
|
|
(3.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.28 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.94 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
16.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(12.11 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
22.86 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(16.72 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
3,456 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,990 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,650 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
4.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
10.58 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.13 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
22 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Egypt Index ETF # |
| |
For the Year
Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
February 16,
2010(a) through
December 31,
2010 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
51.00 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.56 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
79.20 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
82.29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
1.13 |
|
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
|
1.40 |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
4.42 |
|
|
|
|
12.68 |
|
|
|
|
(40.88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.97 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
5.55 |
|
|
|
|
16.16 |
|
|
|
|
(39.48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(3.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
55.51 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
51.00 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.56 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
79.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
10.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
41.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(49.84 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(2.98 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
48,571 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36,325 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
36,155 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
10,887 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.08 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
4.14 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.57 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
49 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.
|
|
129
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Germany Small-Cap ETF |
| |
For the Year
Ended
December 31, |
|
For the Period
April 4, 2011(a)
through
December 31,
2011 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.40 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.66 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments
|
|
|
|
7.67 |
|
|
|
|
4.91 |
|
|
|
|
(7.74 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
7.98 |
|
|
|
|
5.35 |
|
|
|
|
(7.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.03 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.40 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
35.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
30.32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(29.83 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
6,006 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
4,480 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,649 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
4.02 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
8.62 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.55 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.04 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.20 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
130
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf States Index ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.56 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.10 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
23.30 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.04 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
18.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.51 |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
6.57 |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
|
(3.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
4.28 |
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
7.08 |
|
|
|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
|
(2.40 |
) |
|
|
|
|
4.49 |
|
|
|
|
1.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.80 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
27.09 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.56 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.10 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
23.30 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
34.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
5.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(10.30 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
23.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
6.48 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
16,251 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
10,278 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14,070 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
22,132 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
7,615 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
2.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.53 |
% |
|
|
|
|
4.64 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.99 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.99 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.98 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.48 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
India Small-Cap Index ETF # |
| |
For the Year
Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
August 24,
2010(a) through
December 31,
2010 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
44.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.28 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
81.00 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
78.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(13.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
8.64 |
|
|
|
|
(45.44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(12.79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
9.00 |
|
|
|
|
(45.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.68 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
31.31 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
44.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
35.28 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
81.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(28.91 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
25.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(55.63 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
2.79 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
110,352 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
93,999 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
30,881 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
53,658 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.46 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.93 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.91 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
0.73 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.28 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(0.17 |
)%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
77 |
% |
|
|
|
|
65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.
|
|
131
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indonesia Index ETF # |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
January 15,
2009(a) through
December 31,
2009 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.48 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.87 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.68 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
8.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.75 |
|
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(7.68 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
|
|
8.21 |
|
|
|
|
12.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(6.93 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.66 |
|
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
8.46 |
|
|
|
|
12.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.98 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.48 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.87 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
20.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(24.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
2.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
40.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
149.94 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
183,618 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
405,095 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
471,304 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
623,500 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
201,600 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
1.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.31 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
26 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indonesia Small-Cap ETF |
| |
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013 |
|
For the Period
March 20, 2012(a)
through
December 31,
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
14.72 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19.89 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments
|
|
|
|
(3.11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(4.98 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(2.95 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(4.90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
11.68 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(20.02 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(24.65 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
5,258 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,208 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
2.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.71 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
51 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On February 1, 2011, the Fund effected a share split. Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.
|
|
132
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Israel ETF |
| |
For the Period
June 25,
2013(a) through
December 31,
2013 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain on
investments
|
|
|
|
4.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
4.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
19.39 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
30,036 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
0.83 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
24 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF |
| |
For the Year
Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
April 6, 2010(a)
through
December 31,
2010 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.73 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
21.82 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.46 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(5.78 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.66 |
|
|
|
|
(10.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
7.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(5.64 |
) |
|
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
|
(9.84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
7.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.09 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.21 |
) |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.31 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.09 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.80 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
18.90 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.73 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
21.82 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(22.79 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
18.34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(30.32 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
31.17 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
8,505 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
13,602 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14,181 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25,966 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
2.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.87 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
0.95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
48 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
133
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poland ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
November 24,
2009(a) through
December 31,
2009 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.25 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
27.10 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.08 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
|
0.84 |
|
|
|
|
0.81 |
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
0.36 |
|
|
|
|
4.99 |
|
|
|
|
(9.92 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.02 |
|
|
|
|
(0.62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
|
5.83 |
|
|
|
|
(9.11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.25 |
|
|
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.60 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
22.25 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
27.10 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
24.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
4.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
33.82 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(33.60 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
13.49 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(2.55 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
30,514 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
32,266 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
31,034 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
52,842 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
7,223 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.84 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.94 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.31 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets
|
|
|
|
3.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.79 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(0.45 |
)%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
9 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russia ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
29.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
26.32 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
37.47 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
31.05 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
0.73 |
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments
|
|
|
|
(1.00 |
) |
|
|
|
|
3.31 |
|
|
|
|
(11.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.43 |
|
|
|
|
17.99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
4.04 |
|
|
|
|
(10.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
6.60 |
|
|
|
|
18.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.74 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
|
|
$ |
|
28.69 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
29.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
26.32 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
37.47 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
31.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(0.65 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
15.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(28.20 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
21.27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
138.36 |
% |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,187,720 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,634,230 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,557,002 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
2,607,965 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
1,409,641 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.69 |
% |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.28 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
41 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
134
For a share outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russia Small-Cap ETF # |
| |
For the Year Ended
December 31, |
|
For the Period
April 13,
2011(a) through
December 31,
2011 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
45.15 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.58 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
74.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(2.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(2.22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(27.30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(1.71 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(1.50 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(27.09 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.93 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
42.24 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
45.15 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
47.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(3.77 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(3.17 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(36.18 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
16,191 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
8,276 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
3,172 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.87 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
7.02 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.67 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.63 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.52 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
|
|
41 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vietnam ETF |
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
August 11, 2009(a)
through
December 31,
2009 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.06 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14.76 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.34 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.12 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
|
— |
(e) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
1.58 |
|
|
|
|
2.32 |
|
|
|
|
(10.61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
2.17 |
|
|
|
|
2.67 |
|
|
|
|
(10.42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.60 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Distributions from net realized capital gains
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
|
(0.60 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
18.63 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
17.06 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
14.76 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.34 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
25.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
12.75 |
% |
|
|
|
|
18.07 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(41.11 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
2.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
372,634 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
286,672 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
198,525 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
243,294 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
79,139 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.86 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.84 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.84 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.96 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets
|
|
|
|
2.98 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.08 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.07 |
%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
48 |
% |
|
|
|
|
54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
|
|
26 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
Amount represents less than $0.005 per share
|
|
|
# |
|
|
|
On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split. Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.
|
|
135
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
Information regarding how often the Shares of each Fund traded on NYSE Arca at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund during the past four calendar quarters, as applicable, can be found at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act may occur. Broker dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities
on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving
solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete
description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary trading transactions), and thus dealing with Shares that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by
Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with
ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to
Shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is
only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
In addition, certain affiliates of the Funds and the Adviser may purchase and resell Fund shares pursuant to this Prospectus.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15, 2001. Its Declaration of Trust currently permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest. If shareholders are required to vote on any matters, each Share outstanding would be entitled to one vote. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as
required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the Funds’ SAI for more information concerning the Trust’s form of organization. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including Shares of a Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in
the Funds beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Funds.
Dechert LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Funds. Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Fund’s financial statements annually.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Funds’ Shares. Information about the Funds can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1.202.551.8090. The Funds’ Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the Funds’ SAI and the exhibits may be examined at the offices of the SEC (100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549) or on the EDGAR database at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at
the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s
136
Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. These documents and other information concerning the Trust also may be inspected at the offices of NYSE Arca (20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005).
The SAI for the Funds, which has been filed with the SEC, provides more information about the Funds. The SAI for the Funds is incorporated herein by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus. Additional information about the Funds’ investments is available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund’s annual
report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained without charge by writing to the Funds at Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Funds’ distributor, at 335 Madison Avenue,
New York, New York 10017 or by calling the distributor at the following number: Investor Information: 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Funds in writing to 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017 or by calling 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
The Funds’ SAI is available at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-10325)
137
For more detailed information about the Funds, see the SAI dated May 1, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Funds’ investments will be available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
Call Van Eck at 888.MKT.VCTR to request, free of charge, the annual or semi-annual reports, the SAI, or other information about the Funds or to make shareholder inquiries. You may also obtain the SAI or a Fund’s annual or semi-annual reports, when available, by visiting the Van Eck website at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.551.8090.
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-0102.
|
|
|
Transfer Agent: The Bank of New York Mellon
SEC Registration Number: 333-123257
1940 Act Registration Number: 811-10325 |
|
888.MKT.VCTR
|
|
MVINTPRO |
|
marketvectorsetfs.com
|
MAY 1, 2014
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange:
NYSE Arca, Inc.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARKET VECTORS CHINAAMC A-SHARE ETF*
SUMMARY INFORMATION
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF* (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the CSI 300 Index** (the “Index”).
FUND FEES AND EXPENSES
The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (“Shares”).
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|
|
|
None |
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
Management Fee |
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a) |
|
|
|
1.14 |
% |
|
|
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
(0.42 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(a) |
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.72% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least May 1, 2015. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.
|
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions, your costs would be:
|
|
|
YEAR |
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
|
74 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
$ |
|
321 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
|
587 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
$ |
|
1,349 |
|
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating
expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index and/or in investments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise its benchmark index. The Index is comprised of the largest and most liquid stocks in the
Chinese A-share market. As of December 31, 2013, the Index included 300 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between
|
* Prior to January 7, 2014, the Fund’s name was Market Vectors China ETF.
|
|
** The CSI 300 Index is a registered trademark of China Securities Index Co., Ltd.
|
1
MARKET VECTORS CHINAAMC A-SHARE ETF (continued)
approximately $1.1 billion and $236.9 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $36.6 billion. These amounts are subject to change. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance before fees and expenses and that of the Index will be 95% or
better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Index is comprised of China A-shares (“A-shares”). The Index is a modified free-float market capitalization weighted index composed of the largest and most liquid stocks in the Chinese A-share market. Constituent stocks for the Index must have been listed for more than three months (unless the stock’s average daily A-share market capitalization
since its initial listing ranks among the top 30 of all A-shares) and must not be experiencing obvious abnormal fluctuations or market manipulation.
A-shares are issued by companies incorporated in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”). A-shares are traded in renminbi (“RMB”) on the Shenzhen or Shanghai Stock Exchanges. The A-share market in China is made available to domestic PRC investors and certain foreign investors, including principally those that have been approved as a
Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“RQFII”) or as a Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“QFII”). A RQFII or QFII license may be obtained by application to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”). After obtaining a RQFII or QFII license, the RQFII or QFII would also apply to China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange
(“SAFE”) for a specific aggregate dollar amount investment quota in which the RQFII or QFII can invest in A-shares. Accordingly, the Fund’s direct investments in A-shares will be limited by the quota allocated to the RQFII or QFII. Investment companies are not currently within the types of entities that are eligible for a RQFII or QFII license.
The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by primarily investing directly in A-shares. Because the Fund does not satisfy the criteria to qualify as a RQFII or QFII itself, the Fund intends to invest directly in A-shares via the A-share quota granted to the Fund’s sub-adviser, China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (the “Sub-Adviser”) by
SAFE (“RQFII quota”). The Sub-Adviser has obtained RQFII status and has been granted an RQFII quota, which the Sub-Adviser will use to invest the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to it by the Adviser in A-shares. At such time that the Sub-Adviser has utilized its entire RQFII quota, the Sub-Adviser may, subject to applicable regulations, apply for
an increase of the RQFII quota. Assets not allocated to the Sub-Adviser for investment directly in A-shares will be managed by the Adviser.
The Fund also expects to invest a portion of its assets in swaps, futures contracts and other types of derivative instruments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of A-shares, including swaps on the Index, swaps on the A-shares which comprise the Index and/or swaps on funds that seek to
replicate the performance of the Index or funds that invest in A-shares or the Fund may invest directly in shares of such funds. The notional values of these swaps, futures contracts and other derivative instruments will count towards the Fund’s 80% investment policy and cash and cash equivalents related to the swaps, futures contracts and other
derivative instruments will not be counted towards the calculation of total assets. The Fund may also invest in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), including ETFs listed on a Hong Kong or other foreign exchange.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of December 31, 2013, the Index was concentrated in the financial services sector and each of the industrials, information technology and consumer discretionary sectors represented
a significant portion of the Index.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of the RQFII Regime and the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategy. The Index is comprised of A-shares. In seeking to replicate the Index, the Fund intends to primarily invest directly in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota. Because the Fund will not be able to primarily invest directly in A-shares in excess of the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII
quota, the size of the Fund’s direct investment in A-shares may be limited. In addition, the RQFII quota of the Sub-Adviser may be reduced or revoked by the Chinese regulators if, among other things, the Sub-Adviser fails to observe SAFE and other applicable Chinese regulations. The Fund cannot predict what would occur if the RQFII quota of the Sub-
Adviser or RQFII quotas generally were reduced or eliminated, although such an occurrence would likely have a material adverse effect on the Fund, including the requirement that the Fund dispose of certain or all of its A-shares holdings, and may adversely affect the willingness and ability of potential swap counterparties to engage in swaps with the
Fund linked to the performance of A-shares. These risks are compounded by the fact
2
that, at present, there are only a limited number of firms and potential counterparties that have RQFII or QFII status or are willing and able to enter into swap transactions linked to the performance of A-shares. Therefore, any such reduction or elimination may have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. If
the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure to the performance of the Index due to the limited availability of the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota or other investments that provide exposure to the performance of A-shares, the Fund could, among other things, as a defensive measure limit or suspend creations until the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser
determine that the requisite exposure to the Index is obtainable. During the period that creations are suspended, the Fund could trade at a significant premium or discount to its net asset value (“NAV”) and could experience substantial redemptions. Alternatively, the Fund could change its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an
alternative index focused on Chinese-related stocks other than A-shares or other appropriate investments, or decide to liquidate the Fund.
The A-share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or government intervention. Securities on the A-share market, including securities in the Index, may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities. The regulations which regulate
investments by RQFIIs in the PRC and the repatriation of capital from RQFII investments are relatively new. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. The PRC authorities and regulators have been given wide discretion in such investment
regulations and there is no precedent or certainty as to how such discretion may be exercised now or in the future. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations may adversely affect the Fund.
Specific rules governing taxes on
capital gains derived by RQFIIs and QFIIs from the trading of PRC securities have yet to be announced. In the absence of
specific rules, the tax treatment of the Fund’s investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota
should be governed by the general PRC tax provisions and provisions applicable to RQFIIs. Under these provisions, the Fund
is generally subject to a tax of 10% on any dividends, distributions and interest it receives from its investment in PRC
securities. In addition, a nonresident enterprise is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10% on its capital gains.
However, it is unclear if this tax will be applied to investments by an RQFII such as the Sub-Adviser or what the
methodology for calculating or collecting the tax will be. Withholding taxes on dividends, interest and capital gains may be
taxed at a reduced rate under an applicable tax treaty, but the application of such treaties for an RQFII acting on behalf of
a foreign investor (i.e., the Sub-Adviser on behalf of the Fund) is also uncertain. It is also unclear how
China’s business tax may apply to activities of an RQFII such as the Sub-Adviser and how such application may be
affected by tax treaty provisions. The current PRC tax laws and regulations and interpretations thereof may be revised or
amended in the future, including with respect to the possible liability of the Fund for obligations of the Sub-Adviser, and
may be applied retroactively. Any revision or amendment in tax laws and regulations may adversely affect the Fund. The Fund,
as of the date of the Prospectus, reserves 10% of its realized and unrealized gains from its A-share investments to apply towards
withholding tax liability. The tax reserve will be reflected in the Fund’s daily NAV calculations as a
deduction from the Fund’s NAV. This reserve may turn out to be excessive or inadequate in light of the Fund’s
actual tax liabilities. Therefore, if the Fund’s tax reserve turns out to be excessive or inadequate and the Fund’s
tax reserve and related deduction from NAV is modified accordingly, this will work to the benefit or detriment,
respectively, of the Fund’s existing shareholders at the time the uncertainty surrounding the Fund’s tax
liabilities is resolved. However, the Fund may discontinue reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains, except with
respect to realized and unrealized gains from the Fund’s investments in A-shares of “land-rich” enterprises,
which are companies that have greater than 50% of their assets in land or real properties in the PRC. In the event that the
Fund discontinues reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains, the Fund anticipates releasing its reserve related to the
capital gains back to the Fund, which will increase the Fund’s NAV and may increase a shareholder's tax liability regardless of when the shareholder purchased his or her Shares. If
the PRC begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of capital gains from A-shares investment to RQFIIs, such as the
Sub-Adviser, and/or begins collecting capital gains taxes on such investments, the Fund could be subject to withholding tax
liability. The impact of any such tax liability on the Fund’s return could be substantial. The Fund may also be liable
to the Sub-Adviser for any tax that is imposed on the Sub-Adviser by the PRC with respect to the Fund’s
investments.
If the Fund’s direct investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota become subject to repatriation restrictions, the Fund may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements applicable to registered investment companies (“RICs”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), and be subject to income
and excise tax at the Fund level. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. See the prospectus under “Shareholder Information—Tax Information—Taxes on Distributions” for more information. The Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to
treat Chinese taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund as paid by its shareholders. Even if the Fund is qualified to make that election and does so this treatment will not apply with respect to amounts the Fund reserves in anticipation of the imposition of withholding taxes not currently in effect (as discussed above). If these amounts are used
to pay any tax liability of the Fund in a later year, they will be treated as paid by the shareholders in such later year, even if they are imposed with respect to income of an earlier year. See the prospectus under “Shareholder Information—Tax Information” for a further description of this risk.
3
MARKET VECTORS CHINAAMC A-SHARE ETF (continued)
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China and A-shares. Investing in securities of Chinese companies, including A-shares, involves certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers, including, among others, (i) the small size of the market for Chinese securities and the low volume of trading,
resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of
nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers, (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or
natural disasters, (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes and other trade limitations and (xi) custody risks associated with investing through a RQFII, where due to requirements regarding establishing a custody account in the joint names of the Fund and the Sub-Adviser the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected from the claims of creditors
than if the Fund had an account in its name only.
The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control
over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, previously the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the
prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic
expansion. It may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China.
The Sub-Adviser, as a licensed RQFII, is currently permitted to repatriate RMB daily and is not subject to RMB repatriation restrictions or prior approval. However, there is no assurance that RQFIIs may not be subject to restrictions or prior approval requirements in the future. Any additional restrictions imposed on the Sub-Adviser or RQFIIs generally may
have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to invest directly in A-shares and its ability to meet redemption requests.
The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-share market is subject to greater government restrictions and
control, including trading suspensions as discussed above. Price fluctuations of A-shares are currently limited to either 5% or 10% per trading day. In addition, there is less regulation and monitoring of Chinese securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants than in the United States. Accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards in China are different from U.S. standards and, therefore, disclosure of certain material information may not be made. In addition, less information may be available to the Fund and other investors than would be the case if the Fund’s investments were restricted to securities of U.S. issuers. There is also generally less governmental
regulation of the securities industry in China, and less enforcement of regulatory provisions relating thereto, than in the United States. Moreover, it may be more difficult to obtain a judgment in a court outside the United States.
The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to the economic conditions of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely
impact the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments. Moreover, the current major slowdown in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund’s investments.
Emerging markets such as China can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The value of the RMB may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to, among other things, changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the PRC, the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational
entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in RMB and the income received by the Fund will principally be in RMB. The Fund’s exposure to the RMB and changes in value of the RMB versus the U.S. dollar may
result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and RMB. The RMB is currently not a freely convertible currency. The Chinese government places strict regulation on RMB and sets the value of the RMB to levels dependent on the value of the U.S. dollar, but the Chinese
government has been under pressure to manage the currency in a less restrictive fashion so that it is less correlated to the U.S. dollar. The Chinese government’s imposition of restrictions on the repatriation of RMB out of mainland China may limit the depth of the offshore RMB market and reduce the liquidity of the Fund’s investments.
4
There may not be sufficient amounts of RMB for the Fund to be fully invested because the Fund has to convert U.S. dollars received from the purchase of Creation Units (defined herein) into RMB to purchase A-shares. As a result, these restrictions may adversely affect the Fund and its investments.
Risk of Investing in Swaps. The Fund may invest in swaps on the Index or on securities comprising the Index. The Fund may also invest in swaps on other funds that track the Index or funds that invest in A-shares. The use of swap agreements entails certain risks, which may be different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with
investing directly in the underlying asset for the swap agreement. Investments in swaps linked to the performance of A-shares are subject to general risks associated with A-shares and the RQFII/QFII system discussed above in “—Risk of the RQFII Regime and the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategy.”
Because a swap is an obligation of the counterparty rather than a direct investment in A-shares, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the swap if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations under the swap as a result of bankruptcy or otherwise. Any loss would result in a reduction in the NAV of the Fund
and may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments is expected to be greater than most other funds because there are only a limited number of counterparties that are willing and able to enter into swaps on A-shares. In fact, because there are so few potential
counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into swap transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
The swaps market is subject to extensive regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) and certain Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) rules promulgated thereunder. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including new
and additional government regulation, could result in higher Fund costs and expenses and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability, among other things, to enter into or to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Investments in swaps require the payment of additional ongoing fees to the counterparty to the swap. In addition, the Fund’s investments in swaps and other derivative instruments may be less tax-efficient than direct investment in A-shares and may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules that could negatively affect the Fund. Investments in
swaps and other derivatives may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules that could negatively affect the character, timing and amount of income earned by the Fund (e.g., by causing amounts that would be capital gain to be taxed as ordinary income or to be taken into income earlier than would otherwise be necessary). Also, the Fund may
be required to periodically adjust its positions in its swaps and derivatives to comply with certain regulatory requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than a direct investment in A-shares. In addition, as further discussed in the Fund’s prospectus under “Additional Information About the Fund’s Investment Strategies and
Risks—Risks of Investing in the Fund—Risk of Investing In Swaps—Tax Risk,” because the application of these special rules may be uncertain, it is possible that the manner in which they are applied by the Fund may be determined to be incorrect and, as a result the Fund may be found to have failed to maintain its qualification as a RIC or to be subject to
additional U.S. tax liability.
Risk of Investing in Futures. Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified instrument, index or commodity at a specified future time and at a specified price. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. The prices
of futures can be highly volatile, using futures can lower total return, can create investment leverage, and the potential loss from futures can exceed the Fund’s initial investment in such contracts. Futures contacts involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a futures contract may not correlate perfectly
with the underlying indicator. Even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful due to market events. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in the futures contract. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s futures
contract positions at any time.
Risk of Investing in Other Funds. The Fund may invest in shares of other funds, including ETFs. As a result, the Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of an investment in the underlying funds. As a shareholder in a fund (as with ETFs), the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay
its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other funds, including ETFs.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund’s return. The risks of
5
MARKET VECTORS CHINAAMC A-SHARE ETF (continued)
investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be subject
to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating
downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be subject
to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent
developments in the credit markets have caused companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected
by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the information technology sector represented a significant portion of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Information technology
companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse affect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological
developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies engaged in
the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of
resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Medium-Capitalization Companies. Medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile and more likely than large-capitalization companies to have narrower product lines, fewer financial resources, less management depth and experience and less competitive strength. Returns on investments in securities of medium-capitalization
companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of large-capitalization companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and
debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity
securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
6
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition
of the Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units (defined herein). In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Index or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the
Chinese Government, a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons. As discussed above, one or more securities included the Index may be suspended from trading and such securities would be valued by the Index at the last closing price. The Fund is expected to
value these securities and its other investments based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely
affected. The Fund will be required to remit RMB to settle the purchase of A-shares and repatriate RMB to U.S. dollars to settle redemption orders. In the event such remittance is delayed or disrupted, the Fund will not be able to fully replicate the Index by investing in the relevant A-shares, which may lead to increased tracking error, and may need to
rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses. Because the Fund invests in swaps on A-shares, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, and the underlying A-shares represented by the swaps are denominated in Chinese RMB, the ability of the Fund to track the Index is in part subject to foreign exchange fluctuations as
between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. The terms of the swaps require the payment of the U.S. dollar equivalent of the RMB distributions and dividends received by the QFII, meaning that the Fund is exposed to foreign exchange risk and fluctuations in value between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. In light of the above factors and the maintenance of a tax
reserve as a provision for potential Chinese taxes as discussed above, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Index.
Replication Management Risk. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. However, because the Fund is not
“actively” managed, unless a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. Therefore, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a
market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at
a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most ETFs, the Fund expects to effect all of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Therefore, the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains
and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent the Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. Based on the composition of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund’s assets were concentrated in the financial
services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s
average annual returns for the one year and since inception periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Updated performance information is available online at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
7
MARKET VECTORS CHINAAMC A-SHARE ETF (continued)
Annual Total Returns(%)—Calendar Years
|
|
|
|
|
Best Quarter: |
|
11.35% |
|
4Q ’12 |
Worst Quarter: |
|
-15.10% |
|
3Q ’11 |
Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2013.
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who
hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Past One Year |
|
Since Inception
(10/13/2010) |
|
|
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF (return before taxes) |
|
|
|
-4.74 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-6.78 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF (return after taxes on distributions) |
|
|
|
-5.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-7.35 |
% |
|
|
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares) |
|
|
|
-2.69 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.25 |
% |
|
|
CSI 300 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-2.57 |
% |
|
|
|
|
-5.09 |
% |
|
|
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
32.39 |
% |
|
|
|
|
17.53 |
% |
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Investment Sub-Adviser. China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited
Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Sub-Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Jian Fei (Jeff) Wu |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 7, 2014 |
David Lai |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
January 7, 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title with Adviser |
|
Date Began Managing the Fund |
|
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
October 2010 |
George Cao |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
October 2010 |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof. A Creation Unit consists of 100,000 Shares.
Individual Shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”) and because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV.
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TAX INFORMATION
The Fund’s distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Sub-Adviser anticipates that, generally, the portion of the Fund for which it is responsible will hold or gain exposure to all of the securities that comprise the Index in proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in those weightings. In these
circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Index. There also may be instances in which the Sub-Adviser may choose to underweight or overweight a security in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index that the Sub-Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Index or utilize various
combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Index. The Fund may sell securities that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from the Index or purchase securities not represented in the Index in anticipation of
their addition to the Index. The Fund may also, in order to comply with the tax diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, temporarily invest in securities not included in the Index that are expected to be highly correlated with the securities included in the Index.
The Fund’s assets that are not allocated to the Sub-Adviser for investment directly in A-shares will be managed by the Adviser in swaps, futures contracts and other types of derivative instruments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of A-shares, including swaps on the Index, swaps on the A-
shares which comprise the Index and/or swaps on funds that seek to replicate the performance of the Index or funds that invest in A-shares or the Fund may invest directly in shares of such funds. The notional values of these swaps, futures contracts and other derivative instruments will count towards the Fund’s 80% investment policy and cash and
cash equivalents related to the swaps, futures contracts and other derivative instruments will not be counted towards the calculation of total assets. The Adviser may also invest, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, in other affiliated and unaffiliated funds, such as open-end or closed-end management investment companies, including other ETFs. Assets managed by the Adviser that are not invested in other funds, including ETFs listed on a Hong Kong or other foreign exchange, swaps and other derivatives will be invested primarily in money market instruments.
In the event that the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota is or becomes inadequate or if the Sub-Adviser is unable to maintain its RQFII status or to seek to replicate the Index through the other means described in this Prospectus, the Fund may retain one or more additional sub-advisers that maintain RQFII licenses and/or the Adviser may obtain a QFII quota
and the Adviser or additional sub-adviser(s), on behalf of the Fund, may invest in A-shares and other permitted China securities listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchanges up to the amount specified in the Adviser’s or additional sub-adviser(s)’s QFII or RQFII quota, respectively.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund may also invest in securities not included in the Index, money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more
specified factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index), and certain derivatives. In addition, the Fund may invest in B-shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded in the mainland B-share markets; China H-shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; securities of Red Chip Companies, which are companies with certain minimum proportions of mainland Chinese entity shareholders that are incorporated outside mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; and securities of Chinese-related companies, which are companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange, the Singapore Stock Exchange or other exchanges. Convertible securities, depositary receipts and derivative instruments such as swaps, options, warrants, futures contracts, currency forwards, structured notes and participation notes may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to the Index, and in managing cash flows,
and may count towards compliance with the Fund’s 80% policy. The Fund will not invest in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.
An authorized participant (i.e., a person eligible to place orders with the Distributor (defined below) to create or redeem Creation Units of the Fund) that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption,
restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
BORROWING MONEY
The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of one-third of the value of its assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks as permitted by the 1940 Act). The Fund intends to enter into a credit facility to borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes, including the funding of shareholder redemption requests, trade settlements and
as necessary to distribute to shareholders any income required to maintain the Fund’s status as a RIC. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it will be leveraged; at such times, the Fund will appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than the Index.
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FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The Fund’s investment objective and each of its other investment policies are non-fundamental policies that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, except as noted in this Prospectus or in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) under the section entitled “Investment Policies and Restrictions—Investment
Restrictions.”
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, the Fund receives liquid collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio securities being loaned. This collateral is marked-to-market on a
daily basis. Although the Fund will receive collateral in connection with all loans of its securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of loss should a borrower fail to return the borrowed securities (e.g., the Fund would have to buy replacement securities and the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of the collateral held by
the Fund) or become insolvent. The Fund may pay fees to the party arranging the loan of securities. In addition, the Fund will bear the risk of loss of any cash collateral that it invests.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The following section provides additional information regarding the principal risks identified under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund” in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section followed by additional risk information.
Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Risk of the RQFII Regime and the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategy. The Index is comprised of A-shares. In seeking to replicate the Index, the Fund intends to primarily invest directly in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota. Because the Fund will not be able to primarily invest directly in A-shares in excess of the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII
quota, the size of the Fund’s direct investment in A-shares may be limited. In addition, the RQFII quota of the Sub-Adviser may be reduced or revoked by the Chinese regulators if, among other things, the Sub-Adviser fails to observe SAFE and other applicable Chinese regulations. The Fund cannot predict what would occur if the RQFII quota of the Sub-
Adviser or RQFII quotas generally were reduced or eliminated, although such an occurrence would likely have a material adverse effect on the Fund, including the requirement that the Fund dispose of certain or all of its A-shares holdings, and may adversely affect the willingness and ability of potential swap counterparties to engage in swaps with the
Fund linked to the performance of A-shares. These risks are compounded by the fact that, at present, there are only a limited number of firms and potential counterparties that have RQFII or QFII status or are willing and able to enter into swap transactions linked to the performance of A-shares. Therefore, any such reduction or elimination may have a
material adverse effect on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. If the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure to the performance of the Index due to the limited availability of the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota or other investments that provide exposure to the performance of A-shares, the Fund could, among other things, as a
defensive measure limit or suspend creations until the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser determine that the requisite exposure to the Index is obtainable. During the period that creations are suspended, the Fund could trade at a significant premium or discount to its NAV and could experience substantial redemptions. Alternatively, the Fund could change
its investment objective by, for example, seeking to track an alternative index focused on Chinese-related stocks other than A-shares or other appropriate investments, or decide to liquidate the Fund.
The A-share market may be considered volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or government intervention. Securities on the A-share market, including one or more securities in the Index, may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last. The regulations which regulate investments by
RQFIIs in the PRC and the repatriation of capital from RQFII investments are relatively new. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. The PRC authorities and regulators have been given wide discretion in such investment regulations and there
is no precedent or certainty as to how such discretion may be exercised now or in the future. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, because the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota would be in the name of the Sub-Adviser rather than the Fund, there is a risk that regulatory actions taken
against the Sub-Adviser by PRC government authorities may affect the Fund.
Specific rules governing taxes on capital gains derived by RQFIIs and QFIIs from the trading of PRC securities have yet to be announced. In the absence of specific rules, the tax treatment of the Fund’s investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota should be governed by the general PRC tax provisions and provisions applicable to
RQFIIs. Under these provisions, the Fund is generally subject to a tax of 10% on any dividends, distributions and interest it receives from its investment in PRC securities. In addition, a nonresident enterprise is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10% on its capital gains. However, it is unclear if this tax will be applied to investments by an RQFII such
as the Sub-Adviser or what the methodology for calculating or
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
collecting the tax will be. Withholding taxes on dividends,
interest and capital gains may be taxed at a reduced rate under an applicable tax treaty, but the application of such
treaties for an RQFII acting on behalf of a foreign investor (i.e., the Sub-Adviser acting on behalf of the Fund) is
also uncertain. It is also unclear how China’s business tax may apply to activities of an RQFII such as the
Sub-Adviser and how such application may be affected by tax treaty provisions. The current PRC tax laws and regulations and
interpretations thereof may be revised or amended in the future, including with respect to the possible liability of the Fund
for obligations of the Sub-Adviser, and may be applied retroactively. Any revision or amendment in tax laws and regulations
may adversely affect the Fund. The Fund, as of the date of the Prospectus, reserves 10% of its realized and unrealized gains
from its A-share investments to apply towards withholding tax liability. This reserve may turn out to be excessive or
inadequate in light of the Fund’s actual tax liabilities. The tax reserve will be reflected in the Fund’s daily
NAV calculations as a deduction from the Fund’s NAV. Therefore, if the Fund’s tax reserve turns out to be excessive
or inadequate and the Fund’s tax reserve and related deduction from NAV is modified accordingly, this will work to the
benefit or detriment, respectively, of the Fund’s existing shareholders at the time the uncertainty surrounding the
Fund’s tax liabilities is resolved. However, the Fund may discontinue reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains,
except with respect to realized and unrealized gains from the Fund’s investments in A-shares of “land-rich”
enterprises, which are companies that have greater than 50% of their assets in land or real properties in the PRC. In the
event that the Fund discontinues reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains, the Fund anticipates releasing its reserve
related to the capital gains back to the Fund, which will increase the Fund’s NAV and may increase a shareholder's tax
liability regardless of when the shareholder purchased his or her Shares. If the PRC begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of capital gains from A-shares investment to RQFIIs, such as
the Sub-Adviser, and/or begins collecting capital gains taxes on such investments, the Fund could be subject to withholding
tax liability . The impact of any such tax liability on the Fund’s return could be substantial. The Fund may also be
liable to the Sub-Adviser for any tax that is imposed on the Sub-Adviser by the PRC with respect to the Fund’s
investments.
If the Fund’s direct investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota become subject to repatriation restrictions, the Fund may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements applicable to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code, and be subject to income and excise tax at the Fund level. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize
unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. See below under “Shareholder Information—Tax Information—Taxes on Distributions” for more information. The Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat Chinese taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund as paid by its shareholders.
Even if the Fund is qualified to make that election and does so this treatment will not apply with respect to amounts the Fund reserves in anticipation of the imposition of withholding taxes not currently in effect (as discussed above). If these amounts are used to pay any tax liability of the Fund in a later year, they will be treated as paid by the
shareholders in such later year, even if they are imposed with respect to income of an earlier year. See “Shareholder Information—Tax Information” for a further description of this risk.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in China. Whether the Fund invests directly in China by investing in A-shares in reliance on the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota or indirectly in China through swaps or other means described in this Prospectus, investments in China involve certain risks and special considerations, including the following:
Political and Economic Risk. The economy of China, which has been in a state of transition from a planned economy to a more market oriented economy, differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, its state of development, its growth rate, control of foreign exchange,
and allocation of resources. Although the majority of productive assets in China are still owned by the PRC government at various levels, in recent years, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures emphasizing utilization of market forces in the development of the economy of China and a high level of management autonomy.
The economy of China has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, but growth has been uneven both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Economic growth has also been accompanied by periods of high inflation. The PRC government has implemented various measures from time to time to control inflation and
restrain the rate of economic growth.
For more than 30 years, the PRC government has carried out economic reforms to achieve decentralization and utilization of market forces to develop the economy of the PRC. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress. There can, however, be no assurance that the PRC government will continue to pursue
such economic policies or, if it does, that those policies will continue to be successful. Any such adjustment and modification of those economic policies may have an adverse impact on the securities market in the PRC as well as the underlying securities of the Index. Further, the PRC government may from time to time adopt corrective measures
to control the growth of the PRC economy which may also have an adverse impact on the capital growth and performance of the Fund.
Political changes, social instability and adverse diplomatic developments in the PRC could result in the imposition of additional government restrictions including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxes or nationalization of some or all of the property held by the issuers of the Fund’s A-share investments or contained in the Index.
The laws, regulations, including the investment regulations allowing RQFIIs (and QFIIs) to invest in A-shares, government policies and political and economic climate in China may change with little or no advance notice. Any such change could adversely affect market conditions and the performance of the Chinese economy and, thus, the value of
the A-shares in the Fund’s portfolio.
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Since 1949, the PRC has been a socialist state controlled by the Communist party. China has only recently opened up to foreign investment and has only begun to permit private economic activity. There is no guarantee that the Chinese government will not revert from its current open-market economy to the economic policy of central planning
that it implemented prior to 1978.
The Chinese government continues to be an active participant in many economic sectors through ownership positions and regulation. The allocation of resources in China is subject to a high level of government control. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy.
Through its policies, the government may provide preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The policies set by the government could have a substantial effect on the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments.
The Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trade, and much of China’s growth in recent years has been the result of focused investments in economic sectors intended to produce goods and services for export purposes. The performance of the Chinese economy may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Adverse changes to the economic conditions of its primary trading partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the Chinese economy and the
Fund’s investments. International trade tensions involving China and its trading counterparties may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. Such actions and consequences may ultimately result in a significant reduction in international trade, an oversupply of
certain manufactured goods, devaluations of existing inventories and potentially the failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund.
China has been transitioning to a market economy since the late seventies, reaffirming its economic policy reforms through five-year programs, the latest of which (for 2011 through 2015) was approved in March 2011. Under the economic reforms implemented by the Chinese government, the Chinese economy has experienced tremendous growth,
developing into one of the largest economies in the world. There is no assurance, however, that such growth will be sustained in the future.
Moreover, the current slowdown or any future recessions in other significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and certain Asian countries, may adversely affect economic growth in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact the Fund’s investments.
Inflation. Economic growth in China has also historically been accompanied by periods of high inflation. Beginning in 2004, the Chinese government commenced the implementation of various measures to control inflation, which included the tightening of the money supply, the raising of interest rates and more stringent control over certain
industries. If these measures are not successful, and if inflation were to steadily increase, the performance of the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments could be negatively impacted.
Tax Changes. The Chinese system of taxation is not as well settled as that of the United States. In addition, changes in the Chinese tax system may have retroactive effects.
Nationalization and Expropriation. After the formation of the Chinese socialist state in 1949, the Chinese government renounced various debt obligations and nationalized private assets without providing any form of compensation. There can be no assurance that the Chinese government will not take similar actions in the future. Accordingly, an
investment in the Fund involves a risk of a total loss.
Hong Kong Policy. As part of Hong Kong’s transition from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, China agreed to allow Hong Kong to maintain a high degree of autonomy with regard to its political, legal and economic systems for a period of at least 50 years. China controls matters that relate to defense and foreign affairs. Under the agreement,
China does not tax Hong Kong, does not limit the exchange of the Hong Kong dollar for foreign currencies and does not place restrictions on free trade in Hong Kong. However, there is no guarantee that China will continue to honor the agreement, and China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change could
adversely affect market conditions and the performance of the Chinese economy and, thus, the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Chinese Securities Markets. The securities markets in China have a limited operating history and are not as developed as those in the United States. These markets tend to be smaller in size, have less liquidity and historically have had greater volatility than markets in the United States and some other countries. In addition, there is less regulation
and monitoring of Chinese securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants than in the United States. Accordingly, issuers of securities in China are not subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, tender offer regulation, stockholder proxy
requirements and the requirements mandating timely disclosure of information. Stock markets in China are in the process of change and further development.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
This may lead to trading volatility, unpredictable trading suspensions, difficulty in the settlement and recording of transactions and difficulty in interpreting and applying the relevant regulations.
Available Disclosure About Chinese Companies. Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Therefore, disclosure of certain material
information may not be made, and less information may be available to the Fund and other investors than would be the case if the Fund’s investments were restricted to securities of U.S. issuers. Chinese issuers are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those
applicable to U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of a Chinese issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Chinese Corporate and Securities Law. The regulations on investments and repatriation of capital by QFIIs and RQFIIs are relatively new. As a result, the application and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively untested. In addition, PRC authorities have broad discretion in this regard. The Fund’s rights with respect to its
investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota will not be governed by U.S. law, and instead will be governed by Chinese law. China operates under a civil law system, in which court precedent is not binding. Because there is no binding precedent to interpret existing statutes, there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of
existing law.
Legal principles relating to corporate affairs and the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ fiduciary duties and liabilities and stockholders’ rights often differ from those that may apply in the United States and other countries. Chinese laws providing protection to investors, such as laws regarding the fiduciary duties of officers and directors, are
undeveloped and will not provide investors, such as the Fund, with protection in all situations where protection would be provided by comparable law in the United States. China lacks a national set of laws that address all issues that may arise with regard to a foreign investor such as the Fund.
It may therefore be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights as an investor under Chinese corporate and securities laws, and it may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to obtain a judgment in court. Moreover, as Chinese corporate and securities laws continue to develop, these developments may adversely affect foreign investors, such as the
Fund.
Special Risk Considerations of Investing in A-shares. The Fund’s investments in A-shares are limited to the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota amount obtained by the Sub-Adviser in its capacity as RQFII on behalf of the Fund. In addition, there may be significant restrictions on the repatriation of gains and income related to the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota that
may affect the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests. Currently, there are two stock exchanges in mainland China, the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, and there is one stock exchange in Hong Kong. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are supervised by the CSRC and are highly automated with trading and settlement executed
electronically. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. In comparison to the mainland Chinese securities markets, the securities markets in Hong Kong are relatively well developed and active.
The Shanghai Stock Exchange commenced trading on December 19, 1990, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange commenced trading on July 3, 1991 and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange commenced trading on April 2, 1986. The Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges divide listed shares into two classes: A-shares and B-shares. Companies whose shares are
traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges that are incorporated in mainland China may issue both A-shares and B-shares. In China, the A-shares and B-shares of an issuer may only trade on one exchange. A-shares and B-shares may both be listed on either the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. Both classes represent an ownership
interest comparable to a share of common stock and all shares are entitled to substantially the same rights and benefits associated with ownership. A-shares are traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges in RMB.
As of February 17, 2014, the CSRC had granted licenses to 48 RQFIIs and 258 QFIIs bringing total investment quotas to approximately US$ 194 billion in A-shares and other permitted securities. Because restrictions continue to exist and capital therefore cannot flow freely into the A-share market, it is possible that in the event of a market disruption,
the liquidity of the A-share market and trading prices of A-shares could be more severely affected than the liquidity and trading prices of markets where securities are freely tradable and capital therefore flows more freely. The Fund cannot predict the nature or duration of such a market disruption or the impact that it may have on the A-share market
and the short-term and long-term prospects of its investments in the A-share market.
The Chinese government has in the past taken actions that benefited holders of A-shares. As A-shares become more available to foreign investors, such as the Fund, the Chinese government may be less likely to take action that would benefit holders of A-shares. In addition, there is no guarantee that the Sub-Adviser will continue to maintain its RQFII
quota or be able to maintain
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its RQFII quota or be able to obtain additional RQFII quota if the RQFII quota is reduced or eliminated by SAFE at some point in the future. The Fund cannot predict what would occur if an RQFII quota of the Sub-Adviser were reduced or eliminated, although such an occurrence would likely have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
From time to time, certain of the companies in which the Fund expects to invest may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. A company may suffer damage to its reputation
if it is identified as a company which operates in, or has dealings with, countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As an investor in such companies, the Fund will be indirectly subject to those risks.
Investment and Repatriation Restrictions. Investments by the Fund in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota, other Chinese financial instruments regulated by the CSRC, including warrants and open- and closed-end investment companies, are subject to governmental pre-approval limitations on the quantity that the Fund may purchase or
limits on the classes of securities in which the Fund may invest.
The Sub-Adviser, as a licensed RQFII, is currently permitted to repatriate RMB daily and is not subject to RMB repatriation restrictions or prior approval. However, there is no assurance that PRC rules and regulations will not change or that repatriation restrictions will not be imposed in the future. Any additional restrictions imposed on the Sub-
Adviser or RQFIIs generally may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to invest directly in A-shares and its ability to meet redemptions requests.
The Chinese government limits foreign investment in the securities of certain Chinese issuers entirely if foreign investment is banned in respect of the industry in which the relevant Chinese issuers are conducting their business. These restrictions or limitations may have adverse effects on the liquidity and performance of the Fund holdings as
compared to the performance of the Index. This may increase the risk of tracking error and may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Tax Risk. Specific rules
governing taxes on capital gains derived by RQFIIs and QFIIs from the trading of PRC securities have yet to be announced. In
the absence of specific rules, the tax treatment of the Fund’s investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s
RQFII quota should be governed by the general PRC tax provisions and provisions applicable to RQFIIs. Under these
provisions, the Fund is generally subject to a tax of 10% on any dividends, distributions and interest it receives from its
investment in PRC securities. In addition, a nonresident enterprise is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10% on its
capital gains. However, it is unclear if this tax will be applied to investments by an RQFII such as the Sub-Adviser or
what the methodology for calculating or collecting the tax will be. Withholding taxes on dividends, interest and capital
gains may be taxed at a reduced rate under an applicable tax treaty, but the application of such treaties for an RQFII acting
on behalf of a foreign investor (i.e., the Sub-Adviser acting on behalf of the Fund) is also uncertain and would
depend on the approval of PRC tax authorities. It is also unclear how China’s business tax may apply to activities of an
RQFII such as the Sub-Adviser and how such application may be affected by tax treaty provisions. The current PRC tax laws and
regulations and interpretations thereof may be revised or amended in the future, including with respect to the possible
liability of the Fund for obligations of the Sub-Adviser, and may be applied retroactively. Any revision or amendment in tax
laws and regulations may adversely affect the Fund. The Fund, as of the date of the Prospectus, reserves 10% of its realized
and unrealized gains from its A-share investments to apply towards withholding tax liability. The tax reserve will be
reflected in the Fund’s daily NAV calculations as a deduction from the Fund’s NAV. Therefore, if the Fund’s
tax reserve turns out to be excessive or inadequate and the Fund’s tax reserve and related deduction from NAV is
modified accordingly, this will work to the benefit or detriment, respectively, of the Fund’s existing shareholders at
the time the uncertainty surrounding the Fund’s tax liabilities is resolved. However, the Fund may discontinue
reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains, except with respect to realized and unrealized gains from the Fund’s
investments in A-shares of “land-rich” enterprises, which are companies that have greater than 50% of their
assets in land or real properties in the PRC. In the event that the Fund discontinues reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and
unrealized gains, the Fund anticipates releasing its reserve related to the capital gains back to the Fund, which will
increase the Fund’s NAV and may increase a shareholder's tax liability regardless of when the shareholder purchased his or her Shares. If the PRC begins applying tax rules regarding
the taxation of capital gains from A-shares investment to RQFIIs, such as the Sub-Adviser, and/or begins collecting capital gains
taxes on such investments, the Fund could be subject to withholding tax liability. The impact of any such tax liability on
the Fund’s return could be substantial. The Fund may also be liable to the Sub-Adviser for any tax that is imposed on
the Sub-Adviser by the PRC with respect to the Fund’s investments.
The sale or transfer by the Sub-Adviser of A-shares or B-shares will be subject to PRC Stamp Duty at a rate of 0.1% on the transacted value. However, the Sub-Adviser will not be subject to PRC Stamp Duty when it acquires A-shares and B-shares.
In the absence of specific guidance, RQFIIs such as the Sub-Adviser may be potentially subject to PRC business tax at a rate of 5% with respect to the capital gains derived from the trading of A-shares. Existing guidance provides a business tax
15
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
exemption for QFIIs with respect to their gains derived from the trading of PRC securities, but this business tax exemption does not explicitly apply to RQFIIs. However, in practice, the Chinese tax authorities have not actively enforced the collection of business tax on such gains. A Fund’s shareholder’s ability to claim a credit for certain Chinese
taxes may be limited under general U.S. tax principles.
Risk of Loss of Favorable U.S. Tax Treatment. The Fund intends to distribute annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. However, if the Fund does not repatriate funds associated with direct investment in A-shares on a timely basis, it may be unable to satisfy the distribution requirements
required to qualify for the favorable tax treatment otherwise generally afforded to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code. If the Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a RIC, the Fund would be treated as a corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the Fund to tax at the corporate level currently
at a 35% U.S. federal tax rate and, when such income is distributed, to a further tax at the shareholder level to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. In addition, the Fund would not be eligible for a deduction for dividends paid to shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains,
pay taxes and make distributions (any of which could be subject to interest charges) before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. See below under “Shareholder Information—Tax Information—Taxes on Distributions” for more information.
Tax on Retained Income and Gains. To the extent the Fund does not distribute to shareholders all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain in a given year, it will be required to pay U.S. federal income and excise tax on the retained income and gains, thereby reducing the Fund’s return. The Fund may elect to treat its net
capital gain as having been distributed to shareholders. In that case, shareholders of record on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year will be required to include their attributable share of the retained gain in income for the year as a long-term capital gain despite not actually receiving the dividend, and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for
the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund as well as an increase in the basis of their shares to reflect the difference between their attributable share of the gain and the related credit or refund.
Foreign Exchange Control. The Chinese government heavily regulates the domestic exchange of foreign currencies within China. Chinese law requires that all domestic transactions must be settled in RMB, places significant restrictions on the remittance of foreign currency and strictly regulates currency exchange from RMB. Under SAFE regulations,
Chinese corporations may only purchase foreign currencies through government approved banks. In general, Chinese companies must receive approval from or register with the Chinese government before investing in certain capital account items, including direct investments and loans, and must thereafter maintain separate foreign exchange
accounts for the capital items. Foreign investors may only exchange foreign currencies at specially authorized banks after complying with documentation requirements. These restrictions may adversely affect the Fund and its investments. There may not be sufficient amounts of RMB for the Fund to be fully invested because the Fund has to convert
U.S. dollars received from the purchase of Creation Units into RMB to purchase RMB denominated investments. It should also be noted that that the PRC government’s policies on exchange control and repatriation restrictions are subject to change, and any such change may adversely impact the Fund. There can be no assurance that the RMB
exchange rate will not fluctuate widely against the US dollar or any other foreign currency in the future.
Custody Risks of Investing in A-shares. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (“ICBC” or the “PRC sub-custodian”), which is approved by CSRC and SAFE as a qualified RQFII custodian, has been appointed to provide custody services to the Fund’s assets invested in A-shares and investments in the PRC. The PRC sub-custodian
maintains the Fund’s RMB deposit accounts and oversees the Fund’s investments in A-shares to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the CSRC and the People’s Bank of China. A-shares that are traded on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange are dealt and held in book-entry form through the China Securities Depository and
Clearing Corporation Limited (“CSDCC”). The securities purchased by the Sub-Adviser, in its capacity as a RQFII, on behalf of the Fund, will be received by the CSDCC as credited to a securities trading account maintained by the PRC sub-custodian in the joint names of the Fund and the Sub-Adviser, and the Fund will pay the cost of the account.
The Sub-Adviser may not use the account for any other purpose than for maintaining the Fund’s assets. However, given that the securities trading account will be maintained in the joint names of the Sub-Adviser and the Fund, the Fund’s assets may not be as well protected as they would be if it were possible for them to be registered and held
solely in the name of the Fund. In particular, there is a risk that creditors of the Sub-Adviser may assert that the securities are owned by the Sub-Adviser and not the Fund, and that a court would uphold such an assertion, in which case creditors of the Sub-Adviser could seize assets of the Fund.
Investors should also note that cash deposits in the Fund’s account with the PRC sub-custodian will not be segregated from the proprietary assets of the PRC sub-custodian or the assets of its other clients. Therefore, to the extent the Fund’s assets are commingled, the cash deposits will be vulnerable in the event of a liquidation or bankruptcy by
the PRC sub-custodian. Under such circumstances, the Fund will not have any proprietary rights to the cash deposited in the account,
16
and the Fund will become an unsecured creditor, and would have no priority over the claims of any other unsecured creditors to the assets of the PRC sub-custodian. The Fund may encounter difficulties or delays in recovering such debt, or may not be able to recover it in full or at all, in which case the Fund will suffer losses.
Use of Brokers. CSRC and SAFE regulations specify that all securities traded by the Sub-Adviser, as a licensed RQFII, on behalf of the Fund must be executed through one of three specified brokers per exchange. As a result, the Sub-Adviser will have less flexibility to choose among brokers on behalf of the Fund than is typically the case for
investment managers.
Foreign Currency Considerations. Emerging markets such as China can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The value of the RMB may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to, among other things, changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the PRC, the United States, foreign
governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in investments denominated in RMB and the income received by the Fund will principally be in RMB. The Fund’s exposure to the RMB and
changes in value of the RMB versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund. Moreover, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and RMB. The RMB is currently not a freely convertible currency. The value of the RMB is based on a managed floating exchange rate based on market supply and
demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies. The daily trading price of the RMB is allowed to float within a narrow band around the central parity published by the People’s Bank of China. The Chinese government’s imposition of restrictions on the repatriation of RMB out of mainland China may limit the depth of the offshore RMB
market and reduce the liquidity of the Fund’s investments. These restrictions as well as any accelerated appreciation or depreciation of RMB may adversely affect the Fund and its investments.
The Fund’s assets are expected to be primarily invested in the A-shares of Chinese issuers and the income received by the Fund will be principally in RMB. Meanwhile, the Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income will be made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the
foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. Therefore, if the value of the RMB falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the RMB to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain positions in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to
meet distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. The liquidation of investments, if required, may also have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance.
Furthermore, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and RMB. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a
lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell
foreign currencies.
RMB can be further categorized into onshore RMB (“CNY”), which can be traded only in the PRC, and offshore RMB (“CNH”), which can be traded outside the PRC. CNY and CNH are traded at different exchange rates and their exchange rates may not move in the same direction. Although there has been a growing amount of RMB held offshore,
CNH cannot be freely remitted into the PRC and is subject to certain restrictions, and vice versa. The Fund may also be adversely affected by the exchange rates between CNY and CNH. In addition, there may not be sufficient amounts of RMB for the Fund to be fully invested because the Fund has to convert U.S. dollars received from the
purchase of Creation Units into RMB to purchase A-shares, and this may result in settlement delays and increased tracking error. The Fund will be required to remit CNH to settle the purchase of A-shares by the Fund from time to time. In the event such remittance is disrupted, the Fund will not be able to fully replicate the Index by investing in
the relevant A-shares, which may lead to increased tracking error. Moreover, the trading and settlement of RMB-denominated securities are recent developments in Hong Kong and there is no assurance that problems will not be encountered with the systems or that other logistical problems will not arise.
Currently, there is no market in China in which the Fund may engage in hedging transactions to minimize RMB foreign exchange risk, and there can be no guarantee that instruments suitable for hedging currency will be available to the Fund in China at any time in the future. In the event that in the future it becomes possible to hedge RMB
currency risk in China, the Fund may seek to protect the value of some portion or all of its portfolio holdings against currency risks by engaging in hedging transactions. In that case, the Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts, as well as purchase put or call
options on currencies, in China. Currency hedging would involve special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Adviser’s view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the
17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
use of hedging could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. The use of currency transactions could result in the Fund’s incurring losses as a result of the imposition of exchange controls, exchange rate regulation, suspension of settlements or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency.
Disclosure of Interests and Short Swing Profit Rule. The Fund may be subject to shareholder disclosure of interest regulations promulgated by the CSRC. These regulations currently require the Fund to make certain public disclosures when the Fund and parties acting in concert with the Fund acquire 5% or more of the issued securities of a listed
company (which include A-shares and B-shares of the listed company). If the reporting requirement is triggered, the Fund will be required to report information which includes, but is not limited to: (a) information about the Fund and the type and extent of its holdings in the company; (b) a statement of the Fund’s purposes for the investment and
whether the Fund intends to increase its holdings over the following 12-month period; (c) a statement of the Fund’s historical investments in the company over the previous six months; (d) the time of, and other information relating to, the transaction that triggered the Fund’s holding in the listed company reaching the 5% reporting threshold; and
(e) other information that may be required by the CSRC or the stock exchange. Additional information may be required if the Fund and its concerted parties constitute the largest shareholder or actual controlling shareholder of the listed company. The report must be made to the CSRC, the stock exchange, the invested company, and the CSRC
local representative office where the listed company is located. The Fund would also be required to make a public announcement through a media outlet designated by the CSRC. The public announcement must contain the same content as the official report.
The relevant PRC regulations presumptively treat all affiliated investors and investors under common control as parties acting in concert. As such, under a conservative interpretation of these regulations, the Fund may be deemed as a “concerted party” of other funds managed by the Adviser and its affiliates and/or the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates
and therefore may be subject to the risk that the Fund’s holdings may be required to be reported in the aggregate with the holdings of such other funds should the aggregate holdings trigger the reporting threshold under the PRC law.
If the 5% shareholding threshold is triggered by the Fund and parties acting in concert with the Fund, the Fund would be required to file its report within three days of the date the threshold is reached. During the time limit for filing the report, a trading freeze applies and the Fund would not be permitted to make subsequent trades in the invested
company’s securities. Any such trading freeze may negatively impact the Fund’s performance, if the Fund would otherwise make trades during that period but is prevented from doing so by the regulation.
Once the Fund and parties acting in concert reach the 5% trading threshold as to any listed company, any subsequent incremental increase or decrease of 5% or more will trigger a further reporting requirement and an additional three-day trading freeze, and also an additional freeze on trading within two days of the Fund’s report and
announcement of the incremental change. These trading freezes may undermine the Fund’s performance as described above. Also, Shanghai Stock Exchange requirements currently require the Fund and parties acting in concert, once they have reached the 5% threshold, to disclose whenever their shareholding drops below this threshold (even as a
result of trading which is less than the 5% incremental change that would trigger a reporting requirement under the relevant CSRC regulation).
CSRC regulations also contain additional disclosure (and tender offer) requirements that apply when an investor and parties acting in concert reach thresholds of 20% and greater than 30% shareholding in a company. Because no single underlying foreign investor investing through a RQFII or QFII (e.g., the Fund) may currently hold more than 10% of
the total outstanding shares in one listed company, it is currently unlikely that the Fund’s trading would trigger the more detailed reporting or tender offer requirements at the higher thresholds.
Subject to the interpretation of PRC courts and PRC regulators, the operation of the PRC short swing profit rule may be applicable to the trading of the Fund with the result that where the holdings of the Fund (possibly with the holdings of other accounts managed by the Sub-Adviser) exceed 5% of the total issued shares of a listed company, the
Fund may not reduce its holdings in the company within six months of the last purchase of shares of the company. If the Fund violates the rule, it may be required by the listed company to return any profits realized from such trading to the listed company. In addition, the rule limits the ability of the Fund to repurchase securities of the listed
company within six months of such sale. Moreover, under PRC civil procedures, the Fund’s assets may be frozen to the extent of the claims made by the company in question. If the operation of the PRC short swing profit rule is triggered as described above, it may greatly impair the performance of the Fund.
Risk of Investing in Swaps. The Fund also expects to invest in swaps and other types of derivative instruments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of A-shares, including swaps on the Index, swaps on the A-shares which comprise the Index and/or swaps on funds that seek to replicate the
performance of the Index or funds that invest in A-shares or the Fund may invest directly in shares of such funds. The use of swap agreements
18
entails certain risks, which may be different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying asset for the swap agreement. These risks include:
Limited Availability of Swaps. The Fund’s ability to achieve its stated investment objective may depend upon the continuing availability of A-shares and the willingness and ability of potential swap counterparties to engage in swaps with the Fund linked to the performance of A-shares. To the extent that the RQFII or QFII quota of a potential swap
counterparty is reduced or eliminated due to actions by the Chinese government or as a result of transactions entered into by the counterparty with other investors, the counterparty’s ability to continue to enter into swaps or other derivative transactions with the Fund may be reduced or eliminated, which could have a material adverse effect on
the Fund. These risks are compounded by the fact that at present there are only a limited number of potential counterparties willing and able to enter into swap transactions linked to the performance of A-shares. Furthermore, swaps are of limited duration and there is no guarantee that swaps entered into with a counterparty will continue
indefinitely. Accordingly, the duration of a swap depends on, among other things, the ability of the Fund to renew the expiration period of the relevant swap at agreed upon terms. In addition, under the current regulations regarding quotas of RQFIIs or QFIIs administered by SAFE, RQFIIs and QFIIs are prohibited from transferring or selling their
quotas to any third party. However, there is uncertainty over how this prohibition is implemented. Therefore, subject to interpretation by SAFE, QFIIs or RQFIIs may be limited or prohibited from providing the Fund access to RQFII quotas by entering into swap or other derivative transactions, which, in turn, could adversely affect the Fund.
Counterparty Risk. Because a swap is an obligation of the counterparty rather than a direct investment in A-shares, the Fund may suffer losses potentially equal to, or greater than, the full value of the swap if the counterparty fails to perform its obligations under the swap as a result of bankruptcy or otherwise. Any loss would result in a reduction
in the NAV of the Fund and will likely impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s investments is expected to be greater than most other funds because there are only a limited number of counterparties that are willing and able to enter into swaps on A-shares. In fact, because there
are so few potential counterparties, the Fund, subject to applicable law, may enter into swap transactions with as few as one counterparty at any time.
Liquidity Risk. Swap agreements may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular swap is difficult to purchase or sell. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant
losses to the Fund. This is especially true given the limited number of potential counterparties willing and able to enter into swap transactions on A-shares. In addition, a swap transaction may be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Swap agreements may be subject to pricing risk, which exists when a particular swap
agreement becomes extraordinarily expensive (or inexpensive) relative to historical prices or the prices of corresponding cash market instruments. The swaps market is subject to extensive regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act and certain SEC and CFTC rules promulgated thereunder. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including
new and additional government regulation, could result in higher Fund costs and expenses and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability, among other things, to enter into or to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in swaps and other derivative instruments may be less tax-efficient than a direct investment in A-shares. Investments in swaps and other derivatives may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules that could negatively affect the character, timing and amount of income earned by the Fund (e.g., by causing
amounts that would be capital gain to be taxed as ordinary income or to be taken into income earlier than would otherwise be necessary). Also, the Fund may be required to periodically adjust its positions in its swaps and derivatives to comply with certain regulatory requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than
a direct investment in A-shares. For example, swaps in which the Fund will invest may need to be reset on a regular basis in order to maintain compliance with the 1940 Act, which may increase the likelihood that the Fund will generate short-term capital gains. In addition, because the application of these special rules may be uncertain, it is
possible that the manner in which they are applied by the Fund may be determined to be incorrect. In that event, the Fund may be found to have failed to maintain its qualification as a RIC or to be subject to additional U.S. tax liability. Moreover, the Fund may make investments, both directly and through swaps or other derivative positions, in
companies classified as passive foreign investment companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“PFICs”). Investments in PFICs are subject to special tax rules which may result in adverse tax consequences to the Fund and its shareholders.
Risk of Investing in Futures. Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified instrument, index or commodity at a specified future time and at a specified price. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. The prices
of futures can be highly
19
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
volatile, using futures can lower total return, can create investment leverage, and the potential loss from futures can exceed the Fund’s initial investment in such contracts. Futures contacts involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a futures contract may not correlate perfectly with the underlying
indicator. Even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful due to market events. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in the futures contract. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund’s futures contract positions at
any time.
Risk of Investing in Other Funds. The Fund may invest in shares of other funds, including ETFs that track the Index. As a result, the Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of an investment in the underlying funds. Shares of other funds have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of
such funds’ shares is expected to rise and fall as the value of the underlying index or bond rises and falls. The market value of such funds’ shares may differ from the net asset value of the particular fund. As a shareholder in a fund (as with ETFs), the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses. At the same time, the Fund would
continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other funds, including ETFs. Such fees will not, however, be counted towards the Fund’s expense cap.
Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased
market liquidity and political instability. Because many foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the prices of securities that trade in such markets may be influenced by large traders. Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to changed conditions or new developments.
Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial
reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact the Fund’s ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. The risks of investing
in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. In addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to distribute shareholder communications.
In addition, various PRC companies derive their revenues in RMB but have requirements for foreign currency, including for the import of materials, debt service on foreign currency denominated debt, purchases of imported equipment and payment of any cash dividends declared. The existing PRC foreign exchange regulations have significantly reduced
government foreign exchange controls for certain transactions, including trade and service related foreign exchange transactions and payment of dividends. However, it is impossible to predict whether the PRC government will continue its existing foreign exchange policy and when the PRC government will allow free conversion of the RMB to foreign
currency. Certain foreign exchange transactions, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations, currently continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of SAFE. Since 1994, the conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars has been based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China,
which are set daily based on the previous day’s PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate. It is not possible to predict nor give any assurance of any future stability of the RMB to U.S. dollar exchange rate. Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV. Furthermore, because dividends are declared in U.S. dollars and underlying
payments are made in RMB, fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect dividends paid by the Fund.
The Fund may also invest in shares of foreign investment companies, including Hong Kong-listed ETFs, the shares of which are listed and traded primarily on a foreign securities exchange. The Fund as an investor in a foreign fund may not be afforded the same investor protections that are provided by the U.S. federal securities laws. The Fund’s ability to
transfer shares of such foreign funds outside of the foreign fund’s primary market may be restricted or prohibited.
In addition, the Fund may invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. The issuers of certain depositary receipts are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited
securities.
Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their
money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be
manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information.
20
Risk of Investing in the Financial Services Sector. Because the Index was concentrated in the financial services sector as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector may be
subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financial services sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit
rating downgrades. In addition, the financial services sector in certain countries is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework, which may have an impact on the issuers included in the Index. Furthermore, some companies in the financial services
sector perceived as benefitting from government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financial services sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial
institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions. Recent developments in the credit markets have caused companies operating in the financial services sector to incur large losses, experience declines in the value of their assets and even cease operations.
Risk of Investing in the Industrials Sector. Because the industrials sector represented a significant portion of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected
by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates. The success of these companies is affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrial
sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. In addition, the industrials sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable
factors.
Risk of Investing in the Information Technology Sector. Because the information technology sector represented a significant portion of the Index, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the information technology sector. Technology companies face intense competition,
both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse affect on profit margins. Technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable
changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Risk of Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector. Because the consumer discretionary sector represented a significant portion of the Index as of December 31, 2013, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. Companies engaged in
the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of
resources and labor relations.
Risk of Investing in Medium-Capitalization Companies. The Fund may invest in medium-capitalization companies and, therefore will be subject to certain risks associated with medium-capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences, with
little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger companies.
Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. For example, an adverse event, such as an unfavorable
earnings report, may result in a decline in the value of equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of the equity securities of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the securities markets; or a drop in the securities markets may depress the price of most or all of the equities securities held by the Fund. In addition,
the equity securities of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority in right to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than
preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market
21
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility.
Market Risk. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions and sudden and unpredictable drops in value. Overall securities values could decline generally or could underperform other investments. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index and incurs costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the
composition of the Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with newly created Creation Units, while such costs and risks are not factored into the return of the Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions
and pay expenses. In addition, the Fund maintains a tax reserve as a provision for potential Chinese taxes while the Index does not. To the extent the Fund is unable to invest in A-shares or enter into swaps or other derivatives linked to the performance of the Index or securities comprising the Index, it may enter into swaps or other derivatives linked to
the performance of other funds that seek to track the performance of the Index. These funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV, which may result in additional tracking error for the Fund. Moreover, the ability of the Fund to track the Index may be affected by foreign exchange fluctuations as between the U.S. dollar and the RMB because the
securities included in the Index are denominated in RMB and the Fund’s NAV is calculated in U.S. dollars.
In addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in the Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent of the Index, due to legal restrictions, limitations imposed by the Chinese government or a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other
regulatory reasons. Moreover, the Fund may be delayed in purchasing or selling securities included in the Index. The Fund will be required to remit CNH to settle the purchase of A-shares and repatriate CNH to U.S. dollars to settle redemption orders. In the event such remittance or repatriation is delayed or disrupted, the Fund will not be able to fully
replicate the Index by investing in the relevant A-shares or may need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions. These and any other issues the Fund encounters with regard to investment restrictions, trade settlements, currency convertibility (including the cost of borrowing funds, if any) and repatriation may also increase the index tracking risk.
Relevant PRC laws and regulations may limit the ability of the Adviser and/or potential swap counterparties to acquire A-shares in certain PRC issuers from time to time. In addition, a potential swap counterparty may not be able to acquire A-shares to hedge the swaps in which the Fund invests. In such cases, this may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest
in certain A-shares and also may restrict the issuance, and therefore the purchase, of swaps linked to these A-shares by the Fund. Furthermore, the tracking error of the Fund may be increased by the overall costs of maintaining the swaps. As a result of such costs the value of the swaps may differ from the price of the A-shares to which such swaps
are linked, leading to an increased tracking error.
As discussed above, one or more securities in the Index may be suspended from trading and such securities would be valued by the Index at the last closing price. The Fund is expected to fair value these securities and its other investments. See “Shareholder Information—Determination of NAV.” To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair
value prices and the value of the Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected. The need to comply with the tax diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact the
Fund’s ability to replicate the performance of the Index. In addition, to the extent the Fund utilizes swaps and other derivative instruments, its return may not correlate as well with the Index as would be the case if the Fund purchased all the securities in the Index directly. Actions taken in response to proposed corporate actions could result in
increased tracking error.
Replication Management Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not “actively” managed. Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer is in financial trouble. If a specific security is removed from the Index, the Fund may be forced to sell such
security at an inopportune time or for prices other than at current market values. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on an exchange, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. The Fund’s Index may not contain the appropriate or a diversified mix of securities for any particular economic cycle. The timing of changes in the securities of the Fund’s portfolio in seeking to replicate the Index could have a negative effect on the Fund. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser do not
use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen
the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.
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Premium/Discount Risk. Disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. The NAV of the Shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The
market prices of Shares will fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on NYSE Arca. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely
related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of the Index trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may
sustain losses.
Risk of Cash Transactions. Unlike most other ETFs, the Fund expects to effect all of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional ETF. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in
connection with transactions designed to meet redemption requests. Because the Fund currently intends to effect all redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on
these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise
comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF.
Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the
gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. The securities of many or all of the companies in the same sector or industry may decline in value due to
developments adversely affecting such sector or industry. By concentrating its assets in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, the Fund is subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s
assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries. Based on the current composition of the Index, the Fund’s assets are concentrated in the financial services sector; therefore, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector will negatively impact the Fund to a greater
extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.
ADDITIONAL RISKS
Leverage Risk. To the extent that the Fund borrows money or utilizes certain derivatives, it may be leveraged. Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities.
No Guarantee of Active Trading Market. While the Fund’s Shares are listed on NYSE Arca, there can be no assurance that active trading markets for the Shares will be maintained. Van Eck Securities Corporation, the distributor of the Shares (the “Distributor”), does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares.
Trading Issues. Trading in Shares on NYSE Arca may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of NYSE Arca, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on NYSE Arca is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to NYSE Arca’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no
assurance that the requirements of NYSE Arca necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) has responsibility for the general oversight of the management of the Fund, including general supervision of the Adviser and other service providers, but is not involved in the day-to-day management of the Trust. A list of the Trustees and the Trust’s officers, and their
present positions and principal occupations, is provided in the Fund’s SAI.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS (continued)
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Under the terms of an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation with respect to the Fund (the “Investment Management Agreement”), Van Eck Associates Corporation serves as the adviser to the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, will be
responsible for overseeing the day-to-day investment management of the Fund. China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited acts as investment sub-adviser to the Fund and, subject to the oversight of the Adviser, will be responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the assets allocated to it by the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser serves as
investment sub-adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
As of December 31, 2013, the Adviser managed approximately $30.45 billion in assets. The Adviser has been an investment adviser since 1955 and also acts as adviser or sub-adviser to other mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. The Adviser’s principal business address is 335 Madison Avenue,
19th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
The Sub-Adviser was established in September 2008 as a wholly owned subsidiary of China Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“ChinaAMC”). The Sub-Adviser has been licensed by Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to engage in asset management activities, dealing in securities and advising on securities. As of December 31, 2013, assets under
management were approximately $57.08 billion for ChinaAMC and $2.95 billion for the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser currently provides both asset management and advisory services to Hong Kong and overseas clients, including institutional mandates from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia and Germany. The Sub-Adviser’s principal place of business is 37F,
Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Investment Management Agreement is available in the Trust’s semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2013. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust’s annual report for the year ending December 31,
2013.
For the services provided to the Fund under the Investment Management Agreement, the Fund will pay the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.50%. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee.
Until at least May 1, 2015, the Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.72% of its average daily net assets per
year. Offering costs excluded from the expense cap are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund’s Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of the Fund to be listed on an exchange.
The Fund is responsible for all of its expenses, including the investment advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, legal, audit and other services, interest, taxes, any distribution fees or expenses, offering fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses. For the services provided and the expenses assumed by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the Sub-
Advisory Agreement, the Adviser (not the Fund) will pay a monthly fee to the Sub-Adviser based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets managed by the Sub-Adviser.
Manager of Managers Structure. The Adviser and the Trust may rely on an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC that permits the Adviser to enter into investment sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated sub-advisers without obtaining further shareholder approval. The Adviser, subject to the review and approval of the Board of Trustees, may
select sub-advisers for the Fund and supervise, monitor and evaluate the performance of each sub-adviser.
The Order also permits the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to replace sub-advisers and amend investment sub-advisory agreements, including fees, without shareholder approval whenever the Adviser and the Board of Trustees believe such action will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. The Adviser thus would have the
responsibility (subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees) to recommend the hiring and replacement of sub-advisers as well as the discretion to terminate any sub-adviser and reallocate the Fund’s assets for management among any other sub-adviser(s) and itself. This means that the Adviser would be able to reduce the sub-advisory fees and retain
a larger portion of the management fee, or increase the sub-advisory fees and retain a smaller portion of the management fee. The Adviser would compensate each sub-adviser out of its management fee.
Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. Van Eck Associates Corporation is the administrator for the Fund (the “Administrator”), and The Bank of New York Mellon is the custodian of the Fund’s assets and provides transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Fund. The Administrator is responsible for certain clerical, recordkeeping and/or
bookkeeping services which are provided pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement.
All of the Fund’s China A-share assets in the PRC (including onshore PRC cash deposits and its onshore A-shares portfolio) will be held by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, the PRC sub-custodian. A securities account shall be opened with
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CSDCC in the joint names of the Sub-Adviser (as the RQFII holder) and the Fund. An RMB cash account shall also be established and maintained with the PRC sub-custodian in the joint names of the Sub-Adviser (as the RQFII holder) and the Fund. The PRC sub-custodian shall, in turn, have a cash clearing account with CSDCC for trade settlement
according to applicable regulations.
Distributor. Van Eck Securities Corporation is the distributor of the Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in less than Creation Units, and does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. As noted in the section entitled “Shareholder Information—Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares,” the Shares are traded in the secondary market.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Jeff Wu, CFA, has 11 years experience in the financial industry. He joined the Sub-Adviser in August 2007 as equity analyst, sector portfolio manager, portfolio manager assistant and portfolio manager. Prior to joining the Sub-Adviser, he worked with BlackRock and Bloomberg. Mr. Wu received his Master’s degree from Columbia University and his
Bachelor’s degree from Xiamen University.
David Lai, CFA, has 15 years of experience in the financial industry. Mr. Lai joined the Sub-Adviser in 2011 as a Director and a portfolio manager. Prior to joining the Sub-Adviser, he had been a portfolio manager of Chinese equities in several China domestic and offshore financial institutions since 2002.
Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao has been employed by the Adviser since the summer of 2004 as an Analyst. Mr. Cao has been employed by the Adviser since December 2007 as a Senior Analyst. Messrs. Liao and Cao also serve as portfolio managers for certain other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
See the Fund’s SAI for additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and their respective ownership of Shares.
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The NAV per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of the Fund is
determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The values of the Fund’s portfolio securities are based on the securities’ closing prices on their local principal markets, where available. Due to the time difference between the United States and certain countries in which the Fund invests, securities on these exchanges may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a last
reported sales price, or if no sales were reported, and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Prices obtained by an outside independent pricing service may use information
provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. If a market quotation for a security is not readily available or
the Adviser believes it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security at the time the Fund calculates its NAV, the security will be fair valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may also use fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances,
including but not limited to, situations where the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or
halted. In addition, the Fund currently expects that it will fair value certain of the foreign equity securities held by the Fund each day the Fund calculates its NAV. Accordingly, the Fund’s NAV is expected to reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that
a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Index. This may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to track the Index. With respect to
securities traded in foreign markets, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.
BUYING AND SELLING EXCHANGE-TRADED SHARES
The Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca. If you buy or sell Shares in the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In times of severe market
disruption or low trading volume in the Fund’s Shares, this spread can increase significantly. It is anticipated that the Shares will trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the NAV of the Shares. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market
prices of Shares are more likely to differ significantly from the Shares’ NAV.
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) serves as securities depository for the Shares. (The Shares may be held only in book-entry form; stock certificates will not be issued.) DTC, or its nominee, is the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares. Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or its participants (described
below). Beneficial owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder thereof. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of: (i)
DTC; (ii) “DTC Participants,” i.e., securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC; and (iii) “Indirect Participants,” i.e., brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC
Participant, either directly or indirectly, through which such beneficial owner holds its interests. The Trust understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any action of holders of Shares, or a beneficial owner desires to take any action that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding Shares, is entitled to take, DTC
would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and beneficial owners acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. As described above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its
nominee as the owner of all Shares for all purposes. For more information, see the section entitled “Book Entry Only System” in the Fund’s SAI.
The NYSE Arca is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when the Fund does not price
its Shares, the value of
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the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund’s Shares.
Market Timing and Related Matters. The Fund imposes no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions. The Board of Trustees considered the nature of the Fund (i.e., a fund whose shares are expected to trade intra-day), that the Adviser monitors the trading activity of authorized participants for patterns of abusive trading, that the Fund
reserves the right to reject orders that may be disruptive to the management of or otherwise not in the Fund’s best interests, and that the Fund fair values certain of its securities. Given this structure, the Board of Trustees determined that it is not necessary to impose restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions for the Fund at the
present time.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Net Investment Income and Capital Gains. As a shareholder of the Fund, you are entitled to your share of the Fund’s distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains on its investments. The Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as “distributions.”
The Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are typically passed along to Fund shareholders as dividends from net investment income. The Fund realizes capital gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net capital gains are distributed to shareholders as “capital gain
distributions.”
Net investment income, if any, and net capital gains, if any, are typically distributed to shareholders at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently to improve index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Fund may determine to distribute at least annually amounts
representing the full dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities, as if the Fund owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend period, in which case some portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital, which, for tax purposes, is treated as a return of your investment in Shares. Record
shareholders will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional Shares of the Fund only if the broker through which you purchased Shares makes such option available.
TAX INFORMATION
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund, including the possible application of foreign, state and local taxes. Unless your investment
in the Fund is through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when: (i) the Fund makes distributions, (ii) you sell Shares in the secondary market or (iii) you create or redeem Creation Units.
Taxes on Distributions. As noted above, the Fund expects to distribute net investment income at least annually, and any net realized long-term or short-term capital gains annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at any time to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements.
If the Fund fails to distribute on a timely basis with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income” and its net tax-exempt interest income, the Fund would fail to qualify for the special tax treatment applicable to RICs. In such a case, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates
on its taxable income, including its net capital gain, even if such income were distributed to its shareholders, and all distributions out of earnings and profits would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary dividend income. Such distributions generally would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be
eligible to be qualified dividend income for non-corporate shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (any of which could be subject to interest charges) before re-qualifying for taxation as a RIC. Additionally, to the extent the Fund does not distribute to shareholders all of its
investment company taxable income and net capital gain in a given year, it will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on the retained income and gains, thereby reducing the Fund’s return.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year in an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended
October 31 of such year and 100% of any undistributed amounts from the prior years. Although the Fund generally intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax, the Fund may elect to retain a portion of its income and gains, and in such a case, the
Fund may be subject to excise tax.
In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. Distributions of net investment income, including any net short-term gains, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Whether distributions of capital gains represent long-term or short-term capital
gains is determined by how
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Shares. Distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses, if any, that are
reported as capital gain dividends are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. After 2012, long-term capital gains of non-corporate shareholders are generally taxable at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts.
The Fund may receive dividends, the distribution of which the Fund may designate as qualified dividends. In the event that the Fund receives such a dividend and designates the distribution of such dividend as a qualified dividend, the dividend may be taxed at the maximum capital gains rates, provided holding period and other requirements are met at
both the shareholder and the Fund level.
Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of your investment to the extent of your basis in the Shares, and generally as capital gain thereafter. A return of capital, which for tax purposes is treated as a return of your investment, reduces your basis in Shares, thus reducing any loss
or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of Shares. A distribution will reduce the Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an economic standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
Special tax rules may change the normal treatment of gains and losses recognized by the Fund if the Fund makes certain investments such as investments in structured notes, swaps, options and futures transactions. Those special tax rules can negatively affect the character, timing and amount of income earned by the Fund (e.g., by causing amounts
that would be capital gain to be taxed as ordinary income or to be taken into income earlier than would otherwise be necessary). The Fund intends to invest in swaps and other derivative instruments that are linked to the performance of A-shares. The U.S. tax treatment of such investments may generally be less efficient than a direct investment in A-
shares. Furthermore, the Fund may be required to periodically adjust its positions in these swaps or derivatives to comply with certain regulatory requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than a direct investment in A-shares. In addition, because the application of these special rules may be uncertain, it is possible that
the manner in which they are applied by the Fund may be determined to be incorrect. In that event, the Fund may be found to have failed to maintain its qualification as a RIC or to be subject to additional U.S. tax liability.
The Fund may make investments, both directly and through swaps or other derivative positions, in companies classified as PFICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Investments in PFICs are subject to special tax rules which may result in adverse tax consequences to the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund generally intends to elect to “mark to
market” these investments at the end of each taxable year. By making this election, the Fund will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares as of the close of the taxable year over their adjusted basis and as ordinary loss any decrease in such investment (but only to the extent of prior income from such investment under
the mark to market rules). Gains realized with respect to a disposition of a PFIC that the Fund has elected to mark to market will be ordinary income. By making the mark to market election, the Fund may recognize income in excess of the distributions that it receives from its investments. Accordingly, the Fund may need to borrow money or dispose of
some of its investments in order to meet its distribution requirements. If the Fund does not make the mark to market election with respect to an investment in a PFIC, the Fund could become subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to certain distributions from, and gain on the dispositions of, the PFIC which cannot be avoided by distributing
such amounts to the Fund’s shareholders.
Dividends, interest and gains from non-U.S. investments of the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may, in some cases, reduce or eliminate such taxes.
If more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of its taxable year consist of foreign securities, the Fund may elect to “pass through” to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, as an additional dividend, even though not actually received, the investor’s pro rata
share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S. taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to certain holding period and other limitations, the investor’s pro rata share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes. This treatment will not apply with respect to amounts the Fund reserves in anticipation of
the imposition of Chinese withholding taxes not currently in effect (as discussed above). If these amounts are used to pay any tax liability of the Fund in a later year, they will be treated as paid by the shareholders in such later year, even if they are imposed with respect to income of an earlier year. It is expected that more than 50% of the Fund’s
assets will consist of foreign securities.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or otherwise established a basis for exemption from backup withholding. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%. This is not an additional tax
and may be refunded, or
28
credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxes on the Sale or Cash Redemption of Exchange Listed Shares. Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares
held for six months or less is treated as long -term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited. A redemption of a shareholder’s Fund Shares for cash is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes.
Taxes on In-Kind Creations and In-Kind Redemptions of Creation Units. To the extent a person exchanges securities or securities and cash for Creation Units, such person generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of exchange and the sum of the
exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities or securities and cash will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of
the securities received and the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of primarily securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in
economic position. Persons exchanging primarily securities for Creation Units or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax adviser with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible and the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been
held for one year or less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you created or sold and at what price.
Medicare Tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross
income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
Non-U.S. Shareholders. If you are not a citizen or resident alien of the United States, the Fund’s ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business.
As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, (“FATCA”), the Fund may be required to impose a 30% withholding tax on certain types of U.S. sourced income (e.g., dividends, interest, and other types of passive income) paid effective July 1, 2014, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property producing U.S. sourced income paid
effective January 1, 2017 to (i) foreign financial institutions (“FFI’s”), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities (“NFFE’s”), unless they certify certain information
regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid possible withholding, FFI’s will need to enter into agreements with the IRS which state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures
with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the IRS, or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue
authority, should an applicable intergovernmental agreement be implemented. NFFE’s will need to provide certain information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree to provide certain information to the IRS.
While final FATCA rules have not been finalized, the Fund may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform due diligence reviews to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. Investors are required to agree to provide information necessary to allow the Fund to comply with the FATCA rules. If the Fund is
required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.
Effective July 1, 2014, withholding of U.S. tax at a 30% rate will be required on payments of dividends and (effective January 1, 2017) redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends paid to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S.
Department of the Treasury of
29
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)
U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to clarify whether withholding is required with respect to such payments relating to their shares of the Fund.
Non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Funds, including the possible applicability of the U.S. estate tax.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.
INDEX PROVIDER
The Index is published by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (the “Index Provider”). The Index Provider does not sponsor, endorse, or promote the Fund and bears no liability with respect to the Fund or any security.
30
CSI 300 INDEX
The Index is a modified free-float market capitalization weighted index comprised of the largest and most liquid stocks in the Chinese A-share market. Constituent stocks for the Index must have been listed for more than three months (unless the stock’s average daily A-share market capitalization since its initial listing ranks among the top 30 of all A-
shares) and must not be experiencing what the Index Provider believes to be obvious abnormal fluctuations or market manipulation.
As of December 31, 2013, the Index included 300 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of $1.1 billion to $236.9 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $36.6 billion. These amounts are subject to change.
When selecting constituent stocks for the Index, the Index Provider: (1) calculates the daily average trading value and daily average total market capitalization during the most recent year (or in case of new issue, during the time since its initial listing) for all the stocks in the stock universe; (2) ranks the stocks in the stock universe in descending order
according to their average daily trading values, and excludes the bottom 50%; and (3) ranks the remaining stocks in descending order according to their average daily market capitalization and selects those which rank in the top 300 according to their average daily market capitalization as constituent stocks of the Index.
The weighting of a company in the Index is intended to be a reflection of the current importance of that company in the market as a whole. Stocks are selected and weighted according to market capitalization. A company is heavily weighted in the Index if it has a relatively larger free-float market capitalization than the rest of the constituents in the
Index. The constituents of the Index are frequently reviewed by the Index Provider to ensure that the Index continues to reflect the state and structure of the underlying market it measures. The Index is calculated in real time and is published every six seconds in RMB. The composition of the Index is reviewed semi-annually every January and July.
31
LICENSE AGREEMENT AND DISCLAIMERS
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with the Index Provider to use the Index. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
The Fund is neither sponsored nor promoted, distributed or in any other manner supported by the Index Provider. The Index is compiled and calculated by the Index Provider. The Index Provider will apply all necessary means to ensure the accuracy of the Index. However, neither the Index Provider nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange nor the Shenzhen
Stock Exchange shall be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Index and neither the Index Provider nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange nor the Shenzhen Stock Exchange shall be under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. All copyright in Index values and constituent list vests in the Index
Provider. Neither the publication of the Index by the Index Provider nor the granting of a license regarding the Index as well as the Index Trademark for the utilization in connection with the Fund, which derived from the Index, represents a recommendation by the Index Provider for a capital investment or contains in any manner a warranty or opinion by
the Index Provider with respect to the attractiveness on an investment in the Fund.
32
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance since the Fund’s inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent that rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s Annual Report, which is available upon request.
33
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ChinaAMC A-Share ETF
|
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
For the Period
October 13,
2010(a) through
December 31,
2010 |
| |
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.17 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.28 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.81 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
40.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss
|
|
|
|
(0.40 |
) |
|
|
|
|
—(e |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
|
(1.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2.89 |
|
|
|
|
(8.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.77 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
|
(1.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2.89 |
|
|
|
|
(8.53 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(0.84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
|
(0.70 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(1.08 |
) |
|
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends
|
|
|
|
(0.70 |
) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
(1.10 |
) |
|
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.89 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33.17 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
30.28 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
38.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return (b)
|
|
|
|
(4.74 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
9.54 |
% |
|
|
|
|
(21.98 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(2.00 |
)%(c) |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
|
|
|
$ |
|
29,344 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
33,169 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
15,139 |
|
|
|
$ |
|
19,404 |
|
|
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
1.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.21 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.71 |
% |
|
|
|
|
1.11 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to
average net assets
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0.72 |
%(d) |
|
|
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
|
|
|
|
(0.70 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.69 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.71 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
(0.70 |
)%(d) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
0 |
%(c) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
Commencement of operations
|
|
|
(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) |
|
|
|
Not annualized
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
Amount represents less than $0.005 per share
|
|
34
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
Information regarding how often the Shares of the Fund traded on NYSE Arca at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund during the past four calendar quarters, as applicable, can be found at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities
on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving
solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete
description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary trading transactions), and thus dealing with Shares that are part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by
Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with
ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to
Shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is
only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
In addition, certain affiliates of the Fund and the Adviser may purchase and resell Fund shares pursuant to this Prospectus.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15, 2001. Its Declaration of Trust currently permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest. If shareholders are required to vote on any matters, each Share outstanding would be entitled to one vote. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as
required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the Fund’s SAI for more information concerning the Trust’s form of organization. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including Shares of the Fund.
Dechert LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Fund. Ernst & Young LLP serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Fund’s financial statements annually.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Fund’s Shares. Information about the Fund can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1.202.551.8090. The Fund’s Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the Fund’s SAI and the exhibits may be examined at the offices of the SEC (100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549) or on the EDGAR database at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at
the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s
35
Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. These documents and other information concerning the Trust also may be inspected at the offices of NYSE Arca (20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005).
The SAI for the Fund, which has been filed with the SEC, provides more information about the Fund. The SAI for the Fund is incorporated herein by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual report, you
will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Fund’s distributor, at 335 Madison Avenue, New York,
New York 10017 or by calling the distributor at the following number: Investor Information: 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Fund in writing to 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017 or by calling 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
The Fund’s SAI will be available at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-10325)
36
For more detailed information about the Fund, see the SAI dated May 1, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
Call Van Eck at 888.MKT.VCTR to request, free of charge, the annual or semi-annual reports, the SAI, or other information about the Fund or to make shareholder inquiries. You may also obtain the SAI or the Fund’s annual or semi-annual reports by visiting the Van Eck website at www.marketvectorsetfs.com.
Information about the Fund (including the SAI) can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.551.8090.
Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-0102.
|
|
|
Transfer Agent: The Bank of New York Mellon
SEC Registration Number: 333-123257
1940 Act Registration Number: 811-10325 |
|
888.MKT.VCTR |
PEKPRO |
|
vaneck.com |
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dated May 1, 2014
This Statement of Additional
Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses dated May 1, 2014 (each
a “Prospectus” and, together, the “Prospectuses”) for the Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”),
relating to the series of the Trust listed below, as they may be revised from time to time.
| Fund |
|
Principal
U.S. Listing Exchange |
|
Ticker |
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF
Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc.
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
AFK®
MOO® |
| Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
BRF® |
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF
Market Vectors Coal ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc.
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
PEK®
KOL® |
| Market Vectors Colombia ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
COLX® |
| Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
EGPT® |
| Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
GERJ® |
| Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
GEX® |
| Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
GDX® |
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc.
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
MES® SCIF® |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
IDX® |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
IDJX® |
Market Vectors Israel ETF
Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc.
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
ISRATM
GDXJ® |
| Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
LATM® |
Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF
Market Vectors Oil Services ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc.
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
HAP®
OIH® |
| Market Vectors Poland ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
PLND® |
| Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc |
|
REMX® |
| Market Vectors Russia ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
RSX® |
| Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
RSXJ® |
| Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
KWT® |
| Market Vectors Steel ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
SLX® |
| Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
FRAK® |
| Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
NLR® |
| Market Vectors Vietnam ETF |
|
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
|
VNM® |
A copy of each Prospectus
may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust or the Distributor. The Trust’s address is 335 Madison Avenue, 19th
Floor, New York, New York 10017. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses,
unless otherwise noted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end
management investment company. The Trust currently consists of 58 investment portfolios. This SAI relates to 28 investment portfolios,
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC
A-Share ETF1, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors
Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States
Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF,
Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors
Natural Resources ETF2, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel
ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF
(each, a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). Each Fund is classified as a non-diversified management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and, as a result, is not required to meet
certain diversification requirements under the 1940 Act. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15, 2001.
The shares of each Fund are referred to herein as “Shares.”
The Funds offer and issue
Shares at their net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a “Creation
Unit”). Similarly, Shares are redeemable by the Funds only in Creation Units, and generally (except for Market Vectors Africa
Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market Vectors
Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF,
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors
Vietnam ETF) in exchange for specified securities held by each Fund and a specified cash payment. Creation Units of Market Vectors
Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market
Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States
Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors
Vietnam ETF are issued and redeemed partially or principally for cash. The Shares of the Funds
are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca” or the “Exchange”), and trade
in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the Shares’ NAV. A Creation Unit consists of 25,000 shares
(with respect to Market Vectors Oil Services ETF), 50,000 Shares (with respect to all Funds except Market Vectors Oil Services
ETF and Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) or 100,000 (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF). The Trust reserves
the right to permit or require a “cash” option for creations and redemptions of Shares (subject to applicable legal
requirements).
1
Prior to January 7, 2014, the Fund’s name was Market Vectors China ETF.
2
Prior to May 1, 2014, the Fund’s name was Market Vectors RVE Hard Assets Producers ETF.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
AND RESTRICTIONS
General
The Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary
in Mauritius, SCIF Mauritius, a private company limited by shares incorporated in Mauritius (the “Subsidiary”), that
has the same investment objective as the Fund. Because the investment characteristics of Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF
will correspond directly to those of the Subsidiary (which is managed by and its decisions are taken by its independent Board of
Directors), the following applies to both Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF and the Subsidiary, as applicable, and except
where otherwise indicated, this SAI uses the term “Fund” when referring to Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF
to mean Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF and/or the Subsidiary, as applicable.
Repurchase Agreements
The Funds may invest in
repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers 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 a money market instrument
(generally a security issued by the U.S. Government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance or a certificate of deposit)
from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). A repurchase
agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective
for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.
In these repurchase agreement
transactions, the securities acquired by a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value at least equal
to the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Trust’s custodian bank until repurchased. In addition, the Trust’s
Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) has established guidelines and standards for review of the creditworthiness
of any bank, broker or dealer counterparty to a repurchase agreement with each Fund. No more than an aggregate of 15% of each Fund’s
net assets will be invested in repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days.
The use of repurchase agreements
involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying
security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the Funds may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If
the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code or other
laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral not within the control of a Fund and, therefore, the Fund
may incur delays in disposing of the security and/or may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and
may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.
Futures Contracts and Options
Futures contracts generally
provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified instrument, index or commodity at a specified
future time and at a specified price. Stock index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other
of a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the stock index specified in the contract from one day to the next.
Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges. The Funds
may use futures contracts and options on futures contracts based on other indexes
or combinations of indexes
that Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) believes to be representative of each Fund’s respective benchmark
index (each, an “Index”).
An option is a contract
that provides the holder the right to buy or sell shares at a fixed price, within a specified period of time. An American call
option gives the option holder the right to buy the underlying security from the option writer at the option exercise price at
any time prior to the expiration of the option. A European call option gives the option holder the right to buy the underlying
security from the option writer only on the option expiration date. An American put option gives the option holder the right to
sell the underlying security to the option writer at the option exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option.
A European put option gives the option holder the right to sell the underlying security to the option writer at the option exercise
price only on the option expiration date.
Although futures contracts
(other than cash settled futures contracts including most stock index futures contracts) by their terms call for actual delivery
or acceptance of the underlying instrument or commodity, in most cases the contracts are closed out before the maturity date without
the making or taking of delivery. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an opposite position (“buying”
a contract which has previously been “sold” or “selling” a contract previously “purchased”)
in an identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are incurred when a futures contract position is opened
or closed.
Futures traders are required
to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions
in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying
instrument or commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date.
Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased
and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract
position is opened, the value of the contract is marked-to-market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that
the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of additional “variation” margin will be required.
Conversely, a change in
the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation
margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. The Funds expect to earn interest
income on their margin deposits.
The Funds may use futures
contracts and options thereon, together with positions in cash and money market instruments, to simulate full investment in each
Fund’s respective Index. Under such circumstances, the Adviser may seek to utilize other instruments that it believes to
be correlated to each Fund’s respective Index components or a subset of the components. Liquid futures contracts may not
be currently available for the Index of each Fund.
Positions in futures contracts
and options may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market therefor. However, there can be no assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not
be possible to close a futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, the Funds would continue to be required
to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to
sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the
Funds may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts they have sold.
The Funds will seek to minimize
the risk that they will be unable to close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and options for which
there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading
futures contracts or uncovered call options in some strategies (e.g., selling uncovered stock index futures contracts) is
potentially unlimited. The Funds do not plan to use futures and options contracts in this way. The risk of a futures position may
still be large as traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a relatively small price movement
in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin
deposit.
Utilization of futures transactions
by the Funds involves the risk of imperfect or even negative correlation to each Fund’s respective Index if the index underlying
the futures contracts differs from the Index. There is also the risk of loss by the Funds of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy
of a broker with whom a Fund has an open position in the futures contract or option.
Certain financial futures
exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price
at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no trades may be made
on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore
does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices
have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of future positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
Except as otherwise specified
in the Funds’ Prospectus or this SAI, there are no limitations on the extent to which the Funds may engage in transactions
involving futures and options thereon. With respect to Market Vectors India Small-Cap ETF, under applicable Indian securities regulations,
there are position limits on foreign institutional investor (“FII”) investments in index futures and index futures
contracts on a particular underlying index. The Funds will take steps to prevent their futures positions from “leveraging”
its securities holdings. When a Fund has a long futures position, it will maintain with its custodian bank, cash or liquid securities
having a value equal to the notional value of the contract (less any margin deposited in connection with the position). When a
Fund has a short futures position, as part of a complex stock replication strategy the Fund will maintain with its custodian bank
assets substantially identical to those underlying the contract or cash and liquid securities (or a combination of the foregoing)
having a value equal to the net obligation of the Fund under the contract (less the value of any margin deposits in connection
with the position).
Swaps
Over-the-counter (“OTC”)
swap agreements are contracts between parties in which one party agrees to make payments to the other party based on the change
in market value or level of a specified index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to the first party based
on the return of a different specified index or asset. Although over-the-counter swap agreements entail the risk that a party will
default on its payment obligations thereunder, each Fund seeks to reduce this risk by entering into agreements that involve payments
no less frequently than quarterly. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with
respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or highly liquid securities having an aggregate value at
least equal to the accrued excess is maintained in an account at the Trust’s custodian bank.
The use of such swap agreements
involves certain risks. For example, if the counterparty, under a swap agreement, defaults on its obligation to make payments due
from it as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Funds may lose such payments altogether or collect only a portion thereof,
which collection could involve costs or delays.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related regulatory developments require the eventual
clearing and exchange-trading of many standardized OTC derivative instruments that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”)
and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) recently defined as “swaps” and “security-based swaps,”
respectively. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant
and CFTC approval of contracts for central clearing and exchange trading. In a cleared swap, a Fund’s ultimate counterparty
is a central clearinghouse rather than a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. A Fund initially will enter into
cleared swaps through an executing broker. Such transactions will then be submitted for clearing and, if cleared, will be held
at regulated futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of the clearinghouse that serves as the central
counterparty. When a Fund enters into a cleared swap, it must deliver to the central counterparty (via an FCM) an amount referred
to as “initial margin.” Initial margin requirements are determined by the central counterparty, but an FCM may require
additional initial margin above the amount required by the central counterparty. During the term of the swap agreement, a “variation
margin” amount may also be required to be paid by a Fund or may be received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls
set for such accounts, depending upon changes in the price of the underlying reference asset subject to the swap agreement. At
the conclusion of the term of the swap agreement, if a Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount
is paid to the FCM along with any loss in excess of the margin amount. If a Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the
excess margin is returned to the Fund. If a Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.
Central clearing is designed
to reduce counterparty credit risk compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as
the counterparty to each participant’s swap, but it does not eliminate those risks completely. There is also a risk of loss
by a Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position
in a swap contract. The assets of a Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty
because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of
an FCM’s customers. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, a Fund is also subject to the risk that the FCM could
use the Fund’s assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM’s other customers, to
satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty. Exchange-trading
is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading.
In addition, with respect
to cleared swaps, a Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable terms as it would be able to negotiate for an uncleared swap. In
addition, an FCM may unilaterally impose position limits or additional margin requirements for certain types of swaps in which
a Fund may invest. Central counterparties and FCMs generally can require termination of existing cleared swap transactions at any
time, and can also require increases in margin above the margin that is required at the initiation of the swap agreement. Margin
requirements for cleared swaps vary on a number of factors, and the margin required under the rules of the clearinghouse and FCM
may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a Fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap. However,
regulators are expected to adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near
future, which could change this comparison.
The Funds are also subject
to the risk that, after entering into a cleared swap with an executing broker, no FCM or central counterparty is willing or able
to clear the transaction. In such an event, the central counterparty would void the trade. Before a Fund can enter into a new trade,
market conditions may become less favorable to the Fund.
The Adviser will continue
to monitor developments regarding trading and execution of cleared swaps on exchanges, particularly to the extent regulatory changes
affect a Fund’s ability to enter into swap agreements and the costs and risks associated with such investments.
Warrants and Subscription Rights
Warrants are equity securities
in the form of options issued by a corporation which give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to purchase stock, usually
at a price that is higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. A purchaser takes the risk that the warrant
may expire worthless because the market price of the common stock fails to rise above the price set by the warrant.
Currency Forwards
A currency forward transaction
is a contract to buy or sell a specified quantity of currency at a specified date in the future at a specified price which may
be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.
Currency forward contracts may be used to increase or reduce exposure to currency price movements.
The use of currency forward
transactions involves certain risks. For example, if the counterparty under the contract defaults on its obligation to make payments
due from it as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, a Fund may lose such payments altogether or collect only a portion thereof,
which collection could involve costs or delays.
Convertible Securities
A convertible security is
a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, right, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a
specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt securities
or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities
tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value
of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those
of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s
capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Convertible securities generally do not
participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible
securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.
Structured Notes
A structured note is a derivative
security for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or more “factors.”
These factors include, but are not limited to, currency exchange rates, interest rates (such as the prime lending rate or LIBOR),
referenced bonds and stock indices. Some of these factors may or may not correlate to the total rate of return on one
or more underlying instruments
referenced in such notes. Investments in structured notes involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk.
Depending on the factor(s) used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of such factor(s)
may cause significant price fluctuations. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile
than the reference factor underlying the note.
Participation Notes
All Funds. Participation
notes (“P-Notes”) are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to the performance
of a particular underlying equity security or market. P-Notes can have the characteristics or take the form of various instruments,
including, but not limited to, certificates or warrants. The holder of a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security
is entitled to receive any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a P-Note generally
does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security. P-Notes constitute direct, general and
unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, which therefore subject a Fund to counterparty
risk, as discussed below. Investments in P-Notes involve certain risks in addition to those associated with a direct investment
in the underlying foreign securities or foreign securities markets whose return they seek to replicate. For instance, there can
be no assurance that the trading price of a P-Note will equal the value of the underlying foreign security or foreign securities
market that it seeks to replicate. As the purchaser of a P-Note, a Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of the counterparty
issuing the P-Note and has no rights under a P-Note against the issuer of the underlying security. Therefore, if such counterparty
were to become insolvent, a Fund would lose its investment. The risk that a Fund may lose its investments due to the insolvency
of a single counterparty may be amplified to the extent the Fund purchases P-Notes issued by one issuer or a small number of issuers.
P-Notes also include transaction costs in addition to those applicable to a direct investment in securities. In addition, a Fund’s
use of P-Notes may cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from the performance of the portion of the Fund’s Index
to which the Fund is gaining exposure through the use of P-Notes.
Due to liquidity and transfer
restrictions, the secondary markets on which P-Notes are traded may be less liquid than the markets for other securities, which
may lead to the absence of readily available market quotations for securities in a Fund’s portfolio and may cause the value
of the P-Notes to decline. The ability of a Fund to value its securities becomes more difficult and the Adviser’s judgment
in the application of fair value procedures may play a greater role in the valuation of a Fund’s securities due to reduced
availability of reliable objective pricing data. Consequently, while such determinations will be made in good faith, it may nevertheless
be more difficult for a Fund to accurately assign a daily value to such securities.
Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF only. P-Notes eligible for investment by the Fund must be issued by banks or broker-dealers that are registered
with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) as a FII. As per the SEBI disclosure norms governing issuance
of offshore derivative instruments (including P-Notes or such other derivative instruments whose value is directly linked to underlying
Indian securities) by any FII, a FII is required to disclose to SEBI, on a monthly basis in a prescribed format details of such
instruments which include the names and the locations of persons to whom the offshore derivative instruments are issued; the nature
and type of investors; the quantity and value of the offshore derivative instruments; and the underlying Indian securities. Information
for each month has to be submitted within seven days following the end of the calendar month. In light of the above, if any FII
or its clients issue any offshore derivative instrument, the details of such investors will have to be disclosed by the FII and
accordingly will be required to file such disclosure with SEBI. FIIs that do not have any outstanding offshore derivatives are
not required to make such filing. FIIs are allowed to issue participatory notes and offshore derivate instruments to those entities
that are regulated
by an appropriate regulatory
authority in the countries of their incorporation or establishment. SEBI has prohibited the issuance of participatory notes by
sub-accounts of FIIs. FIIs are also not permitted to issue, subscribe for or purchase any offshore derivative instruments, directly
or indirectly, to or from, Indian residents or non-resident Indians.
SEBI Takeover Regulations
(Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF Only)
Under the provisions of
the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“Takeover Code”), any acquirer who holds,
together with persons acting in concert with him, 5% or more of the shares or voting rights of a listed public Indian company,
is required to notify the company and the stock exchanges on which the shares of such company are listed about its holding within
the prescribed time period. Furthermore, any acquirer who holds, together with persons acting in concert with him, 5% or more of
shares or voting rights is required to inform the company and the stock exchange about any change in its holding by 2% or more
of the shares or voting rights in the target company.
Upon the acquisition of
25% or more of shares or voting rights or an acquisition of control of the company, whether directly or indirectly, the acquirer
is required to make an open offer to the other shareholders offering to purchase at least 26% of all the outstanding shares of
the company at an offer price as determined pursuant to the provisions of the Takeover Code (“Open Offer”). Further,
under the provisions of the Takeover Code, any existing shareholder of a listed public Indian company, holding 25% or more but
less than 75% of the shares of the company, is entitled to acquire up to 5% voting rights of the company, in any financial year
ending March 31 without making a public offer for such an acquisition.
There are certain exemptions
under the Takeover Code from the public offer provisions in certain specific instances such as an inter se transfer of shares
amongst the persons named as promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the target company in terms of the listing agreement
or the Takeover Code for not less than three years prior to the proposed acquisition and transfer of shares pursuant to arrangement
involving the target company as a transferor company or as a transferee company, or reconstruction of the target company, including
amalgamation, merger or demerger, pursuant to an order of a court or a competent authority under any law or regulation, Indian
or foreign. The Subsidiary may invest through subscription of shares under the preferential route or purchase of shares from existing
promoters or shareholders in which case, it would be required to comply with the public offer provisions of the Takeover Code if
the post-acquisition holding of the Subsidiary is in excess of the prescribed thresholds.
Future Developments
The Funds may take advantage
of opportunities in the area of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options on the Funds, warrants, swaps
and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use or which are not currently available, but which may be developed,
to the extent such investments are considered suitable for a Fund by the Adviser.
Investment Restrictions
The Board and the Board
of Directors of the Subsidiary (to the extent that such restrictions are applicable to the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index
ETF) have adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to each Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively.
These restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of each Fund’s outstanding voting
securities. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund means the vote, at an annual
or a special meeting of the security holders of the Trust,
of the lesser of (1) 67%
or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Similar voting requirements apply with respect to a change in the fundamental investment policies of the Subsidiary. If Market
Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, as an investor in the Subsidiary, is requested to vote on a change in the fundamental investment
policies of the Subsidiary, the Fund will either call a meeting of its shareholders and will vote its shares in the Subsidiary
in accordance with instructions it receives from its shareholders or otherwise vote as required under the 1940 Act. Under these
restrictions:
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Each Fund may not make loans, except that the Fund may (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt securities, bank loan or participation interests, bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities and (iv) participate in an interfund lending program with other registered investment companies; |
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Each Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulation from time to time; |
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Each Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulation from time to time; |
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Each Fund (except Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF) may not purchase a security (other than obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in a single issuer; |
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Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (i) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein; (ii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein; and (iii) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities; |
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Each Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with its investments in other investment companies; |
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Each Fund may not purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities. In addition, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF may invest up to 25% of its total assets in gold and silver coins, which are legal tender in the country of issue and gold and silver bullion, and palladium and platinum group metals bullion; or |
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Each Fund, except Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, may not purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry except that the Fund may invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry or group of industries if the index that the Fund replicates concentrates in an industry or group of industries. With respect to each of Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, the Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry except that the Fund will invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry or group of industries if the index that the Fund replicates concentrates in an industry or group of industries. This limit does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. |
In addition to the investment
restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth above, each Fund observes the following restrictions, which may be changed
by the Board without a shareholder vote. Each Fund will not:
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Invest in securities which are “illiquid” securities, including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and options traded over-the-counter, if the result is that more than 15% of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in such securities. |
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Make short sales of securities. |
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Purchase any security on margin, except for such short-term loans as are necessary for clearance of securities transactions. The deposit or payment by a Fund or initial or variation margin in connection with futures contracts or related options thereon is not considered the purchase of a security on margin. |
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Participate in a joint or joint-and-several basis in any trading account in securities, although transactions for the Funds and any other account under common or affiliated management may be combined or allocated between the Fund and such account. |
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Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act, although the Fund may not acquire any securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act. |
In addition to the fundamental
and non-fundamental investment restrictions set forth above, each of Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap
ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners
ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market
Vectors Russia ETF and Market Vectors Steel ETF observes the following additional restrictions, which may be changed by the Board
without a shareholder vote: under normal market conditions (i) any borrowings by the Fund will be on a temporary basis and will
not exceed 10% of the Fund’s net assets; and (ii) the Fund’s investments in the securities of other pooled investment
vehicles will not exceed 10% of the Fund’s net assets.
If a percentage limitation
is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value
or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect
to the borrowing of money and illiquid securities above in fundamental restriction 2 and non-fundamental restriction 1, respectively,
will be continuously complied with.
Each Fund may invest in
securities not included in its respective Index, money market instruments or funds which reinvest exclusively in money market instruments,
in stocks that are in the relevant market but not the Fund’s respective Index, and/or in combinations of certain stock index
futures contracts, options on such futures contracts, stock options, stock index options, options on the Shares, and stock index
swaps and swaptions, each with a view towards providing each Fund with exposure to the securities in its respective Index. These
investments may be made to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions
of Creation Units. Each Fund will not invest in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect against
potential stock market declines.
The Adviser is registered
as an FII with the SEBI, and the Subsidiary is registered as a sub-account with the SEBI in order to obtain certain benefits relating
to the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF’s ability to make and dispose of investments. Investments under SEBI (Foreign
Institutional Investors) Regulations, 1995 (“FII Regulations”) and Foreign Exchange Management (transfer or issue of
security by a person resident outside India) Regulations, 2000 are permitted only in the following:
| |
· |
securities in the primary and secondary markets including shares, debentures and warrants (as per the applicable Consolidated Foreign Direct Investment Policy) of companies unlisted, listed or to be listed on a recognized stock exchange in India; |
| |
|
|
| |
· |
units of schemes floated by domestic mutual funds including Unit Trust of India, whether listed on a recognized stock exchange in India or not or units of a scheme floated by a Collective Investment Scheme; |
| |
|
|
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· |
dated government securities; |
| |
|
|
| |
· |
derivatives traded on a recognized stock exchange; |
| |
|
|
| |
· |
commercial paper; |
| |
|
|
| |
· |
security receipts of asset reconstruction companies; and |
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|
|
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· |
Indian Depository Receipts. |
In certain instances FIIs
may invest in primary issuances of non-convertible debentures by an Indian company if the listing of such securities is committed
to be done within 15 days of such investment.
Further, FIIs are allowed
to engage in delivery based trading and short selling including execution of trades involving derivatives on a recognized stock
exchange. FIIs are allowed to tender their shares in case of an open offer following the takeover bid by an acquirer. FIIs are
also permitted to take forward cover on their equity and debt exposure to mitigate against currency fluctuations.
FIIs which have issued derivative
instruments based on underlying Indian securities such as P-Notes and any other equivalent instrument are required to make a monthly
disclosure to the SEBI as regards the details of the instrument as well as the ultimate investor in such instruments.
The extent to which percentage
positions may be taken in index options and index futures by the Subsidiary would be restricted to the limits prescribed by applicable
regulators from time to time. Separately, following are the regulatory positions that the Adviser (as an FII) and the Subsidiary
(as a sub-account) would have to observe under the applicable provisions of the securities laws of India:
The aggregate FII holding
in any Indian company cannot exceed 24% of the entire paid-up equity capital of that company which limit can be further extended
to the applicable foreign investment limit in a specific sector if the shareholders of a company pass a special resolution to that
effect. Further, no single FII or its sub-accounts (provided such sub-account is broad based) can hold more than 10% of the total
paid-up equity capital of an Indian company.
In addition, currently the
overall limit for FIIs and sub-accounts registered with SEBI for investing in corporate debt market has recently been enhanced
from $20 billion to $25 billion but the enhanced limit of $5 billion shall not be available for investment in Certificate of Deposits
(CD) and Commercial Papers (CP), with an additional $25 billion available for investing in corporate bonds issued by companies
in the infrastructure sector (as defined under the “External Commercial Borrowings” guidelines issued by the RBI).
At present, FIIs and their sub-accounts can only invest in listed or to-be-listed debt instruments; however, they can invest in
unlisted bonds issued by companies in the infrastructure sectors, which are organized in the form of special purpose vehicles.
The aggregate debt investments
by FIIs in government securities and treasury bills are capped at $25 billion. Investment by FIIs/ sub-account in debt oriented
mutual fund scheme shall be considered as investment in corporate debt.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
AND RISKS
A discussion of the risks
associated with an investment in each Fund is contained in each Fund’s Prospectus under the headings “Summary Information—Principal
Risks of Investing in the Fund” with respect to the applicable Fund, and “Additional Information About the Funds’
Investment Strategies and Risks—Risks of Investing in the Funds.” The discussion below supplements, and should be read
in conjunction with, such sections of each Fund’s Prospectus.
General
Investment in each Fund
should be made with an understanding that the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes
in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors.
An investment in each Fund
should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk that
the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either
of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Shares). Common stocks are susceptible
to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of
their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding
government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global
or regional political, economic and banking crises.
Holders of common stocks
incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, have
generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated principal
amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks which
typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have
neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock
remains outstanding.
In the event that the securities
in a Fund’s Index are not listed on a national securities exchange, the principal trading market for some may be in the over-the-counter
market. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such
securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid.
The price at which securities may be sold and the value of a Fund’s Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets
for the Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
The Funds are not actively
managed by traditional methods, and therefore the adverse financial condition of any one issuer will not result in the elimination
of its securities from the securities held by a Fund unless the securities of such issuer are removed from its respective Index.
An investment in each Fund
should also be made with an understanding that the Fund will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of its respective
Index because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual
balance of the securities and other Fund expenses, whereas such transaction costs and expenses are not included in the calculation
of its respective Index. It is also possible that for periods of time, a Fund may not fully replicate the
performance of its respective
Index due to the temporary unavailability of certain Index securities in the secondary market or due to other extraordinary circumstances.
Such events are unlikely to continue for an extended period of time because a Fund is required to correct such imbalances by means
of adjusting the composition of the securities. It is also possible that the composition of a Fund may not exactly replicate the
composition of its respective Index if the Fund has to adjust its portfolio holdings in order to continue to qualify as a “regulated
investment company” under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal
Revenue Code”).
Regulatory developments
affecting the exchange-traded and OTC derivatives markets may impair a Fund’s ability to manage or hedge its investment portfolio
through the use of derivatives. The Dodd-Frank Act and the rules promulgated thereunder may limit the ability of the Funds to enter
into one or more exchange-traded or OTC derivatives transactions.
The Trust, on behalf of
the Funds, has filed a notice of eligibility with the National Futures Association claiming an exclusion from the definition of
the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5, as promulgated under the Commodity
Exchange Act (“CEA”), with respect to the Funds’ operations. Therefore, neither the Funds nor the Adviser (with
respect to the Funds) is subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool or CPO under the CEA. If a Fund becomes subject
to these requirements, a Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses.
Each Fund’s use of
derivatives may also be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for qualification as a regulated investment company
for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
With respect to investments
in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide
hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an
exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required
to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value
of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments).
Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established,
may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting
for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations,
the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures,
commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser is required to register as a CPO, the disclosure
and operations of the Funds would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations. Compliance with these additional registration
and regulatory requirements would increase operational expenses. Other potentially adverse regulatory initiatives could also develop.
Shares are subject to the
risks of an investment in a portfolio of equity securities in an economic sector or industry in which each Fund’s Index is
highly concentrated. In addition, because it is the policy of each Fund to generally invest in the securities that comprise its
respective Index, the portfolio of securities held by such Fund (“Fund Securities”) also will be concentrated in that
economic sector or industry.
U.S. Federal Tax Treatment of Futures
Contracts
Each Fund may be required
for federal income tax purposes to mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year their net unrealized gains and
losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss
from futures contracts
required to be marked-to-market will be 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions
to shareholders. Each Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts to the extent of any unrecognized
gains on related positions held by the Fund.
In order for a Fund to
continue to qualify for U.S. federal income tax treatment as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income for
a taxable year must be derived from qualifying income, i.e., dividends, interest, income derived from loans of securities, gains
from the sale of securities or of foreign currencies or other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing
in securities. It is anticipated that any net gain realized from the closing out of futures contracts will be considered gain from
the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% requirement.
Each Fund distributes to
shareholders annually any net capital gains which have been recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including unrealized
gains at the end of the Fund’s fiscal year) on futures transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of
capital gains realized on a Fund’s other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.
Risks Relating to Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF
Tax Risks. The taxation
of income and capital gains of the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF is subject to the fiscal laws and practices of different
jurisdictions. Any of those jurisdictions may change their fiscal laws and practices (or interpretation thereof) and enforcement
policies, possibly with retroactive effect. The Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF’s investment in the Subsidiary involves
certain tax risks. Changes to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between Mauritius and India (or its interpretation) may adversely
affect the ability of the Subsidiary to realize efficiently income or capital gains. Consequently, it is possible that Subsidiary
may face unfavorable tax treatment, which may materially adversely affect the value of its investments or the feasibility of making
investments in India.
Proposed budget legislation
in India (the “2012 Finance Bill”) proposes to implement a general anti-avoidance provision (“GAAR”) expected
to become effective in 2015. GAAR would be applicable where the main purpose of an arrangement is tax avoidance. GAAR provisions
empower the tax authorities to declare any arrangement as an “impermissible avoidance arrangement,” provided the same
has been entered into with the main objective of obtaining tax benefit under specified circumstances. If the Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF’s use of the Subsidiary were considered to be such an impermissible avoidance arrangement, Market Vectors
India Small-Cap Index ETF would become subject directly to taxation in India. The burden of proof in enforcing the rule will reside
with the Indian government, not the taxpayer, and India’s current double tax treaty arrangements will remain in force. If
the Indian tax authorities were to apply the GAAR to the Subsidiary, this could result in the benefits under the tax treaty being
denied to the Subsidiary, and consequently have an adverse impact on the taxability of the Subsidiary and the returns to the investors.
The 2012 Finance Bill introduced provisions that provide where shares of a non-Indian company derive their value substantially
from assets in India, the transfer of such shares may, for the purposes of Indian tax rules, be deemed to amount to the transfer
of capital assets situated in India. The amendments to the Income Tax Act, 1961 (“ITA”), set out in the 2012 Finance
Bill, further provide that the term “transfer” includes a direct or an indirect disposal of an asset whether or not
such transfer is dependent upon, or flows from, the transfer or redemption of shares of a non-Indian company. As a result, it is
possible that Indian tax authorities may find a tax liability arising from the transfer of shares of the Subsidiary by the Fund
on the basis that such shares derive their value substantially from assets in India. However, there are currently no rules or guidance
relating to possible Indian tax liability and the circumstances in which the shares of a non-Indian company can be
said to derive their value substantially
from assets in India, although an expert committee set up by the Government of India recommended that the foregoing tax treatment
of indirect transfers be mitigated in certain respects.
In a recent case of
a cross border acquisition transaction involving the transfer of shares of a non-resident company holding underlying shares in
an Indian company to another non-resident company, the Indian Supreme Court held that the transfer of offshore assets ordinarily
would not attract Indian tax liability. However, the 2012 Finance Bill in its current form includes a proposal to retrospectively
overrule this decision and tax indirect transfers of Indian entities by non-residents, which would subject Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF to tax on any gains it realizes on transactions in the shares of the Subsidiary between it and the Subsidiary
and could have other adverse effects on Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF.
Further, the Government
of India has recently issued a Direct Tax Code Bill for discussion purposes, which if enacted will replace the existing ITA. The
provisions of the new Direct Tax Code, if enacted, could change the manner in which the Subsidiary or the portfolio companies are
currently taxed in India, and could adversely impact the returns to the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF and its shareholders.
Hence, no assurance can be given that the interpretations described in this discussion will remain in effect. Any changes could
also be applied retroactively. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their own tax
situations and the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund. The Mauritius legal framework under which the Subsidiary will
invest in India may undergo changes in the future, which could impose additional costs or burdens on its operations. Future
changes to Mauritius or Indian Law, or the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty or the interpretations given to them by regulatory or tax
authorities may impose additional costs or obligations on the Subsidiary’s activities in Mauritius. Significant adverse
tax consequences may result if the Subsidiary does not qualify for the benefits under the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty. There can
be no assurance that the Subsidiary will continue to qualify for or receive the benefits of the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty or that
the terms of the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty will not be changed.
Limitations on the
Subsidiary’s Ability to Make Distributions or Pay Redemption Proceeds to the Fund. The Subsidiary is regulated by the
Mauritius Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) which has issued a Category 1 Global Business License to the Subsidiary
to conduct the business of “investment holding” under the Financial Services Act 2007 (the “Financial Services
Act”). Pursuant to the Mauritius Companies Act 2001 (the “Companies Act”), the Subsidiary can only make a distribution
or pay the redemption proceeds upon a redemption of shares if it satisfies the solvency test prescribed under the Companies Act
immediately after such distribution or redemption. Consequently, the stated capital of the Subsidiary must be taken into account
and a positive net balance is required. In addition, the Subsidiary may only pay dividends out of retained earnings after having
made good any accumulated losses at the beginning of the accounting period. The above limitations may adversely affect the ability
of the Subsidiary and the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF to make distributions or pay the redemption proceeds to the
investors. If Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF’s ability to make distributions is adversely affected, Market Vectors
India Small-Cap Index ETF may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under
the Internal Revenue Code, and be subject to income and/or excise tax at the Fund level. See “Taxes”.
RQFII
Program Risk (Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF Only)
The Adviser allocates
a portion of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets to an unaffiliated sub-adviser with an RQFII license (a “sub-adviser”)
for purposes of investing in A-shares. China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited currently acts as Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share
ETF’s sub-adviser for this purpose. The RQFII regulations provide that the size of a RQFII’s quota may
be reduced or cancelled
by SAFE if the RQFII is unable to use its RQFII quota effectively within one year after the quota is granted. Pursuant to PRC and
RQFII regulations, SAFE is vested with the power to impose regulatory sanctions if the Sub-Adviser, in its capacity as RQFII, or
the PRC sub-custodian violates any provision of the RQFII regulations. Any such violations could result in the revocation of the
Sub-Adviser’s quota or other regulatory sanctions and may adversely impact the portion of the Sub-Adviser’s quota granted
with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF.
If SAFE reduces the
Sub-Adviser’s quota, it may affect Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s ability to effectively pursue its investment
strategy. In addition, the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII status could be suspended or revoked. There can be no assurance that the Sub-Adviser
will continue to maintain its RQFII status or be able to acquire additional RQFII quota. In the event the Sub-Adviser is unable
to maintain its RQFII status or its RQFII quota becomes inadequate, and the Adviser is not able to retain an additional sub-adviser
with an RQFII quota, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF may be unable to gain exposure to A-shares through other means described
in the Prospectus. In such event it is possible that the trading price of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s Shares on
the Exchange will be at a significant premium to the NAV (which may also increase tracking error of the Fund).
The current RQFII regulations
include rules on investment restrictions applicable to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF. Transaction sizes for RQFIIs are relatively
large (with the corresponding heightened risk of exposure to decreased market liquidity and significant price volatility leading
to possible adverse effects on the timing and pricing of acquisition or disposal of securities).
The regulations which
regulate investments by RQFIIs in the PRC and the repatriation of capital from RQFII investments are relatively new. The application
and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively untested and there is no certainty as to how they will
be applied as the PRC authorities and regulators have been given wide discretion in such investment regulations and there is no
precedent or certainty as to how such discretion may be exercised now or in the future. The future application and/or interpretation
of such regulations may create difficulties with respect to the manner in which Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF seeks to invest
in A-shares in furtherance of its investment objective.
EXCHANGE
LISTING AND TRADING
A discussion of exchange
listing and trading matters associated with an investment in each Fund is contained in each Fund’s Prospectus under the headings
“Summary Information—Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund” with respect to the applicable Fund, “Additional
Information About the Funds’ Investment Strategies and Risks—Risks of Investing in the Funds,” “Shareholder
Information—Determination of NAV” and “Shareholder Information—Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares.”
The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Funds’ Prospectus.
The Shares of
each Fund are traded in the secondary market at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. The Exchange may but is
not required to remove the Shares of the Funds from listing if: (1) following the initial twelve-month period beginning
upon the commencement of trading of the Funds, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Shares for 30 or more
consecutive trading days, (2) the value of a Fund’s respective Index or portfolio of securities on which the Fund
is based is no longer calculated or available or (3) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of
the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. In addition, the Exchange will remove the Shares from
listing and trading upon termination of the Trust. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary
to maintain the listing of Shares of the Funds will continue to be met.
As in the case of other
securities traded on the Exchange, brokers’ commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary
levels.
In order to
provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price of the Shares on the Exchange is approximately consistent
with the current value of the assets of the Funds on a per Share basis, an updated Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value is
disseminated intra-day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association’s Network B. Indicative Per Share
Portfolio Values are disseminated every 15 seconds during regular Exchange trading hours based on the most recently reported
prices of Fund Securities. As the respective international local markets close, the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value will
continue to be updated for foreign exchange rates for the remainder of the U.S. trading day at the prescribed 15 second
interval. The Funds are not involved in or responsible for the calculation or dissemination of the Indicative Per Share
Portfolio Value and make no warranty as to the accuracy of the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value.
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
Trustees and Officers of the Trust
The Board of the Trust
consists of five Trustees, four of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act), of the Trust (the
“Independent Trustees”). Mr. David H. Chow, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board is responsible
for overseeing the management and operations of the Trust, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser
and other service providers to the Trust. The Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day administration and business affairs of
the Trust.
The Board believes
that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those
of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes to carry out its oversight
responsibilities with respect to the Trust. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review, critically evaluate,
question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and
independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, support this conclusion.
The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members
in reaching its conclusion: such person’s character and integrity; length of service as a board member of the Trust; such
person’s willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee;
and as to each Trustee other than Mr. van Eck, his status as not being an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee:
Mr. Chow, significant business and financial experience, particularly in the investment management industry, experience with trading
and markets through his involvement with the Pacific Stock Exchange, and service as a chief executive officer, board member, partner
or executive officer of various businesses and non-profit organizations; Mr. Short, business and financial experience, particularly
in the investment management industry, and service as a president, board member or executive officer of various businesses; Mr.
Sidebottom, business and financial experience, particularly in the investment management industry, and service as partner and/or
executive officer of various businesses; Mr. Stamberger, business and financial experience and service as the president and chief
executive officer of SmartBrief Inc., a media company; and Mr. van Eck, business and financial experience, particularly in the
investment management industry, and service as a president, executive officer and/or board member of various businesses, including
the Adviser, Van Eck Securities Corporation, and Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation. References to the experience, qualifications,
attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee
as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person
or on the Board by reason thereof.
The Trustees of the
Trust, their addresses, positions with the Trust, ages, term of office and length of time served, principal occupations during
the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by each Trustee and other directorships, if any, held
by the Trustees, are set forth below.
Independent Trustees
Name, Address1
and Age |
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 |
|
David H. Chow,
56*†
|
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, January 2008 to present; Trustee, Berea College of Kentucky and Vice-Chairman of the Investment Committee, May 2009 to present; Member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, October 2012 to present; President, July 2013 to present; Secretary and Board Member of the CFA Society of Stamford, July 2009 to present. |
R. Alastair Short,
60*† |
Trustee |
Since 2006 |
President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle), January 1988 to present; Vice Chairman, W.P. Stewart & Co., Inc. (asset management firm), September 2007 to September 2008; and Managing Director, The GlenRock Group, LLC (private equity investment firm), May 2004 to September 2007. |
69 |
Chairman and Independent Director, EULAV Asset Management, January 2011 to present; Independent Director, Tremont offshore funds, June 2009 to present; Director, Kenyon Review. |
Name, Address1
and Age |
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 |
|
Peter J. Sidebottom,
51*†
|
Trustee |
Since 2012 |
Independent business adviser, January 2014 to present; 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; Executive Vice President, Wachovia Corporation (financial services firm), December 2004 to February 2009. |
58 |
Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to present; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012. |
|
Richard D. Stamberger,
55*†
|
Trustee |
Since 2006 |
Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company). |
69 |
Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present. |
| 1 |
The address for each Trustee and officer is 335 Madison
Avenue, 19th 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 Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust
and the Trust. |
| * |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
| † |
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. |
Interested Trustee
Name, Address1
and Age |
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 |
|
Jan F. van Eck,
504
|
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Trustee (Since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2009) |
Director, President and Owner of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation; Director and President, Van Eck Securities Corporation (“VESC”); Director and President, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corp. (“VEARA”). |
58 |
Director, National Committee on US-China Relations. |
| 1 |
The address for each Trustee and officer is 335 Madison
Avenue, 19th 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 Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust
and the Trust. |
| 4 |
“Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning
of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser. |
Officer Information
The Officers of the
Trust, their addresses, positions with the Trust, ages and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
Officer’s Name,
Address1 and Age |
Position(s) Held
with the Trust |
Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five
Years |
| Russell G. Brennan, 49 |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer |
Since 2008 |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Charles T. Cameron, 54 |
Vice President |
Since 2006 |
Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Simon Chen, 42 |
Assistant Vice President |
Since 2012 |
Greater China Director of the Adviser (Since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011). |
| John J. Crimmins, 56 |
Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer (Since 2009) |
Vice President of Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Eduardo Escario, 38 |
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 – July 2008). |
| Lars Hamich, 45 |
Vice President |
Since 2012 |
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Van Eck Global (Europe) GmbH (since 2009); Chief Executive Officer of Market Vectors Index |
Officer’s Name,
Address1 and Age |
Position(s) Held
with the Trust |
Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five
Years |
| |
|
|
Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”) (since June 2011); Managing Director of STOXX Limited (until 2008). |
| Wu-Kwan Kit, 32 |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
Since 2011 |
Assistant
Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2011); Associate,
Schulte Roth & Zabel (September 2007 – 2011); University of Pennsylvania Law School (August 2004 – May
2007). |
| Susan C. Lashley, 59 |
Vice President |
Since 2006 |
Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Laura I. Martínez, 34 |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
Since 2008 |
Assistant Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2008); Associate, Davis Polk & Wardwell (October 2005 – June 2008); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Ferat
Oeztuerk, 31 |
Assistant Vice President |
Since 2012 |
Sales Associate, Van Eck Global (Europe) GmbH (since November 2011); Account Manager, Vodafone Global Enterprise Limited (January 2011 to October 2011). |
| Jonathan R. Simon, 39 |
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Vice President (Since 2006) and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (Since 2014) |
Vice President (since 2006), General Counsel and Secretary (since 2014) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Bruce J. Smith, 59 |
Senior Vice President |
Since 2006 |
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser. |
| Janet Squitieri, 52 |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Since September 2013 |
Vice President, Global Head of Compliance of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since September 2013); Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President North America of HSBC Global Asset Management NA (August 2010 – September 2013); Chief Compliance Officer North America of Babcock & Brown LP (July 2008 – June 2010). |
| 1 |
The address for each Officer is 335 Madison Avenue,
19th Floor, New York, New York 10017. |
| 2 |
Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees. |
The Board of the Trust
met seven times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
The Board has an Audit
Committee consisting of four Trustees who are Independent Trustees. Messrs. Chow, Short, Sidebottom and Stamberger currently serve
as members of the Audit Committee
and each of Messrs. Chow,
Short and Stamberger have been designated as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under Item 407 of Regulation
S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Mr. Short is the Chairman of the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee has the responsibility, among other things, to: (i) oversee the accounting and financial reporting
processes of the Trust and its internal control over financial reporting; (ii) oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust’s
financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist the Board’s oversight of
the Trust’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting,
internal control over financial reporting and independent audit; (iv) approve prior to appointment the engagement of the Trust’s
independent registered public accounting firm and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence
and performance of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm; and (v) act as a liaison between the Trust’s
independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. The Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013.
The Board also has
a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisting of four Independent Trustees. Messrs. Chow, Short, Sidebottom and Stamberger
currently serve as members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Stamberger is the Chairman of the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility, among other things,
to: (i) evaluate, as necessary, the composition of the Board, its committees and sub-committees and make such recommendations to
the Board as deemed appropriate by the Committee; (ii) review and define Independent Trustee qualifications; (iii) review the qualifications
of individuals serving as Trustees on the Board and its committees; (iv) evaluate, recommend and nominate qualified individuals
for election or appointment as members of the Board and recommend the appointment of members and chairs of each Board committee
and subcommittee; and (v) review and assess, from time to time, the performance of the committees and subcommittees of the Board
and report the results to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2013.
The Board has determined
that its leadership structure is appropriate given the business and nature of the Trust. In connection with its determination,
the Board considered that the Chairman of the Board is an Independent Trustee. The Chairman of the Board can play an important
role in setting the agenda of the Board and also serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the other Independent
Trustees. The Independent Trustees believe that the Chairman’s independence facilitates meaningful dialogue between the Adviser
and the Independent Trustees. The Board also considered that the Chairman of each Board committee is an Independent Trustee, which
yields similar benefits with respect to the functions and activities of the various Board committees. The Independent Trustees
also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that
its committees help ensure that the Trust has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also believes that
its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management
of the Trust, including the Adviser. The Board reviews its structure on an annual basis.
As an integral part
of its responsibility for oversight of the Trust in the interests of shareholders, the Board, as a general matter, oversees risk
management of the Trust’s investment programs and business affairs. The function of the Board with respect to risk management
is one of oversight and not active involvement in, or coordination of, day-to-day risk management activities for the Trust. The
Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Trust can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective
to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve
the Trust’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their
effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees that may relate to risk management matters are typically summaries of
the relevant information.
The Board exercises
oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself. The
Trust faces a number of risks, such as investment-related and compliance risks. The Adviser’s personnel seek to identify
and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder
services, investment performance or reputation of the Trust. Under the overall supervision of the Board or the applicable Committee
of the Board, the Trust, the Adviser, and the affiliates of the Adviser employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls
to identify such possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects
of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different
types of risks. Various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, as well as various personnel of the Adviser
and other service providers such as the Trust’s independent accountants, may report to the Audit Committee and/or to the
Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto.
The officers and Trustees
of the Trust, in the aggregate, own less than 1% of the Shares of each Fund as of March 31, 2014.
The general management
of the Subsidiary is the responsibility of its Board of Directors, a majority of which are also Trustees of the Trust.
For each Trustee, the
dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned (including ownership through the Trust’s Deferred Compensation Plan)
by the Trustee in the Trust and in all registered investment companies advised by the Adviser (“Family of Investment Companies”)
that are overseen by the Trustee is shown below.
| Name
of Trustee | |
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Africa Index ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Agribusiness ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Brazil Small-Cap
ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
ChinaAMC A-Share
ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
$1-$10,000 | |
None | |
None | |
$1-$10,000 |
| Name
of Trustee | |
Dollar Range
of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Coal ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range
of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Colombia ETF (As
of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range
of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Egypt Index ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range
of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Germany Small-Cap
ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
None | |
$10,001-$50,000 | |
$1-$10,000 | |
$50,001-$100,000 |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Global Alternative
Energy ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Gold Miners ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors Gulf
States Index ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
India Small-Cap
Index ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) |
| David H. Chow |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| R. Alastair Short |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Jan F. van Eck |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Name of Trustee | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Indonesia Index
ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Indonesia Small-
Cap ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Israel ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Junior Gold Miners
ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
$10,001-$50,000 | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Name of Trustee | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors Latin
America Small-Cap
Index ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Natural Resources
ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors Oil
Services ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Poland ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Name of Trustee | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Rare
Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Russia ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Russia Small-Cap
ETF (As of
December 31, 2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Solar Energy ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| Name of Trustee | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Steel ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Unconventional Oil
& Gas ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Uranium+Nuclear
Energy ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) | |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Vietnam ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| R. Alastair Short | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
|
| Name
of Trustee |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Steel ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Unconventional Oil
& Gas ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Uranium+Nuclear
Energy ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
|
Dollar
Range of
Equity Securities in
Market Vectors
Vietnam ETF
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| Peter J. Sidebottom |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Jan F. van Eck |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
| Name of Trustee | |
Aggregate Dollar
Range of Equity
Securities in all
Registered
Investment
Companies
Overseen By Trustee
In Family of
Investment
Companies
(As of December 31,
2013) |
| David H. Chow | |
Over $100,000 |
| R. Alastair Short | |
Over $100,000 |
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
None |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
Over $100,000 |
| Jan F. van Eck | |
Over $100,000 |
As to each Independent
Trustee and his immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment manager or principal
underwriter of the Funds, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by or under common control with the investment manager or principal underwriter of the Funds.
Remuneration of Trustees
The Trust pays each Independent
Trustee an annual retainer of $80,000, a per meeting fee of $15,000 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board and each special
meeting of the Board and a per meeting fee of $7,500 for telephonic meetings. The Trust pays the Chairman of the Board an annual
retainer of $45,500, the Chairman of the Audit Committee an annual retainer of $19,500 and the Chairman of the Governance Committee
an annual retainer of $13,000. The Trust also reimburses each Trustee for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
attending such meetings. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Trustee compensation.
The table below shows
the compensation paid to the Trustees by the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. Annual Trustee fees may be reviewed
periodically and changed by the Trust’s Board.
| Name of Trustee | |
Aggregate
Compensation
From the Trust |
|
Deferred
Compensation
From the Trust |
|
Pension
or
Retirement
Benefits
Accrued as Part
of the Trust’s
Expenses(2) | |
Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon
Retirement | |
Total
Compensation
From the Trust
and the Fund
Complex(1) Paid
to
Trustee(2) |
|
| David
H. Chow | |
$ | 215,500 | |
$ | 215,500 | |
N/A | |
N/A | |
$ | 215,500 | |
| R. Alastair
Short | |
$ | 189,500 | |
$ | 0 | |
N/A | |
N/A | |
$ | 319,500 | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | |
| Name of Trustee | |
Aggregate
Compensation
From the Trust |
|
Deferred
Compensation
From the Trust |
|
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits
Accrued as Part
of the Trust’s
Expenses(2) | |
Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon
Retirement | |
Total
Compensation
From the Trust
and the Fund
Complex(1) Paid
to Trustee(2) |
|
| Peter J. Sidebottom | |
$ | 170,000 | |
$ | 0 | |
N/A | |
N/A | |
$ | 170,000 | |
| Richard D. Stamberger | |
$ | 183,000 | |
$ | 91,500 | |
N/A | |
N/A | |
$ | 323,000 | |
| Jan F. van Eck(3) | |
$ | 0 | |
$ | 0 | |
N/A | |
N/A | |
$ | 0 | |
| (1) |
The “Fund Complex”
consists of Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust and the Trust. |
| (2) |
Because the funds
of the Fund Complex have different fiscal year ends, the amounts shown are presented on a calendar year basis. |
| (3) |
“Interested person”
under the 1940 Act. |
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
DISCLOSURE
Each Fund’s portfolio
holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services, including
publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities
to deliver in exchange for Creation Units, together with estimates and actual cash components is publicly disseminated daily prior
to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the “NSCC”), a clearing agency that
is registered with the SEC. The basket represents one Creation Unit of each Fund. The Trust, Adviser, Custodian and Distributor
will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE
The Trust is required
to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of the Funds’ portfolio holdings with the
SEC on Form N-Q. Form N-Q for the Funds is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’
Form N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. and information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.551.8090. The Funds’ Form N-Q is available through
the Funds’ website, at www.vaneck.com or by writing to 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Funds, the Adviser,
the Sub-Adviser (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant
to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, designed to monitor personal securities transactions by their personnel (the “Personnel”).
The Code of Ethics requires that all trading in securities that are being purchased or sold, or are being considered for purchase
or sale, by the Funds must be approved in advance by the Head of Trading, the Director of Research, the Chief Compliance Officer
of the Adviser and, with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, persons performing similar functions at the Sub-Adviser.
Approval will be granted if the security has not been purchased or sold or recommended for purchase or sale for a Fund on the
day that the Personnel of the Adviser or, with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, the Sub-Adviser requests pre-clearance,
or otherwise if it is determined that the personal trading activity will not have a negative or appreciable impact on the price
or market of the security, or is of such a nature that it does not present the dangers or potential for abuses that are likely
to result in harm or detriment to the Funds. At the end of each calendar quarter, all Personnel must file a report of all transactions
entered into during the quarter. These reports are reviewed by a senior officer of the Adviser or, with respect to Market Vectors
ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, the Sub-Adviser, as applicable.
Generally, all Personnel
must obtain approval prior to conducting any transaction in securities. Independent Trustees, however, are not required to obtain
prior approval of personal securities transactions. Personnel may purchase securities in an initial public offering or private
placement, provided that he or she obtains preclearance of the purchase and makes certain representations.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES
The Funds’ proxy
voting record is available upon request and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Proxies for each Fund’s
portfolio securities are voted in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures, which are set forth
in Appendix A to this SAI.
The Trust is required
to disclose annually each Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX covering the period July 1 through June 30
and file it with the SEC no later than August 31. Form N-PX for the Funds is available through the Funds’ website, at
www.vaneck.com, or by writing to 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017. The Funds’ Form N-PX is also
available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
MANAGEMENT
The following information
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Management of the Funds.”
Investment Adviser
and Sub-Adviser (Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF Only)
All Funds except
Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF. Van Eck Associates Corporation acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to
the general supervision of the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Funds. The Adviser is a private
company with headquarters in New York and manages other mutual funds and separate accounts.
The Adviser serves
as investment adviser to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement between Market Vectors
Gold Miners ETF and the Adviser (the “Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement”) and also serves as investment
adviser to each of the other Funds pursuant to an investment management agreement between the Trust and the Adviser (the “Trust
Investment Management Agreement” and, together with the Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement, the “Investment
Management Agreement”). Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board
and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund, manages the investment of the Funds’ assets. The Adviser
is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of the Funds.
All investment decisions relating to the Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF will be made outside of India.
Market Vectors ChinaAMC
A-Share ETF. Van Eck Associates Corporation acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to the general supervision
of the Board, is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Sub-Adviser and for the day-to-day investment management
of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets allocated to it. China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited acts as investment
sub-adviser to the Trust and, subject to the oversight of the Adviser, is responsible for the day-to-day investment management
of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets allocated to it.
The Adviser serves
as investment adviser to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement. Under the Investment
Management Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies
of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, manages and administers the Trust and oversees the Sub-Adviser with respect to the duties
it has delegated to the Sub-Adviser regarding the investment and reinvestment of the Fund’s assets. The Sub-Adviser serves
as investment subadviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment subadvisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the
“Investment Subadvisory Agreement”). The Sub-Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing
continuous supervision of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets allocated to it.
Indemnification.
With respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Trust has agreed to
indemnify the Adviser for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless
such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties. Pursuant to the Investment Subadvisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to
indemnify the Sub-Adviser for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless
such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties.
Compensation.
As compensation for its services under each Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser is paid a monthly fee based on a percentage
of each applicable Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.35% for Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and 0.50%
for each other Fund. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fees. Until at least May 1, 2015, the Adviser
has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding
acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding
0.35% (with respect to Market Vectors Oil Services ETF), 0.49% (with respect to Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF), 0.53% (with
respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF), 0.54% (with respect to Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF), 0.55% (with
respect to Market Vectors Steel ETF and Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF), 0.56% (with respect to Market Vectors Agribusiness
ETF and Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF), 0.57% (with respect to Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF and Market
Vectors Indonesia Index ETF), 0.59% (with respect to Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF and Market Vectors
Israel ETF), 0.60% (with respect to Market Vectors Poland ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF), 0.61% (with respect
to Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF), 0.62% (with respect to Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors
Russia ETF), 0.63% (with respect to Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF), 0.65% (with respect to Market Vectors Solar
Energy ETF), 0.67% (with respect to Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF), 0.72% (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share
ETF) 0.75% (with respect to Market Vectors Colombia ETF), 0.76% (with respect to Market Vectors Vietnam ETF), 0.78% (with respect
to Market Vectors Africa Index ETF), 0.85% (with respect to Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF), 0.94% (with respect to
Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF) and 0.98% (with respect to Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF) of its average daily net assets
per year. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fees. Offering costs excluded from the expense caps
are: (a) legal fees pertaining to a Fund’s Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial
fees paid for Shares of a Fund to be listed on an exchange.
With respect to Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, for the services provided and the expenses assumed by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the Sub-Advisory
Agreement, the Adviser (not Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) will pay a monthly fee to the Sub-Adviser based on a percentage
of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s average daily net assets managed by the Sub-Adviser.
The management fees
paid by each Fund and the expenses waived or assumed by the Adviser during the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2011,
2012 and 2013, as applicable, or, if the Fund has not been in existence for a full fiscal year, since the commencement of operations
of that Fund are set forth in the chart below.
| | |
Management Fees Paid During the Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Expenses Waived or Assumed by the
Adviser During the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, |
|
Date of
Commencement
of Operations
of the Fund |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fund | |
2011 | | |
2012 | | |
2013 | |
2011 | | |
2012 | | |
2013 | |
|
| Market Vectors Africa Index ETF | |
$489,449 | | |
$383,394 | | |
$491,651 | |
$255,310 | | |
$87,311 | | |
$118,145 | |
07/10/08 |
| Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF | |
$23,868,561 | | |
$28,241,579 | | |
$25,595,097 | |
$0 | | |
$0 | | |
$0 | |
08/31/07 |
| Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF | |
$4,210,428 | | |
$2,840,920 | | |
$1,787,218 | |
$0 | | |
$191,482 | | |
$123,868 | |
05/12/09 |
| Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF | |
$95,931 | | |
$78,771 | | |
$180,134 | |
$189,606 | | |
$234,771 | | |
$149,977 | |
10/13/10 |
| Market Vectors Coal ETF | |
$2,821,866 | | |
$1,129,938 | | |
$966,189 | |
$0 | | |
$55,372 | | |
$83,185 | |
01/10/08 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
|
| | |
Management Fees Paid During the Fiscal
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Expenses Waived or Assumed by the
Adviser During the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, |
|
Date of
Commencement
of Operations
of the Fund |
| Market Vectors Colombia ETF | |
$7,568 | | |
$11,919 | | |
$15,729 | |
$148,784 | | |
$115,792 | | |
$132,071 | |
03/14/11 |
| Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF | |
$242,894 | | |
$233,200 | | |
$201,723 | |
$126,449 | | |
$56,481 | | |
$81,258 | |
02/16/10 |
| Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF | |
$10,490 | | |
$21,681 | | |
$21,981 | |
$169,345 | | |
$147,965 | | |
$152,790 | |
04/04/11 |
| Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF | |
$578,652 | | |
$254,856 | | |
$359,412 | |
$64,005 | | |
$93,828 | | |
$72,290 | |
05/03/07 |
| Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF | |
$39,091,618 | | |
$43,723,570 | | |
$34,129,207 | |
$0 | | |
$0 | | |
$1,447 | |
05/16/06 |
| Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF | |
$106,866 | | |
$58,260 | | |
$67,124 | |
$203,462 | | |
$255,225 | | |
$215,648 | |
07/22/08 |
| Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF | |
$256,724 | | |
$249,700 | | |
$516,007 | |
$443,121 | | |
$381,834 | | |
$479,411 | |
08/24/10 |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF | |
$2,673,772 | | |
$2,247,943 | | |
$1,714,426 | |
$157,648 | | |
$296,026 | | |
$337,833 | |
01/15/09 |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF | |
N/A | | |
$13,078 | | |
$31,605 | |
N/A | | |
$54,848 | | |
$131,670 | |
03/20/12 |
| Market Vectors Israel ETF | |
N/A | | |
N/A | | |
$62,609 | |
N/A | | |
N/A | | |
$43,702 | |
06/25/13 |
| Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF | |
$11,145,027 | | |
$12,121,313 | | |
$8,411,625 | |
$0 | | |
$0 | | |
$118,064 | |
11/10/09 |
| Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF | |
$115,797 | | |
$70,615 | | |
$50,396 | |
$159,600 | | |
$141,418 | | |
$173,263 | |
04/06/10 |
| Market Vectors Natural Resources Producers ETF | |
$1,118,294 | | |
$755,254 | | |
$542,500 | |
$55,038 | | |
$248,834 | | |
$264,240 | |
08/29/08 |
| Market Vectors Oil Services ETF | |
$116,075 | | |
$3,959,623 | | |
$5,472,857 | |
$32,993 | | |
$341,895 | | |
$551,686 | |
12/20/11 |
| Market Vectors Poland ETF | |
$301,586 | | |
$161,340 | | |
$144,054 | |
$138,891 | | |
$136,585 | | |
$135,291 | |
11/24/09 |
| Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF | |
$1,826,910 | | |
$923,301 | | |
$657,340 | |
$73,811 | | |
$123,122 | | |
$160,871 | |
10/27/10 |
| Market Vectors Russia ETF | |
$13,728,118 | | |
9,055,171 | | |
$6,508,532 | |
$8,462 | | |
$146,878 | | |
$1,054,022 | |
04/24/07 |
| Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF | |
$12,632 | | |
$39,357 | | |
$69,763 | |
$160,450 | | |
$118,910 | | |
$167,429 | |
04/13/11 |
| Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF | |
$125,692 | | |
$55,751 | | |
$82,963 | |
$102,783 | | |
$134,067 | | |
$146,189 | |
04/21/08 |
| Market Vectors Steel ETF | |
$1,098,009 | | |
$714,251 | | |
$643,282 | |
$51,587 | | |
$65,303 | | |
$90,324 | |
10/10/06 |
| Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF | |
N/A | | |
$72,257 | | |
$123,490 | |
N/A | | |
$55,373 | | |
$123,598 | |
02/14/12 |
| Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF | |
$864,118 | | |
$423,176 | | |
$380,123 | |
$21,851 | | |
$57,753 | | |
$148,365 | |
08/13/07 |
| Market Vectors Vietnam ETF | |
$1,294,279 | | |
$1,398,758 | | |
$1,954,803 | |
$241,413 | | |
$0 | | |
$0 | |
08/11/09 |
Term. Each Investment
Management Agreement is subject to annual approval by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority
of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Investment Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days notice,
by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund’s outstanding voting securities.
Each Investment Management Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days’ notice by the Adviser and will terminate automatically
in the event of its
assignment (as defined
in the 1940 Act). The Investment Subadvisory Agreement terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time
without penalty as to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF by the Board, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s
outstanding voting securities on 60 days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser, by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice
to the Sub-Adviser or by the Sub-Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Trust.
Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement. The Adviser provides an investment program for the Subsidiary and manages the
investment of the Subsidiary’s assets under the overall supervision of the Board of Directors of the Subsidiary. Pursuant
to a management agreement between the Adviser and the Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement”),
the Adviser does not receive any fees from the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement continues in effect
only if approved annually by the Board of Directors of the Subsidiary.
The Subsidiary Investment
Management Agreement terminates automatically upon assignment and is terminable at any time without penalty as to the Subsidiary
by the Board of Directors of the Subsidiary, the Trust’s Independent Trustees or by vote of the holders of a majority of
the Subsidiary’s outstanding voting securities on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser, or by the Adviser on 60
days’ written notice to the Subsidiary. Pursuant to the Subsidiary Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser will not
be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Subsidiary in connection with the performance
of the Subsidiary Investment Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, fraud or gross negligence
on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.
The Administrator
Van Eck Associates Corporation
also serves as administrator for the Trust pursuant to each Investment Management Agreement. Under each Investment Management
Agreement, the Adviser is obligated on a continuous basis to provide such administrative services as the Board of the Trust reasonably
deems necessary for the proper administration of the Trust and the Funds. The Adviser will generally assist in all aspects of
the Trust’s and the Funds’ operations; supply and maintain office facilities, statistical and research data, data
processing services, clerical, accounting (only with respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF), bookkeeping and record keeping
services (including without limitation the maintenance of such books and records as are required under the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder, except as maintained by other agents), internal auditing, executive and administrative services, and stationery and
office supplies; prepare reports to shareholders or investors; prepare and file tax returns; supply financial information and
supporting data for reports to and filings with the SEC and various state Blue Sky authorities; supply supporting documentation
for meetings of the Board; provide monitoring reports and assistance regarding compliance with the Declaration of Trust, by-laws,
investment objectives and policies and with federal and state securities laws; arrange for appropriate insurance coverage; calculate
NAVs, net income and realized capital gains or losses; and negotiate arrangements with, and supervise and coordinate the activities
of, agents and others to supply services.
Mauritius Administrator
Multiconsult Limited,
located at Rogers House, 5 President John Kennedy St., Port-Louis, Mauritius, serves as the Subsidiary’s Mauritius administrator.
The Subsidiary pays Multiconsult Limited a fee for its services and for preparing management accounts; acting as registrar in
relation to the shares of the Subsidiary; organizing board and shareholder meetings and keeping minutes and the statutory books
and records of the Subsidiary in order to comply with requirements of the Mauritian Company Law and the Financial Services Commission
of Mauritius; preparing and filing certain regulatory filings; and
providing taxation and
regulatory advisory services. The Subsidiary also reimburses Multiconsult Limited for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reasonably
incurred by it in the performance of its duties.
Custodian and Transfer
Agent
The Bank of New York
Mellon (“The Bank of New York”), located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as custodian for
the Funds and the Subsidiary pursuant to a Custodian Agreement. As Custodian, The Bank of New York holds the Funds’ and
the Subsidiary’s assets. The Bank of New York serves as the Funds’ transfer agent pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement.
The Bank of New York may be reimbursed by the Funds for its out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, The Bank of New York
provides various accounting services to each of the Funds, except for Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, pursuant to a fund accounting
agreement. The Adviser pays a portion of the fee that it receives from Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF to The Bank of New York
for providing fund accounting services to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF.
The Distributor
Van Eck Securities
Corporation (the “Distributor”) is the principal underwriter and distributor of Shares. Its principal address is 335
Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and investor information can be obtained by calling 1-888-MKT-VCTR. The Distributor
has entered into an agreement with the Trust which will continue from its effective date unless terminated by either party upon
60 days’ prior written notice to the other party by the Trust and the Adviser, or by the Distributor, or until termination
of the Trust or each Fund offering its Shares, and which is renewable annually thereafter (the “Distribution Agreement”),
pursuant to which it distributes Shares. Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only
in Creation Units, as described below under “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units—Procedures for Creation of
Creation Units.” Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver
a prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations
of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the
Trust or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust.
The Distributor may also enter into sales and investor services agreements with broker-dealers or other persons that are Participating
Parties and DTC Participants (as defined below) to provide distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder
support and educational and promotional services but must pay such broker-dealers or other persons, out of its own assets.
The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty: (i) by vote of
a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Funds, on at least 60 days written notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days
notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Affiliated Index
Provider
The Market Vectors®
Africa Index (the “Africa Index”), Market Vectors® Global Agribusiness Index (the “Agribusiness
Index”), Market Vectors® Brazil Small-Cap Index (the “Brazil Small-Cap Index”), Market Vectors®
Global Coal Index (the “Coal Index”), Market Vectors® Colombia Index (the “Colombia Index”),
Market Vectors® Egypt Index (the “Egypt Index”), Market Vectors® Germany Small-Cap Index
(the “Germany Small-Cap Index”), Market Vectors® Gulf States Index (the “Gulf States
Index”), Market
Vectors® India Small-Cap Index (the “India Small-Cap Index”), Market Vectors® Indonesia
Index (the “Indonesia Index”), Market Vectors® Indonesia Small-Cap Index (the “Indonesia Small-Cap
Index”), Market Vectors® Global Junior Gold Miners Index (the “Junior Gold Miners Index”), Market
Vectors® Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index (the “Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index”), Market
Vectors® Latin America Small-Cap Index (the “LatAm Small-Cap Index”), Market Vectors®
US Listed Oil Services 25 Index (the “Oil Services Index”), Market Vectors® Poland Index (the “Poland
Index”), Market Vectors® Global Solar Energy Index (the “Solar Energy Index”), Market Vectors®
Global Unconventional Oil & Gas Index (the “Oil & Gas Index”), Market Vectors® Russia Index
(the “Russia Index”), Market Vectors® Russia Small-Cap Index (the “Russia Small-Cap Index”),
Market Vectors® Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index (the “Nuclear Energy Index”) and Market Vectors®
Vietnam Index (the “Vietnam Index”) are published by MVIS which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser. In order
to minimize any potential for conflicts caused by the fact that the Adviser or its affiliates act as the index provider to a Fund
that tracks an MVIS Index, MVIS has retained an unaffiliated third party to calculate the MVIS Indices, Solactive AG (formerly
Structured Solutions AG) (the “Calculation Agent”). The Calculation Agent, using the rules-based methodology, will
calculate, maintain and disseminate each of the MVIS Indices on a daily basis. MVIS will monitor the results produced by the Calculation
Agent to help ensure that the MVIS Indices are being calculated in accordance with the rules-based methodology. In addition, the
Adviser and MVIS have established policies and procedures designed to prevent non-public information about pending changes to an
MVIS Index from being used or disseminated in an improper manner. Furthermore, the Adviser and MVIS have established policies and
procedures designed to prevent improper use and dissemination of non-public information about the applicable Funds’ portfolio
strategies and to prevent the applicable Funds’ portfolio managers from having any influence on the construction of the applicable
MVIS Index’s methodology.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio
Managers
Van Eck Associates Corporation
As of the date indicated
below, Messrs. Liao and Cao managed the following other accounts:
Name
of
Portfolio
Manager |
Other
Accounts Managed
(As of December 31, 2013) |
Accounts
with respect to which the
advisory fee is based on the
performance of the account |
Category
of
Account |
Number
of
Accounts in
Category |
Total
Assets in
Accounts in
Category |
Number
of
Accounts in
Category |
Total
Assets in
Accounts in
Category |
| Hao-Hung
(Peter) Liao |
Registered
investment companies |
39 |
$18.92
billion |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
pooled investment vehicles |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
accounts |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
| George
Cao |
Registered
investment companies |
39 |
$18.92
billion |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
pooled investment vehicles |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
accounts |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
Although the funds in
the Trust that are managed by Messrs. Liao and Cao may have different investment strategies, each has an investment objective of
seeking to replicate, before fees and expenses, its respective underlying index. The Adviser does not believe that management of
the various accounts presents a material conflict of interest for Messrs. Liao and Cao or the Adviser.
China Asset Management
(Hong Kong) Limited (relating to Market Vectors ChinaAMC-A-Share ETF only)
As of the date indicated
below, Messrs. Wu and Lai managed the following other accounts:
Name
of
Portfolio
Manager |
Other
Accounts Managed
(As of December 31, 2013) |
Accounts
with respect to which the
advisory fee is based on the
performance of the account |
Category
of
Account |
Number
of
Accounts in
Category |
Total
Assets in
Accounts in
Category |
Number
of
Accounts in
Category |
Total
Assets in
Accounts in
Category |
| Jeff
Wu |
Registered
investment companies |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
pooled investment vehicles |
1 |
$13.86
million |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
accounts |
1 |
$17.05
million |
0 |
$0 |
| David
Lai |
Registered
investment companies |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
pooled investment vehicles |
1 |
$1.51
billion |
0 |
$0 |
| Other
accounts |
2 |
$143.01
million |
0 |
$0 |
Messrs. Wu and Lai manage
other funds and mandates, including certain ETFs that have similar investment strategies to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF,
which may create conflicts of interest with respect to portfolio management decisions and execution. Messrs. Wu and Lai expect
to manage Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF and the ETFs that have similar investment strategies to the Fund in accordance with
their duties with respect to portfolio management decisions and execution.
Portfolio Manager Compensation
Van Eck Associates
Corporation
The portfolio managers
are paid a fixed base salary and a bonus. The bonus is based upon the quality of investment analysis and the management of the
funds. The quality of management of the funds includes issues of replication, rebalancing, portfolio monitoring and efficient operation,
among other factors. Portfolio managers who oversee accounts with significantly different fee structures are generally
compensated by discretionary
bonus rather than a set formula to help reduce potential conflicts of interest. At times, the Adviser and its affiliates manage
accounts with incentive fees.
China Asset Management
(Hong Kong) Limited (relating to Market Vectors ChinaAMC-A-Share ETF only)
The portfolio managers
employed by the Sub-Adviser are paid a base salary and performance-based compensation. Each portfolio manager is evaluated from
an investment performance perspective, typically over a three year period, and from a peer evaluation that is completed by the
Sub-Adviser’s whole investment team (including other fund managers and analysts).
Portfolio Manager Share Ownership
The portfolio holdings
of Messrs. Liao and Cao as of December 31, 2013 are shown below.
| Fund |
None |
$1
to
$10,000 |
$10,001
to
$50,000 |
$50,001
to
$100,000 |
$100,001
to
$500,000 |
$500,001
to
$1,000,000 |
Over
$1,000,000 |
| Peter
Liao |
| Market
Vectors Africa Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Coal ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Colombia ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Egypt Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Gold Miners ETF |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
| Market
Vectors Gulf States Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fund |
None |
$1
to
$10,000 |
$10,001
to
$50,000 |
$50,001
to
$100,000 |
$100,001
to
$500,000 |
$500,001
to
$1,000,000 |
Over
$1,000,000 |
| Market
Vectors Indonesia Index ETF |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Israel ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Natural Resources ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Oil Services ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Poland ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Russia ETF |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Solar Energy ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Steel ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Vietnam ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| George
Cao |
| Market
Vectors Africa Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fund |
None |
$1
to
$10,000 |
$10,001
to
$50,000 |
$50,001
to
$100,000 |
$100,001
to
$500,000 |
$500,001
to
$1,000,000 |
Over
$1,000,000 |
| Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Coal ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Colombia ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Egypt Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Gold Miners ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Gulf States Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Indonesia Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Israel ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Natural Resources ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fund |
None |
$1
to
$10,000 |
$10,001
to
$50,000 |
$50,001
to
$100,000 |
$100,001
to
$500,000 |
$500,001
to
$1,000,000 |
Over
$1,000,000 |
| Market
Vectors Oil Services ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Poland ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Russia ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Solar Energy ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Steel ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
| Market
Vectors Vietnam ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The portfolio holdings
Messrs. Wu and Lai, the portfolio managers employed by the Sub-Adviser, as of December 31, 2013 are shown below.
| Fund |
None |
$1
to
$10,000 |
$10,001
to
$50,000 |
$50,001
to
$100,000 |
$100,001
to
$500,000 |
$500,001
to
$1,000,000 |
Over
$1,000,000 |
| Jeff
Wu |
| Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| David
Lai |
| Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BROKERAGE
TRANSACTIONS
When selecting brokers
and dealers to handle the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (with respect to Market Vectors
ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) look for prompt execution of the order at a favorable price. Generally, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (with
respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) work with recognized dealers in these securities, except when a better price and
execution of the order can be obtained elsewhere. The Funds will not deal with affiliates in principal transactions unless permitted
by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share
ETF) owe a duty to its clients to seek best execution on trades effected. Since the investment objective of each Fund is investment
performance that corresponds to that of an Index, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share
ETF) do not intend to select brokers and dealers for the purpose of receiving research services in addition to a favorable price
and prompt execution either from that broker or an unaffiliated third party.
The Adviser assumes
general supervision over placing orders on behalf of each Fund’s assets for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.
If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of a Fund’s assets allocated to itself and one or more other investment companies
or clients supervised by the Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among
the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by the Adviser. In some cases, this procedure
could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as a Fund is concerned. However, in other cases,
it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial
to a Fund. The primary consideration is best execution.
The Sub-Adviser oversees
placing orders on behalf of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets allocated to it for the purchase or sale of portfolio
securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s assets allocated to it
and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Sub-Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions
in such securities will be made among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed appropriate by the Sub-Adviser
consistent with its duty to seek best execution.
Portfolio turnover may
vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses
and taxable distributions. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge
of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.
The aggregate brokerage
commissions paid by each Fund during the Fund’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as applicable, or, if
the Fund has not been in existence for a full fiscal year, since the commencement of operations of that Fund are set forth in the
chart below.
| | |
Brokerage
Commissions Paid During the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, | | |
Date of
Commencement
of
Operations of the
Fund |
| Fund | |
2011 | | |
2012 | | |
2013 | | |
|
| Market Vectors Africa Index ETF | |
| $255,908 | | |
| $139,614 | | |
| $407,415 | | |
07/10/08 |
| Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF | |
| $1,595,163 | | |
| $1,551,644 | | |
| $1,738,258 | | |
08/31/07 |
| Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF | |
| $1,231,940 | | |
| $734,861 | | |
| $394,054 | | |
05/12/09 |
| Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF | |
| $0 | | |
| $0 | | |
| $0 | | |
10/31/10 |
| Market Vectors Coal ETF | |
| $383,122 | | |
| $191,010 | | |
| $56,733 | | |
01/10/08 |
| Market Vectors Colombia ETF | |
| $1,871 | | |
| $1,847 | | |
| $1,867 | | |
03/14/11 |
| Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF | |
| $327,736 | | |
| $180,728 | | |
| $189,067 | | |
02/16/10 |
| Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF | |
| $768 | | |
| $1,931 | | |
| $1,457 | | |
04/04/11 |
| Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF | |
| $42,527 | | |
| $24,112 | | |
| $17,853 | | |
05/03/07 |
| Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF | |
| $1,037,859 | | |
| $666,432 | | |
| $1,542,954 | | |
05/16/06 |
| Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF | |
| $66,520 | | |
| $29,139 | | |
| $40,082 | | |
07/22/08 |
| Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF | |
| $77,239 | | |
| $102,912 | | |
| $183,008 | | |
08/24/10 |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF | |
| $178,448 | | |
| $153,912 | | |
| $130,052 | | |
01/15/09 |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF | |
| N/A | | |
| $3,147 | | |
| $8,253 | | |
03/20/12 |
| Market Vectors Israel ETF | |
| N/A | | |
| N/A | | |
| $3,454 | | |
06/25/13 |
| Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF | |
| $1,936,926 | | |
| $794,103 | | |
| $88,717 | | |
11/10/09 |
| Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF | |
| $25,291 | | |
| $11,049 | | |
| $8,976 | | |
04/06/10 |
| Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF | |
| $47,554 | | |
| $21,826 | | |
| $22,907 | | |
08/29/08 |
| Market Vectors Oil Services ETF | |
| $0 | | |
| $88,649 | | |
| $110,394 | | |
12/20/11 |
| Market Vectors Poland ETF | |
| $31,714 | | |
| $10,945 | | |
| $11,950 | | |
11/24/09 |
| Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF | |
| $198,464 | | |
| $114,534 | | |
| $61,349 | | |
10/27/10 |
| Market Vectors Russia ETF | |
| $1,316,326 | | |
| $1,239,880 | | |
| $440,896 | | |
04/24/07 |
| Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF | |
| $3,326 | | |
| $8,127 | | |
| $14,772 | | |
04/13/11 |
| Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF | |
| $14,059 | | |
| $10,007 | | |
| $18,375 | | |
04/21/08 |
| Market Vectors Steel ETF | |
| $8,852 | | |
| $26,537 | | |
| $14,863 | | |
10/10/06 |
| Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF | |
| N/A | | |
| $8,010 | | |
| $5,491 | | |
02/14/12 |
| Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF | |
| $126,781 | | |
| $62,924 | | |
| $56,157 | | |
08/13/07 |
| Market Vectors Vietnam ETF | |
| $512,581 | | |
| $460,107 | | |
| $570,851 | | |
08/11/09 |
BOOK ENTRY
ONLY SYSTEM
The following information
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Shareholder Information—Buying
and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares.”
The Depository Trust
Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of the Funds are represented by securities registered
in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for Shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose
trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes
in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of
whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New
York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or
indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).
Beneficial ownership
of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect
Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial
Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to
DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are
not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their
purchase of Shares.
Conveyance of all notices,
statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the
Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of
the Shares holdings of each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial
Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant
with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may
reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly
or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount
as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions
shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of
any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in Shares as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect
Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary
practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street
name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility
or liability for any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC
Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
DTC may determine to
discontinue providing its service with respect to the Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging
its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to
find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and
deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory
to the Exchange.
CREATION
AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
General
The Funds issue and
sell Shares only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without an initial sales load, at their NAV next
determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant (defined
below) that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
A “Business Day”
with respect to the Funds is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of the Prospectus, the NYSE observes
the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day (Washington’s Birthday),
Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Fund Deposit
The consideration for
a purchase of Creation Units of a Fund (except Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors
Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market
Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors
Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF) generally consists of the in-kind deposit of
a designated portfolio of equity securities (the “Deposit Securities”) that comprise a Fund’s Index and an amount
of cash computed as described below (the “Cash Component”) or, as permitted or required by the Fund, of cash. The Cash
Component together with the Deposit Securities, as applicable, are referred to as the “Fund Deposit,” which represents
the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for Shares. Due to various legal and operational constraints in certain countries
in which Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors
ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF,
Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF,
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors
Solar Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF invest, Creation Units of these Funds are issued partially
or principally for cash. The Cash Component represents the difference between the NAV of a Creation Unit and the market
value of Deposit Securities and may include a Dividend Equivalent Payment. The “Dividend Equivalent Payment” enables
each Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation
Unit basis, to the dividends on all the securities held by the Fund (“Fund Securities”) with ex-dividend dates
within the accumulation period for such distribution (the “Accumulation Period”), net of expenses and liabilities for
such period, as if all of the Fund Securities had been held by the Trust for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period
begins on the ex-dividend date for each Fund and ends on the next ex-dividend date.
The Administrator, through
the NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange
(currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security to
be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) as well as the Cash Component
for each Fund. Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect
creations of Creation
Units of each Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit composition is made available.
The identity and number
of shares of the Deposit Securities required for the Fund Deposit for each Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate
action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser with a view to the investment objective of the applicable Fund. The
composition of the Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the securities
constituting each Fund’s respective Index. In addition, the Trust reserves the right to accept a basket of securities or
cash that differs from Deposit Securities or to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a “cash
in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may, among other reasons, not be
available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust as a result of
an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention or which may not be eligible for transfer through the
Clearing Process (described below), or which may not be eligible for trading by a Participating Party (defined below). In light
of the foregoing, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind creation order process, the Trust expects to purchase the Deposit
Securities represented by the cash in lieu amount in the secondary market (“Market Purchases”). In such cases where
the Trust makes Market Purchases because a Deposit Security may not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust
as a result of an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons, the Authorized Participant
will reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased
by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser’s discretion, may be capped), applicable registration
fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the Trust’s acquisition of Deposit Securities will be at
the expense of each Fund and will affect the value of all Shares of the Fund but the Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to
the extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing
shareholders. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect
by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the relevant Index or resulting from stock splits and other
corporate actions.
In addition to the list
of names and numbers of securities constituting the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Administrator, through the
NSCC, also makes available (i) on each Business Day, the Dividend Equivalent Payment, if any, and the estimated Cash Component
effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding Shares of the Fund, and (ii) on a continuous basis throughout
the day, the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value.
Procedures for Creation of Creation
Units
To be eligible to place
orders with the Distributor to create Creation Units of the Funds, an entity or person either must be (1) a “Participating
Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process through the Continuous Net Settlement
System of the NSCC; or (2) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”); and, in either case, must have executed
an agreement with the Distributor and the Transfer Agent (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms)
(“Participant Agreement”) (discussed below). A Participating Party and DTC Participant are collectively referred to
as an “Authorized Participant.” All Creation Units of the Funds, however created, will be entered on the records of
the Depository in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.
All orders to create
Creation Units must be placed in multiples of 25,000 Shares (with respect to Market Vectors Oil Services ETF) or 50,000 Shares
of each other Fund (i.e., a Creation Unit). All orders to create Creation Units, whether through the Clearing Process or
outside the Clearing Process, must be received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular trading session
on NYSE Arca (“Closing Time”) (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the date such
order is placed in order for creation
of Creation Units to
be effected based on the NAV of a Fund as determined on such date. A “Custom Order” may be placed by an Authorized
Participant in the event that the Trust permits or requires the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component
to replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for
trading by such Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting, or other relevant reason. The Business Day on which
a creation order (or order to redeem as discussed below) is placed is herein referred to as the “Transmittal Date.”
Orders must be transmitted by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth
in the Participant Agreement, as described below (see “—Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process”).
Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach
the Distributor, a Participating Party or a DTC Participant.
In connection with all
orders to create Creation Units for Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF only, the Authorized Participant will be required to post
collateral with the Trust consisting of cash in an amount up to 15% of the net asset value of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s
shares included in the order. The cash collateral will be used to cover creation transaction fees and as collateral for securities
which were not available for purchase. The Trust will return any unused portion of the collateral to the Authorized Participant.
Creation Units may be
created in advance of the receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the Fund Deposit. In such cases, the Authorized Participant
will remain liable for the full deposit of the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit and will be required to post collateral with
the Trust consisting of cash at least equal to a percentage of the marked-to-market value of such missing portion(s) that
is specified in the Participant Agreement. The Trust may use such collateral to buy the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit
at any time and will subject such Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing
such securities and the value of such collateral. The Trust will have no liability for any such shortfall. The Trust will return
any unused portion of the collateral to the Authorized Participant once the entire Fund Deposit has been properly received by the
Distributor and deposited into the Trust.
Orders to create Creation
Units of the Funds shall be placed with a Participating Party or DTC Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Participating
Party or DTC Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement,
and that, therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Funds may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through
a Participating Party or a DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. At any given time there may be only a limited
number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders to create Creation Units of the Funds
through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to
the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date.
Orders for creation
that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal
Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain
the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker
or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.
Orders to create Creation
Units of a Fund may be placed through the Clearing Process utilizing procedures applicable to domestic funds for domestic securities
(“Domestic Funds”) (see “—Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process”) or outside the Clearing
Process utilizing the procedures applicable to either Domestic Funds or foreign funds for foreign securities (“Foreign Funds”)
(see “—Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Domestic Funds” and “—Placement
of
Creation Orders Outside
Clearing Process—Foreign Funds”). In the event that a Fund includes both domestic and foreign securities, the time
for submitting orders is as stated in the “Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds”
and “Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds” sections below shall operate.
Placement of Creation Orders Using
Clearing Process
Fund Deposits created
through the Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement.
The Participant Agreement
authorizes the Distributor to transmit to NSCC on behalf of the Participating Party such trade instructions as are necessary to
effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions from the Distributor to NSCC, the Participating
Party agrees to transfer the requisite Deposit Securities (or contracts to purchase such Deposit Securities that are expected to
be delivered in a “regular way” manner by the third (3rd) Business Day) and the Cash Component to the Trust, together
with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units of the Funds through
the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor
not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are
properly followed.
Placement of Creation Orders Outside
Clearing Process—Domestic Funds
Fund Deposits created
outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant
who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units of the Funds to be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating
Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation
Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC
Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account
of the Trust by no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. All
questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt)
for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The
cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Distributor through the Federal Reserve wire system in a timely
manner so as to be received by the Distributor no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, on the next Business Day immediately following
the Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor
on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date;
and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Distributor does not
receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component in a timely fashion on the next Business Day immediately following
the Transmittal Date, such order will be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such cancelled order may be resubmitted
the following Business Day using the Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the current NAV of the applicable Fund. The delivery
of Creation Units so created will occur no later than the third (3rd) Business Day following the day on which the creation order
is deemed received by the Distributor.
Additional transaction
fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside the Clearing Process (through a DTC participant) and in circumstances
in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit Securities to create Creation Units. (See “Creation Transaction Fee”
section below.)
Placement of Creation Orders Outside
Clearing Process—Foreign Funds
The Distributor will
inform the Transfer Agent, the Adviser and the Custodian upon receipt of a Creation Order. The Custodian will then provide such
information to the appropriate subcustodian. For each Fund, the Custodian will cause the subcustodian of such Fund to maintain
an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, in the case of a permitted or
required cash purchase or “cash in lieu” amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account
maintained at the applicable local custodian. The Trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately
available or same day funds estimated by the Custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt
in proper form of the purchase order, together with the creation transaction fee described below.
Once the Transfer Agent
has accepted a creation order, the Transfer Agent will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of a Fund against receipt of payment,
at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. The Transfer Agent will then transmit a confirmation
of acceptance of such order.
Creation Units will
not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have
been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof)
have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, the Distributor and the Adviser will be notified of such delivery
and the Transfer Agent will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
Acceptance of Creation Orders
The Trust reserves the
absolute right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor if, for any reason, (a) the order is not in proper
form; (b) the creator or creators, upon obtaining the Shares, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of a Fund;
(c) the Deposit Securities delivered are not as specified by the Administrator, as described above; (d) the acceptance of the Deposit
Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to a Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion
of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser,
have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control
of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation orders. Examples
of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God or public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires,
floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; wars; civil or military
disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor
disputes; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems
affecting the Trust, the Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, the NSCC or any other participant in the creation process, and similar
extraordinary events. The Transfer Agent will notify a prospective creator of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust,
the Custodian, any subcustodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities
in the delivery of Fund Deposits to Authorized Participants nor shall either of them incur any liability to Authorized Participants
for the failure to give any such notification.
All questions as to
the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit
of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Creation Transaction Fee
A fixed creation transaction
fee of $1,000 ($500 with respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and $4,200 with respect
to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation transaction regardless of the number
of Creation Units purchased in the transaction. In addition, a variable charge for cash creations or for creations outside the
Clearing Process currently of up to four times the basic creation transaction fee will be imposed. In the case of cash creations
or where the Trust permits or requires a creator to substitute cash in lieu of depositing a portion of the Deposit Securities,
the creator may be assessed an additional variable charge to compensate the Funds for the costs associated with purchasing the
applicable securities. (See “Fund Deposit” section above.) As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind creation
order process, the Trust expects to purchase, in the secondary market or otherwise gain exposure to, the portfolio securities that
could have been delivered as a result of an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons
(“Market Purchases”). In such cases where the Trust makes Market Purchases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse
the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments
were purchased by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser’s discretion, may be capped), the costs
associated with Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s swap transactions, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions
and certain taxes. The Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the creation securities changes
or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. Creators of Creation Units are responsible for
the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust.
Redemption of Creation Units
Shares may be redeemed
only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Distributor, only
on a Business Day and only through a Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. The Trust
will not redeem Shares in amounts less than Creation Units. Beneficial Owners also may sell Shares in the secondary market,
but must accumulate enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be
no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a
Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of
Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit. See, with respect to each Fund, the section entitled “Summary Information—Principal
Risks of Investing in the Funds” and “Additional Information About the Funds’ Investment Strategies and Risks—Risks
of Investing in the Funds” in the Prospectus.
The Administrator, through
NSCC, makes available immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently
9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each day that the Exchange is open for business, the Fund Securities
that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined
below) on that day. If the Trust determines, based on information available to the Trust when a redemption request is submitted
by an Authorized Participant, that (i) the short interest of a Fund in the marketplace is greater than or equal to 100% and (ii)
the orders in the aggregate from all Authorized Participants redeeming Fund Shares on a Business Day represent 25% or more of the
outstanding Shares of a Fund, such Authorized Participant will be required to verify to the Trust the accuracy of its representations
that are deemed to have been made by submitting a request for redemption. If, after receiving notice of the verification requirement,
the Authorized Participant does not verify the accuracy of its representations that are deemed to have been made by submitting
a request for redemption in accordance with this requirement, its redemption request will be considered not to have been received
in proper form. Unless cash redemptions are permitted or required for a Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally
consist of Fund Securities as announced by the
Administrator on the
Business Day of the request for redemption, plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being
redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities, less the redemption
transaction fee and variable fees described below. Should the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the Shares being
redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee will
be required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder. Each Fund reserves the right to honor a redemption
request by delivering a basket of securities or cash that differs from the Fund Securities.
Redemption Transaction Fee
The basic redemption
transaction fee of $1,000 ($500 with respect to Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and $4,200 with
respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF) is the same no matter how many Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any
one redemption request. An additional charge up to four times the redemption transaction fee will be charged with respect to cash
redemptions or redemptions outside of the Clearing Process. An additional variable charge for cash redemptions or partial cash
redemptions (when cash redemptions are permitted or required for a Fund) may also be imposed to compensate each applicable Fund
for the costs associated with selling the applicable securities. As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind redemption
order process, the Trust expects to sell, in the secondary market, the portfolio securities or settle any financial instruments
that may not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Participating Party as a result of an in-kind redemption order
pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons (“Market Sales”). In such cases where the Trust makes
Market Sales, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value
at which the securities and/or financial instruments were sold or settled by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount,
at the Adviser’s discretion, may be capped), the costs associated with Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s swap transactions,
applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes (“Transaction Costs”). The Adviser may adjust
the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the redemption securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component
to protect ongoing shareholders. In no event will fees charged by a Fund in connection with a redemption exceed 2% of the value
of each Creation Unit. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services.
To the extent a Fund cannot recoup the amount of Transaction Costs incurred in connection with a redemption from the redeeming
shareholder because of the 2% cap or otherwise, those Transaction Costs will be borne by the Fund’s remaining shareholders
and negatively affect the Fund’s performance.
Placement of Redemption Orders Using
Clearing Process
Orders to redeem Creation
Units of a Fund through the Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the
Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the Transmittal
Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii)
all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV
of the applicable Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund using the Clearing Process made in proper
form but received by the Fund after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following
the Transmittal Date. The requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered
in a “regular way” manner) and the applicable cash payment will be transferred by the third (3rd) Business Day following
the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside
Clearing Process—Domestic Funds
Orders to redeem Creation
Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement.
A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units of a Fund to be effected outside the Clearing Process
need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that
redemption of Creation Units of the Fund will instead be effected through transfer of Creation Units of the Fund directly through
DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units of a Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Administrator on the Transmittal
Date if (i) such order is received by the Administrator not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such
order is preceded or accompanied by the requisite number of Shares of Creation Units specified in such order, which delivery must
be made through DTC to the Administrator no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, on such Transmittal Date (the “DTC Cut-Off-Time”);
and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
After the Administrator
has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Administrator will initiate procedures to transfer
the requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities) which are expected to be delivered within three Business
Days and the cash redemption payment to the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date
on which such redemption order is deemed received by the Administrator. An additional variable redemption transaction fee of up
to four times the basic transaction fee is applicable to redemptions outside the Clearing Process.
Placement of Redemption Orders Outside
Clearing Process—Foreign Funds
Arrangements satisfactory
to the Trust must be in place for the Participating Party to transfer the Creation Units through DTC on or before the settlement
date. Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities
laws and a Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits or requires cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units
for cash to the extent that the Fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without
first registering the Deposit Securities under such laws.
In connection with taking
delivery of Shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of
a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody
providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities
will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate
arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other
such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the Trust may, in
its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its
redemption proceeds in cash.
Deliveries of redemption
proceeds generally will be made within three business days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries or for other reasons,
however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer than three business days after the day on which the redemption request
is received in proper form. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local
holiday periods.
The Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF generally intends to effect creation transactions of Creation Units on the Business Day after the trade date
(“T+1”) and settle redemption transactions of
cash on the fourth Business
Day following the trade date (“T+4”). The Fund may effect deliveries of Creation Units and redemption cash on a basis
other than T+1 or T+4, as the case may be, in order to accommodate local holiday schedules, to account for different treatment
among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates or under certain other circumstances. If in-kind
creations are permitted or required by the Fund, the ability of the Trust to effect in-kind creations and redemptions within T+1
and T+4, respectively, of receipt of an order in good form is subject to, among other things, the condition that, within the time
period from the date of the order to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are holidays in the applicable
foreign market. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable foreign market that are not holidays
observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle will be extended by the number of such intervening holidays.
In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering
securities within normal settlement period.
The holidays applicable
to the Foreign Funds are listed below. The proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as
“informal holidays” (e.g., days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially
shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices, could affect
the information set forth herein at some time in the future. The dates in calendar years 2014 and 2015 in which the regular holidays
affect the relevant securities markets are as follows (the following holiday schedule is subject to potential changes in the securities
market):
| |
| 2014 |
| AUSTRALIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 18 |
|
August 4 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
| January 27 |
|
April 21 |
|
October 6 |
|
|
|
|
| March 3 |
|
April 25 |
|
November 4 |
|
|
|
|
| March 10 |
|
June 9 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AUSTRIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
29 |
|
December
8 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| April
18 |
|
June
9 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
June
19 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BRAZIL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
18 |
|
July
9 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| March
3 |
|
April
21 |
|
October
20 |
|
|
|
|
| March
4 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| March
5 |
|
June
19 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CANADA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
July 1 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| February 17 |
|
August 4 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
September 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May 19 |
|
October 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CHILE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
16 |
|
October
31 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
September
18 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| May
21 |
|
September
19 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CHINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
February
6 |
|
May
7 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
| January
20 |
|
February
7 |
|
May
26 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
| January
30 |
|
February
17 |
|
July
4 |
|
October
13 |
|
|
| January
31 |
|
May
1 |
|
September
1 |
|
November
11 |
|
|
| February
3 |
|
May
2 |
|
October
1 |
|
November
27 |
|
|
| February
4 |
|
May
5 |
|
October
2 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| February
5 |
|
May
6 |
|
October
3 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| COLOMBIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 18 |
|
June 30 |
|
November 3 |
|
|
| January 6 |
|
May 1 |
|
August 7 |
|
November 17 |
|
|
| March 24 |
|
June 2 |
|
August 18 |
|
December 8 |
|
|
| April 17 |
|
June 23 |
|
October 13 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CZECH REPUBLIC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
8 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
October
28 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
November
17 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DENMARK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
16 |
|
June
9 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| April
17 |
|
May
29 |
|
June
30 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| April
18 |
|
May
30 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
June
5 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| EGYPT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
21 |
|
July
28 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
| January
7 |
|
May
1 |
|
July
29 |
|
|
|
|
| January
13 |
|
July
1 |
|
July
30 |
|
|
|
|
| April
20 |
|
July
23 |
|
October
5 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
Egyptian market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FINLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 21 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| January 6 |
|
May 1 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
|
| April 17 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FRANCE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
8 |
|
November
11 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
May
29 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
July
14 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
|
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| |
|
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|
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|
|
| GERMANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
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|
|
| April
21 |
|
December
26 |
|
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|
| May
1 |
|
December
31 |
|
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| |
|
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|
|
| GREECE |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
18 |
|
August
15 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
April
21 |
|
October
28 |
|
|
|
|
| March
3 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| March
25 |
|
June
9 |
|
December
26 |
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| |
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|
| HONG KONG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 21 |
|
July 1 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
| January 30 |
|
May 1 |
|
September 9 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
| January 31 |
|
May 6 |
|
October 1 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
| April 18 |
|
June 2 |
|
October 2 |
|
December 31 |
|
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| |
|
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|
|
| HUNGARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
9 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
August
20 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
23 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| May
2 |
|
October
24 |
|
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| |
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|
| INDIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 14 |
|
April 1 |
|
May 14 |
|
October 2 |
|
November 4 |
| February 19 |
|
April 8 |
|
July 29 |
|
October 3 |
|
November 6 |
| February 27 |
|
April 14 |
|
August 15 |
|
October 6 |
|
December 25 |
| March 17 |
|
April 18 |
|
August 18 |
|
October 23 |
|
|
| March 31 |
|
May 1 |
|
August 29 |
|
October 24 |
|
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| |
|
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|
| INDONESIA |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 18 |
|
May 29 |
|
July 31 |
|
December 31 |
| January 14 |
|
May 1 |
|
July 28 |
|
August 1 |
|
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| |
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| |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 31 |
|
May 15 |
|
July 29 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
| March 31 |
|
May 27 |
|
July 30 |
|
December 26 |
|
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| |
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|
| ISRAEL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| March
16 |
|
April
21 |
|
June
4 |
|
October
8 |
|
|
| April
14 |
|
May
5 |
|
August
5 |
|
October
9 |
|
|
| April
15 |
|
May
6 |
|
September
24 |
|
October
15 |
|
|
| April
20 |
|
June
3 |
|
September
25 |
|
October
16 |
|
|
| *The
Israeli market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| ITALY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 1 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
| January 6 |
|
June 2 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
August 15 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| April 25 |
|
December 8 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| JAPAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
February 11 |
|
May 6 |
|
October 13 |
|
December 31 |
| January 2 |
|
March 21 |
|
July 21 |
|
November 3 |
|
|
| January 3 |
|
April 29 |
|
September 15 |
|
November 24 |
|
|
| January 13 |
|
May 5 |
|
September 23 |
|
December 23 |
|
|
| |
|
|
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|
|
| KENYA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
June 1 |
|
December 12 |
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
July 28 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| April 21 |
|
October 4 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| May 1 |
|
October 27 |
|
|
|
|
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| |
|
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|
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|
|
| KUWAIT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
2 |
|
February
27 |
|
July
30 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
| January
16 |
|
May
29 |
|
July
31 |
|
October
23 |
|
|
| February
25 |
|
July
28 |
|
October
5 |
|
|
|
|
| February
26 |
|
July
29 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
Kuwaiti market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| MALAYSIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
February
3 |
|
June
7 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
| January
14 |
|
May
1 |
|
July
28 |
|
October
22 |
|
|
| January
30 |
|
May
13 |
|
July
29 |
|
October
23 |
|
|
| January
31 |
|
May
15 |
|
July
30 |
|
October
25 |
|
|
| February
1 |
|
May
30 |
|
September
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MEXICO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
March
21 |
|
September
16 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| February
3 |
|
April
17 |
|
November
17 |
|
|
|
|
| February
5 |
|
April
18 |
|
November
20 |
|
|
|
|
| March
17 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
12 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MOROCCO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
30 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| January
13 |
|
August
14 |
|
November
6 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
August
20 |
|
November
18 |
|
|
|
|
| July
29 |
|
August
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NETHERLANDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
30 |
|
June
9 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
May
29 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NIGERIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
October
1 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| January
13 |
|
May
29 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
July
28 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
July
29 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
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|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NORWAY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
21 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
16 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
17 |
|
May
29 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
June
9 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| OMAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
28 |
|
November
22 |
|
|
|
|
| January
13 |
|
October
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
27 |
|
October
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| July
23 |
|
November
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| *The
Omani market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PERU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
28 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
17 |
|
July
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
October
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PHILIPPINES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
18 |
|
August
25 |
|
December
30 |
|
|
| January
31 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| April
9 |
|
June
12 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
17 |
|
August
21 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| POLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
June
19 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
November
11 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PORTUGAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
25 |
|
June
19 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
| March
4 |
|
May
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| April
18 |
|
June
10 |
|
December
1 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| April
21 |
|
June
13 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| QATAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| July
28 |
|
July
31 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| July
29 |
|
September
3 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
|
|
| July
30 |
|
October
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| *The
Qatari market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| RUSSIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
January 6 |
|
April 30 |
|
June 11 |
|
December 31 |
| January 2 |
|
January 7 |
|
May 1 |
|
June 12 |
|
|
| January 3 |
|
January 8 |
|
May 2 |
|
June 13 |
|
|
| January 4 |
|
March 7 |
|
May 8 |
|
November 3 |
|
|
| January 5 |
|
March 10 |
|
May 9 |
|
November 4 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SOUTH AFRICA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
28 |
|
December
16 |
|
|
|
|
| March
21 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
June
16 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
September
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SOUTH KOREA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
March
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
October
3 |
|
|
| January
30 |
|
May
5 |
|
September
7 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
| January
31 |
|
May
6 |
|
September
8 |
|
|
|
|
| February
1 |
|
June
6 |
|
September
9 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SPAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
21 |
|
July
25 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| April
17 |
|
May
2 |
|
September
9 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
May
15 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SWEDEN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
29 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
18 |
|
June
6 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
|
|
| April
21 |
|
June
20 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SWITZERLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 1 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| January 2 |
|
May 29 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| January 6 |
|
June 9 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
August 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 21 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TAIWAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
February 28 |
|
September 8 |
|
|
|
|
| January 30 |
|
April 5 |
|
October 10 |
|
|
|
|
| January 31 |
|
May 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February 3 |
|
June 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TURKEY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
28 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| April
23 |
|
July
29 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
July
30 |
|
October
28 |
|
|
|
|
| May
19 |
|
October
3 |
|
October
29 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| UNITED
ARAB EMIRATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
29 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| January
13 |
|
August
6 |
|
October
25 |
|
|
|
|
| May
26 |
|
October
4 |
|
December
2 |
|
|
|
|
| July
28 |
|
October
5 |
|
December
3 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
United Arab Emirates is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| UNITED KINGDOM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 5 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| April 18 |
|
May 26 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| April 21 |
|
August 25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| VIETNAM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
February
4 |
|
May
1 |
|
|
|
|
| January
30 |
|
February
5 |
|
September
2 |
|
|
|
|
| January
31 |
|
April
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February
3 |
|
April
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2015 |
| AUSTRALIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 18 |
|
May 19 |
|
August 13 |
|
December 25 |
| January 27 |
|
April 21 |
|
June 2 |
|
September 29 |
|
December 26 |
| March 3 |
|
April 25 |
|
June 9 |
|
October 6 |
|
|
| March 10 |
|
May 5 |
|
August 4 |
|
November 4 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AUSTRIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
14 |
|
October
26 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
25 |
|
November
1 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| April
6 |
|
June
4 |
|
December
8 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BRAZIL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
3 |
|
June
4 |
|
November
15 |
|
|
| February
16 |
|
April
5 |
|
September
7 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
| February
17 |
|
April
21 |
|
October
12 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| February
18 |
|
May
1 |
|
November
2 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CANADA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
March 16 |
|
June 21 |
|
August 3 |
|
December 26 |
| January 2 |
|
April 3 |
|
June 22 |
|
September 7 |
|
|
| February 9 |
|
April 6 |
|
June 24 |
|
October 12 |
|
|
| February 16 |
|
April 20 |
|
July 1 |
|
November 11 |
|
|
| February 27 |
|
May 18 |
|
July 9 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CHILE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
29 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
July
16 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
September
18 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| May
21 |
|
October
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CHINA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
February
23 |
|
September
27 |
|
October
7 |
|
|
| January
2 |
|
February
24 |
|
October
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| February
18 |
|
April
6 |
|
October
2 |
|
|
|
|
| February
19 |
|
May
1 |
|
October
5 |
|
|
|
|
| February
20 |
|
June
20 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| COLOMBIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 3 |
|
June 15 |
|
August 17 |
|
December 8 |
| January 12 |
|
May 1 |
|
June 29 |
|
October 12 |
|
December 25 |
| March 23 |
|
May 18 |
|
July 20 |
|
November 2 |
|
December 31 |
| April 2 |
|
June 8 |
|
August 7 |
|
November 16 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CZECH REPUBLIC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
6 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
September
28 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
8 |
|
November
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DENMARK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
December
26 |
|
|
| April
2 |
|
May
14 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
25 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
June
5 |
|
|
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|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
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|
|
| EGYPT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
1 |
|
September
25 |
|
|
|
|
| January
7 |
|
July
20 |
|
October
6 |
|
|
|
|
| April
13 |
|
July
23 |
|
October
15 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
September
24 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
Egyptian market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FINLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 1 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| January 6 |
|
May 14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
June 19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 6 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FRANCE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
8 |
|
November
11 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
14 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
May
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
July
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| GERMANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
June
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| GREECE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
3 |
|
June
1 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
April
6 |
|
October
28 |
|
|
|
|
| February
23 |
|
April
13 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| March
25 |
|
May
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HONG KONG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 6 |
|
September 28 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
| February 19 |
|
May 1 |
|
October 1 |
|
|
|
|
| February 20 |
|
May 25 |
|
October 21 |
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
July 1 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HUNGARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
25 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
August
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| INDIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 2 |
|
July 17 |
|
October 15 |
|
December 25 |
| January 26 |
|
April 3 |
|
August 15 |
|
October 22 |
|
|
| February 17 |
|
May 1 |
|
September 17 |
|
November 11 |
|
|
| March 6 |
|
May 25 |
|
October 2 |
|
November 25 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| INDONESIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 14 |
|
October 15 |
|
|
|
|
| February 19 |
|
May 15 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
August 17 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| May 1 |
|
September 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ISRAEL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| March
5 |
|
April
23 |
|
September
23 |
|
|
|
|
| April
10 |
|
May
7 |
|
September
28 |
|
|
|
|
| April
15 |
|
September
14 |
|
October
5 |
|
|
|
|
| April
22 |
|
September
15 |
|
December
7 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
Israeli market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| ITALY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 1 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| January 6 |
|
June 2 |
|
December 31 |
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
June 29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 6 |
|
December 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| JAPAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 29 |
|
July 20 |
|
October 12 |
|
December 31 |
| January 2 |
|
May 4 |
|
September 21 |
|
November 3 |
|
|
| January 12 |
|
May 5 |
|
September 22 |
|
November 23 |
|
|
| February 11 |
|
May 6 |
|
September 23 |
|
December 23 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| KENYA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
June 1 |
|
December 12 |
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
July 18 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
|
|
| April 6 |
|
September 23 |
|
December 26 |
|
|
|
|
| May 1 |
|
October 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| KUWAIT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
17 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| February
25 |
|
September
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February
26 |
|
October
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| *The
Kuwaiti market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| MALAYSIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
1 |
|
October
13 |
|
|
|
|
| January
3 |
|
June
6 |
|
November
11 |
|
|
|
|
| February
1 |
|
July
18 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| February
19 |
|
August
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
September
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MEXICO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
March
16 |
|
May
5 |
|
November
20 |
|
|
| January
6 |
|
April
2 |
|
September
16 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| February
2 |
|
April
3 |
|
November
2 |
|
|
|
|
| February
5 |
|
May
1 |
|
November
16 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MOROCCO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
August
21 |
|
November
18 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
13 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| August
14 |
|
August
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| August
20 |
|
November
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NETHERLANDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
27 |
|
May
14 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
April
30 |
|
May
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
May
5 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NIGERIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
October
1 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| March
20 |
|
May
29 |
|
November
23 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
June
12 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
September
24 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NORWAY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
2 |
|
May
14 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| OMAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
3 |
|
September
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
16 |
|
October
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| July
18 |
|
November
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| *The
Omani market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PERU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
29 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
2 |
|
July
28 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
October
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PHILIPPINES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
3 |
|
August
21 |
|
November
30 |
|
December
31 |
| February
19 |
|
April
9 |
|
August
31 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
| February
25 |
|
May
1 |
|
September
24 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| April
2 |
|
June
12 |
|
November
2 |
|
December
30 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| POLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
June
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
November
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PORTUGAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
June
1 |
|
December
1 |
|
|
|
|
| February
17 |
|
June
4 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
June
10 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
5 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| QATAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February
10 |
|
September
21 |
|
December
18 |
|
|
|
|
| July
20 |
|
September
22 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| July
21 |
|
September
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| July
22 |
|
October
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| *The
Qatari market is closed every Friday. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| RUSSIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
January
7 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
30 |
|
|
| January
2 |
|
January
8 |
|
May
11 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| January
5 |
|
February
23 |
|
June
12 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
March
9 |
|
November
4 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SOUTH AFRICA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
16 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
June
16 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
6 |
|
August
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April
27 |
|
September
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SOUTH KOREA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
May
5 |
|
October
3 |
|
|
|
|
| February
19 |
|
May
25 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| March
1 |
|
August
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
September
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SPAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
3 |
|
May
25 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
| January
6 |
|
April
6 |
|
June
4 |
|
|
|
|
| March
19 |
|
May
1 |
|
October
12 |
|
|
|
|
| April
2 |
|
May
14 |
|
December
8 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SWEDEN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
April
6 |
|
June
19 |
|
December
31 |
|
|
| January
5 |
|
April
30 |
|
October
30 |
|
|
|
|
| January
6 |
|
May
1 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| April
3 |
|
May
14 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SWITZERLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
May 25 |
|
|
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|
|
| January 2 |
|
August 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 3 |
|
December 24 |
|
|
|
|
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|
| April 6 |
|
December 25 |
|
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|
| May 14 |
|
December 26 |
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| |
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| TAIWAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
February 28 |
|
September 27 |
|
|
|
|
| February 19 |
|
April 5 |
|
October 10 |
|
|
|
|
| February 20 |
|
May 1 |
|
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|
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|
|
| February 23 |
|
June 20 |
|
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| |
|
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|
| TURKEY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
July
20 |
|
September
25 |
|
|
|
|
| April
23 |
|
September
23 |
|
October
29 |
|
|
|
|
| May
1 |
|
October
3 |
|
October
29 |
|
|
|
|
| May
19 |
|
September
24 |
|
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| |
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|
| UNITED
ARAB EMIRATES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
September
24 |
|
December
2 |
|
|
|
|
| May
15 |
|
September
25 |
|
December
3 |
|
|
|
|
| July
20 |
|
October
15 |
|
December
24 |
|
|
|
|
| *The
United Arab Emirates is closed every Friday. |
|
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| |
|
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|
|
| UNITED KINGDOM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January 1 |
|
April 3 |
|
May 25 |
|
December 25 |
|
|
| January 2 |
|
April 6 |
|
August 3 |
|
December 28 |
|
|
| January 6 |
|
May 4 |
|
August 31 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
| VIETNAM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| January
1 |
|
February
23 |
|
May
1 |
|
|
|
|
| February
18 |
|
February
24 |
|
September
2 |
|
|
|
|
| February
19 |
|
April
28 |
|
December
25 |
|
|
|
|
| February
20 |
|
April
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
The longest redemption
cycle for Foreign Funds is a function of the longest redemption cycle among the countries whose securities comprise the Funds.
In the calendar years 2014 and 2015, the dates of regular holidays affecting the following securities markets present the worst-case
(longest) redemption cycle* for Foreign Funds as follows:
SETTLEMENT PERIODS GREATER THAN
SEVEN DAYS FOR YEAR 2014
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Beginning of
Settlement
Period |
|
End of Settlement
Period |
|
Number of Days
in
Settlement Period |
| Austria |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| China |
|
01/27/14 |
|
02/10/14 |
|
14 |
| |
|
01/28/14 |
|
02/11/14 |
|
14 |
| |
|
01/29/14 |
|
02/12/14 |
|
14 |
| |
|
04/28/14 |
|
05/08/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
04/29/14 |
|
05/09/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
04/30/14 |
|
05/12/14 |
|
12 |
| |
|
09/26/14 |
|
10/08/14 |
|
12 |
| |
|
09/29/14 |
|
10/09/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/30/14 |
|
10/10/14 |
|
10 |
| Czech Republic |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| Denmark |
|
4/14/2014 |
|
4/23/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/15/2014 |
|
4/24/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/16/2014 |
|
4/25/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| Egypt |
|
12/31/2013 |
|
1/8/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
1/6/2014 |
|
1/14/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/14/2014 |
|
4/22/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/15/2014 |
|
4/23/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/16/2014 |
|
4/24/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/17/2014 |
|
4/27/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
7/21/2014 |
|
7/31/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
7/22/2014 |
|
8/3/2014 |
|
12 |
| |
|
7/24/2014 |
|
8/4/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
9/29/2014 |
|
10/7/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/30/2014 |
|
10/8/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
10/1/2014 |
|
10/9/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
10/2/2014 |
|
10/12/2014 |
|
10 |
| Finland |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| Hungary |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
12/31/2014 |
|
8 |
| Indonesia |
|
7/23/2014 |
|
8/4/2014 |
|
12 |
| |
|
7/24/2014 |
|
8/5/2014 |
|
12 |
| |
|
7/25/2014 |
|
8/6/2014 |
|
12 |
| |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
11 |
| Italy |
|
12/19/14 |
|
12/29/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/14 |
|
12/30/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/14 |
|
01/02/15 |
|
10 |
| Japan |
|
12/26/14 |
|
01/05/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/29/14 |
|
01/06/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/30/14 |
|
01/07/15 |
|
8 |
| Malaysia |
|
01/27/14 |
|
02/04/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
01/28/14 |
|
02/05/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
01/29/14 |
|
02/06/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
07/23/14 |
|
07/31/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
07/24/14 |
|
08/01/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
07/25/14 |
|
08/04/14 |
|
10 |
| Norway |
|
4/14/2014 |
|
4/22/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/15/2014 |
|
4/23/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/16/2014 |
|
4/24/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| Philippines |
|
12/19/2014 |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| Qatar |
|
7/23/2014 |
|
8/3/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
7/24/2014 |
|
8/4/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
7/27/2014 |
|
8/5/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
9/30/2014 |
|
10/8/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
10/1/2014 |
|
10/9/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
10/2/2014 |
|
10/12/2014 |
|
10 |
| Russia |
|
12/27/2014 |
|
1/9/2014 |
|
13 |
| |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
1/10/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
12/31/2014 |
|
1/13/2014 |
|
13 |
| South Africa |
|
12/23/13 |
|
01/02/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/24/13 |
|
01/03/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/27/13 |
|
01/06/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/30/13 |
|
01/07/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/31/13 |
|
01/08/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
03/14/14 |
|
03/24/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
03/17/14 |
|
03/25/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
03/18/14 |
|
03/26/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
03/19/14 |
|
03/27/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
03/20/14 |
|
03/28/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
04/11/14 |
|
04/22/14 |
|
9 |
| |
|
04/14/14 |
|
04/23/14 |
|
9 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
04/15/14
|
|
04/24/14
|
|
9 |
| |
|
04/16/14 |
|
04/25/14 |
|
9 |
| |
|
04/17/14 |
|
04/29/14 |
|
12 |
| |
|
04/22/14 |
|
04/30/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
04/23/14 |
|
05/02/14 |
|
9 |
| |
|
04/24/14 |
|
05/05/14 |
|
11 |
| |
|
04/25/14 |
|
05/06/14 |
|
11 |
| |
|
04/29/14 |
|
05/07/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
04/30/14 |
|
05/08/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
06/09/14 |
|
06/17/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
06/10/14 |
|
06/18/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
06/11/14 |
|
06/19/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
06/12/14 |
|
06/20/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
06/13/14 |
|
06/23/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/17/14 |
|
09/25/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
09/18/14 |
|
09/26/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
09/19/14 |
|
09/29/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/22/14 |
|
09/30/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
09/23/14 |
|
10/01/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/09/14 |
|
12/17/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/10/14 |
|
12/18/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/11/14 |
|
12/19/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/12/14 |
|
12/22/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/15/14 |
|
12/23/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/18/14 |
|
12/29/14 |
|
11 |
| |
|
12/19/14 |
|
12/30/14 |
|
11 |
| |
|
12/22/14 |
|
12/31/14 |
|
9 |
| |
|
12/23/14 |
|
01/02/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/14/14 |
|
01/05/15 |
|
12 |
| |
|
12/29/14 |
|
01/06/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/30/14 |
|
01/07/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/31/14 |
|
01/08/15 |
|
8 |
| Spain |
|
4/14/2014 |
|
4/22/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/15/2014 |
|
4/23/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/16/2014 |
|
4/24/2014 |
|
8 |
| Sweden |
|
12/23/13 |
|
01/02/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/19/14 |
|
12/29/14 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/22/14 |
|
12/30/14 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/14 |
|
01/02/15 |
|
10 |
| United Arab Emirates |
|
7/22/2014 |
|
7/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
7/23/2014 |
|
7/31/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
7/24/2014 |
|
8/1/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
11/26/2014 |
|
12/4/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
11/27/2014 |
|
12/8/2014 |
|
11 |
| |
|
4/29/2014 |
|
5/7/2014 |
|
8 |
| Vietnam |
|
7/22/2014 |
|
7/30/2014 |
|
8 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SETTLEMENT
PERIODS GREATER THAN
SEVEN DAYS FOR YEAR 2015
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Beginning of Settlement
Period |
|
End of Settlement
Period |
|
Number of Days in
Settlement Period |
| China |
|
02/13/15 |
|
02/25/15 |
|
12 |
| |
|
02/16/15 |
|
02/26/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
02/17/15 |
|
02/27/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/28/15 |
|
10/08/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/29/15 |
|
10/09/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/30/15 |
|
10/12/15 |
|
12 |
| Denmark |
|
3/30/2015 |
|
4/7/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
3/31/2015 |
|
4/8/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/1/2015 |
|
4/9/2015 |
|
8 |
| Japan |
|
12/26/14 |
|
01/05/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/29/14 |
|
01/06/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/30/14 |
|
01/07/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
04/28/15 |
|
05/07/15 |
|
9 |
| |
|
04/30/15 |
|
05/08/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
05/01/15 |
|
05/11/15 |
|
10 |
| |
|
09/16/15 |
|
09/24/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
09/17/15 |
|
09/25/15 |
|
8 |
| |
|
09/18/15 |
|
09/28/15 |
|
11 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Norway |
|
3/30/2015 |
|
4/7/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
3/31/2015 |
|
4/8/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/1/2015 |
|
4/9/2015 |
|
8 |
| Philippines |
|
12/22/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
11 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/4/2015 |
|
12 |
| |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/5/2015 |
|
13 |
| |
|
12/28/2014 |
|
1/5/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
1/6/2015 |
|
8 |
| Qatar |
|
7/15/2015 |
|
7/23/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
7/16/2015 |
|
7/26/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
7/19/2015 |
|
7/27/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/16/2015 |
|
9/24/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/17/2015 |
|
9/27/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
9/20/2015 |
|
9/28/2015 |
|
8 |
| Russia |
|
12/24/2014 |
|
1/9/2015 |
|
16 |
| |
|
12/26/2014 |
|
1/12/2015 |
|
17 |
| |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
1/13/2015 |
|
15 |
| |
|
12/24/2015 |
|
1/11/2016 |
|
18 |
| |
|
12/28/2015 |
|
1/15/2016 |
|
15 |
| |
|
12/29/2015 |
|
1/18/2015 |
|
18 |
| South Africa |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/2/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/24/2014 |
|
1/5/2015 |
|
12 |
| |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
1/6/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
1/7/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/31/2014 |
|
1/8/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
3/27/2015 |
|
4/7/2015 |
|
11 |
| |
|
3/30/2015 |
|
4/8/2015 |
|
9 |
| |
|
3/31/2015 |
|
4/9/2015 |
|
9 |
| |
|
4/1/2015 |
|
4/10/2015 |
|
9 |
| |
|
4/2/2015 |
|
4/13/2015 |
|
11 |
| |
|
4/20/2015 |
|
4/28/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/21/2015 |
|
4/29/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/22/2015 |
|
4/30/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/23/2015 |
|
5/1/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/23/2015 |
|
5/4/2015 |
|
11 |
| |
|
4/24/2015 |
|
5/5/2015 |
|
11 |
| |
|
4/28/2015 |
|
5/6/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/29/2015 |
|
5/7/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/30/2015 |
|
5/8/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
6/9/2015 |
|
6/17/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
6/10/2015 |
|
6/18/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
6/11/2015 |
|
6/19/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
6/12/2015 |
|
6/22/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
6/15/2015 |
|
6/23/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
8/3/2015 |
|
8/11/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
8/4/2015 |
|
8/12/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
8/5/2015 |
|
8/13/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
8/6/2015 |
|
8/14/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
8/7/2015 |
|
8/17/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
9/17/2015 |
|
9/25/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/18/2015 |
|
9/28/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
9/21/2015 |
|
9/29/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/22/2015 |
|
9/30/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
9/23/2015 |
|
10/1/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/9/2015 |
|
12/17/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/10/2015 |
|
12/18/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/11/2015 |
|
12/21/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/14/2015 |
|
12/22/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/15/2015 |
|
12/23/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/18/2015 |
|
12/28/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
12/21/2015 |
|
12/29/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/22/2015 |
|
12/30/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/23/2015 |
|
12/31/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/24/2015 |
|
1/4/2016 |
|
11 |
| |
|
12/28/2015 |
|
1/5/2016 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/29/2015 |
|
1/6/2016 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/30/2015 |
|
1/7/2016 |
|
8 |
| |
|
12/31/2015 |
|
1/8/2016 |
|
8 |
| Spain |
|
3/30/2015 |
|
4/7/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
3/31/2015 |
|
4/8/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
4/1/2015 |
|
4/9/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Switzerland |
|
12/23/2014 |
|
1/5/2015 |
|
13 |
| |
|
12/29/2014 |
|
1/7/2015 |
|
9 |
| |
|
12/30/2014 |
|
1/8/2015 |
|
9 |
| |
|
12/30/2015 |
|
1/7/2016 |
|
8 |
| Vietnam |
|
2/13/2015 |
|
2/25/2015 |
|
12 |
| |
|
2/16/2015 |
|
2/26/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
2/17/2015 |
|
2/27/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
4/24/2015 |
|
5/4/2015 |
|
10 |
| |
|
4/27/2015 |
|
5/5/2015 |
|
8 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * | These worst-case redemption cycles are based on information regarding regular holidays, which may
be out of date. Based on changes in holidays, longer (worse) redemption cycles are possible. |
The right of redemption
may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (1) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of a Fund or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable;
or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Shareholder Information—Determination
of NAV.”
The NAV per Share for
each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities)
by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account
for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00
p.m., Eastern time) on the NYSE. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into
U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The values of each
Fund’s portfolio securities are based on the securities’ closing prices on their local principal markets, where available.
Due to the time differences between the United States and certain countries in which a Fund invests, securities on these exchanges
may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a last reported sales price, or if no sales were reported,
and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation
reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Prices obtained by an outside independent
pricing service may use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to
investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations
in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. If a market quotation for a security is not readily
available or the Adviser believes it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security at the time a Fund
calculates its NAV, the security will be fair valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and
procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may also use fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including
but not limited to, situations where the value of a security in a Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events
occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that
may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. In addition, each Fund that
holds foreign equity securities currently expects that it will fair value certain of the foreign equity securities held by the
Fund each day the Fund calculates its NAV, except those securities principally traded on exchanges that close at the same time
the Fund calculates its NAV. Accordingly, a Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather
than their market prices at the time the exchanges on which they principally trade close. Fair value pricing involves subjective
judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be
realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to
calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Fund’s respective Index. This may adversely affect a Fund’s
ability to track its respective Index. With respect to securities traded in foreign markets, the value of a Fund’s portfolio
securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following information
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Shareholder Information—Distributions.”
General Policies
Dividends from net
investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually by each Fund. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if
any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for each Fund to
improve its Index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, in all events in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In addition, the Trust may distribute at least annually amounts representing the
full dividend yield on the underlying portfolio securities of the Funds, net of expenses of the Funds, as if each Fund owned such
underlying portfolio securities for the entire dividend period in which case some portion of each distribution may result in a
return of capital for tax purposes for certain shareholders.
Dividends and other
distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend
payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received
from the Trust. The Trust makes additional distributions to the minimum extent necessary (i) to distribute the entire annual taxable
income of the Trust, plus any net capital gains and (ii) to avoid imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4982 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action
is necessary or advisable to preserve the status of each Fund as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) or to avoid
imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income.
DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT SERVICE
No reinvestment service
is provided by the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial
Owners of the Funds through DTC Participants for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. If this service is used, dividend
distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole Shares of the Funds. Beneficial
Owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein.
Brokers may require Beneficial Owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables.
CONTROL
PERSONS and principal shareholders
The following table
sets forth the name, address and percentage of ownership of each shareholder who is known by the Trust to own, of record or beneficially,
5% or more of the outstanding equity securities of each Fund as of March 31, 2014:
| Market Vectors Africa Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
12.75% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
12.10% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
10.07% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
8.78% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
8.01% |
| Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 |
47.50% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
7.67% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
5.90% |
The Northern Trust Company/United Nation
801 S Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60607 |
5.29% |
| Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
12.88% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
12.55% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
9.08% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
7.91% |
| Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Goldman Sachs International
Proxy Department, 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
20.83% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
15.09% |
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc.
525 Washington Blvd, 9th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310 |
8.36% |
Van Eck Associates Corporation
335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10017 |
8.33% |
J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp.
3 Chase Metrotech Center, Proxy Dept./NY1-H034, Brooklyn NY 11245-0001 |
7.36% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
7.14% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
6.78% |
| Market Vectors Coal ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
12.33% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
12.32% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
6.30% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
6.18% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
6.00% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.17% |
| Market Vectors Colombia ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp.
101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
20.55% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
10.89% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
9.61% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
9.22% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
8.59% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
6.24% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
6.09% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
5.11% |
| Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class of
Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
22.37% |
First Clearing LLC
Riverfront Plaza 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
11.73% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
9.58% |
E*Trade Clearing LLC
34 Exchange Place Plaza II Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.85% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
5.63% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.26% |
| Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class of
Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
26.11% |
J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp.
3 Chase Metrotech Center, Proxy Dept./NY1-H034, Brooklyn NY 11245-0001 |
18.87% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
6.70% |
KCG Americas LLC
545 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 |
6.26% |
| Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class of
Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
13.34% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
11.82% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
9.76% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
7.27% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
6.48% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
6.33% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
5.02% |
| Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class of
Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
10.80% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
9.51% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
6.90% |
Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp.
101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
5.94% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
5.50% |
| Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
17.63% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
10.17% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
8.32% |
Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, Proxy Department
30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
7.39% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
7.09% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
6.48% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
5.70% |
| Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
21.39% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
10.69% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
10.18% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
7.49% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
6.00% |
BNP Paribas, New York Branch
919 3rd Ave, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 |
5.45% |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
15.22% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
11.69% |
Northern Trust Company/United Nation
801 S Canal C-IN, Chicago IL 60607 |
8.97% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
8.29% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
7.90% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
5.27% |
| Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
23.26% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
9.08% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
8.36% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
8.06% |
Interactive Brokers Retail Equity CL
8 Greenwich Office Part, Greenwich CT 06831 |
5.56% |
E*Trade Clearing LLC
34 Exchange Place Plaza II Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.10% |
| Market Vectors Israel ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Associate
14201 Dallas PKWY Floor 12, Dallas, TX 75254 |
33.52% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
18.33% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
8.13% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
7.55% |
Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp.
101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
5.11% |
| Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
8.83% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
8.51% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
7.83% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
5.31% |
Interactive Brokers Retail Equity CL
8 Greenwich Office Part, Greenwich CT 06831 |
5.14% |
| Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
14.49% |
Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp.
101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
13.10% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
13.04% |
J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp.
3 Chase Metrotech Center, Proxy Dept./NY1-H034, Brooklyn NY 11245-0001 |
8.54% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
6.71% |
E*Trade Clearing LLC
34 Exchange Place Plaza II Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.30% |
| Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
22.43% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
15.87% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
7.54% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
5.75% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
5.09% |
First Clearing LLC
Riverfront Plaza 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
5.04% |
| Market Vectors Oil Services ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
38.68% |
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Wall Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10286-0001 |
7.82% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
5.04% |
| Market Vectors Poland ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
25.45% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
11.56% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
8.08% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
6.83% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
5.12% |
| Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
23.75% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
9.21% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
7.09% |
| Market Vectors Russia ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
13.47% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
6.99% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
6.81% |
JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Associate
14201 Dallas PKWY Floor 12, Dallas, TX 75254 |
6.09% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
5.72% |
| Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
14.31% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
11.74% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
11.68% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
9.34% |
Vanguard Marketing Corp.
100 Vanguard Blvd Malvern PA 19355 |
5.39% |
| Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
18.66% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
12.78% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
12.26% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
6.68% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
6.29% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
5.24% |
| Market Vectors Steel ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
9.87% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
9.54% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
8.56% |
UBS Financial Service Inc.
1200 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken NJ 07086 |
7.78% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
6.28% |
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 |
5.50% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
5.34% |
| Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
12.21% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
12.00% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
11.39% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
10.93% |
Pershing LLC
One Pershing Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
8.03% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
7.25% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc
4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
7.04% |
| Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
14.19% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
10.55% |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
10.44% |
Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
World Financial Center, North Tower, New
York, NY 10080 |
6.32% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1 Harborside Financial Center, Plaza II, Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
6.08% |
| TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc – 4211 South 102nd Street, Omaha, NE 68127-1031 |
5.45% |
| Market Vectors Vietnam ETF |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Percentage of Class
of Fund Owned |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Milk Street, Boston, MA 02109 |
14.72% |
The Bank of New York Mellon/Mellon T
525 William Penn Place Suite 153-0400, Pittsburgh Patty Halsey 15259 |
8.40% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
7.71% |
National Financial Services LLC
200 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281 |
7.53% |
Citibank
3801 Citibank Center B/3RD Floor/Zone 12, Tampa, FL 33610 |
6.27% |
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 |
5.18% |
TAXES
The following information
also supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the each Fund’s Prospectus entitled “Shareholder
Information—Tax Information” and the section in this Statement of Additional Information entitled “Special Considerations
and Risks.” The following summary of certain relevant tax provisions is subject to change, and does not constitute legal
or tax advice.
Each Fund intends to
qualify for and to elect treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. As a RIC, each Fund will not be subject
to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders.
To qualify for treatment as a RIC, a company must annually distribute at least 90% of its net investment company taxable income
(which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains) and meet several other requirements relating to the nature
of its income and the diversification of its assets, among others. If a Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a RIC, all
of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates without any deduction for distributions to
shareholders, and such distributions generally will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s
current and accumulated earnings and profits. The Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF has made an election to cause the Subsidiary
to be treated as a disregarded entity or otherwise as a “pass-through” entity for U.S. federal tax purposes.
To the extent Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF invests directly in the A-share market, if the Fund does not receive approval from SAFE to repatriate
funds associated with such direct investment on a timely basis, it may be unable to meet the distribution requirements required
to qualify for the favorable tax treatment otherwise generally afforded to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue
Code. Additionally, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF will create a reserve account with respect to earnings on certain investments
in China that are not currently subject to withholding tax.
Each Fund will be subject
to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount
at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar
year, 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, and 100% of any undistributed
amounts from the prior years. Each Fund generally intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts
and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
As a result of U.S.
federal income tax requirements, the Trust on behalf of the Funds, has the right to reject an order for a creation of Shares if
the creator (or group of creators) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of a
Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds would have a basis in the Deposit Securities different
from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary
to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. See “Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units—Procedures for Creation of Creation Units.”
Dividends, interest
and gains received by a Fund from a non-U.S. investment may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries.
Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of a Fund’s
total assets at the end of its taxable year consist of foreign stock or securities, the Fund may elect to “pass through”
to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income,
as an additional dividend, even though not actually received, the investor’s pro rata share of the Fund’s foreign
income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S. taxable
income) or credit (in
calculating U.S. federal income), subject to certain holding period and other limitations, the investor’s
pro rata share of the Fund’s foreign income taxes. Even if Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF is qualified to make that
election and does so, however, this treatment will not apply with respect to amounts the Fund reserves in anticipation of the
imposition of withholding taxes not currently in effect (as discussed above). If these amounts are used to pay any tax liability
of Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF in a later year, they will be treated as paid by the stockholders in such later year, even
if they are imposed with respect to income of an earlier year. It is expected that more than 50% of each Fund’s assets except
Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF and Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas
ETF will consist of foreign securities that are foreign-listed companies and/or foreign-domiciled companies.
Each Fund will report
to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends received from ordinary income, the amount of distributions received from capital
gains and the portion of dividends, if any, which may qualify for the dividends received deduction. Certain ordinary dividends
paid to non-corporate shareholders may qualify for taxation at a lower tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains provided
holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund levels.
In general, a sale
of Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length
of time the Shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder’s Fund Shares is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes.
Fund Shares held for a period of one year or less at the time of such sale or redemption will, for tax purposes, generally result
in short-term capital gains or losses, and those held for more than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains
or losses. The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains available to a non-corporate shareholder generally is 15% or 20%, depending
on whether the shareholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts.
An additional 3.8%
Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received
from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts
to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted
gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.
Special tax rules may
change the normal treatment of gains and losses recognized by a Fund if the Fund makes certain investments such as investments
in structured notes, swaps, options, futures transactions and non-U.S. corporations classified as passive foreign investment companies
(“PFICs”). Those special tax rules can, among other things, affect the treatment of capital gain or loss as long-term
or short-term and may result in ordinary income or loss rather than capital gain or loss and may accelerate when the Fund has
to take these items into account for tax purposes. Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF’s investments in swaps and other
derivative instruments may generally be less tax-efficient than a direct investment in A-shares. Furthermore, Market Vectors ChinaAMC
A-Share ETF may be required to periodically adjust its positions in these swaps or derivatives to comply with certain regulatory
requirements which may further cause these investments to be less efficient than a direct investment in A-shares.
Certain Funds may make
investments, both directly and/or through swaps or other derivative positions, in PFICs. Investments in PFICs are subject to special
tax rules which may result in adverse tax consequences to a Fund and its shareholders. To the extent a Fund invests in PFICs,
it generally intends to elect to “mark to market” these investments at the end of each taxable year. By making this
election, the Fund will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares as of the close of the taxable year
over their adjusted basis and as ordinary loss any decrease in such investment (but only to the extent of prior income from such
investment under the mark to market rules). Gains realized with respect
to a disposition of a PFIC that a Fund
has elected to mark to market will be ordinary income. By making the mark to market election, a Fund may recognize income in excess
of the distributions that it receives from its investments. Accordingly, a Fund may need to borrow money or dispose of some of
its investments in order to meet its distribution requirements. If a Fund does not make the mark to market election with respect
to an investment in a PFIC, the Fund could become subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to certain distributions from,
and gain on the dispositions of, the PFIC which cannot be avoided by distributing such amounts to the Fund’s shareholders.
Gain or loss on the
sale or redemption of Fund Shares is measured by the difference between the amount of cash received (or the fair market value
of any property received) and the adjusted tax basis of the Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including
Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis of their Fund Shares. Legislation
passed by Congress requires reporting of adjusted cost basis information for covered securities, which generally include shares
of a regulated investment company acquired after January 1, 2012, to the Internal Revenue Service and to taxpayers. Shareholders
should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
A loss realized on
a sale or exchange of Shares of a Fund may be disallowed if other Fund Shares or substantially identical shares are acquired (whether
through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30) days before
and ending thirty (30) days after the date that the Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired will
be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Shares held for six (6) months or less will
be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by the shareholders. Distribution of
ordinary income and capital gains may also be subject to foreign, state and local taxes.
Each Fund may make
investments in which it recognizes income or gain prior to receiving cash with respect to such investment. For example, under
certain tax rules, a Fund may be required to accrue a portion of any discount at which certain securities are purchased as income
each year even though the Fund receives no payments in cash on the security during the year. To the extent that a Fund makes such
investments, it generally would be required to pay out such income or gain as a distribution in each year to avoid taxation at
the Fund level.
Distributions reinvested
in additional Fund Shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service (see “Dividend Reinvestment Service”)
will nevertheless be taxable dividends to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional Shares to the same extent as if such dividends
had been received in cash.
Some shareholders may
be subject to a withholding tax on distributions of ordinary income, capital gains and any cash received on redemption of Creation
Units (“backup withholding”). The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 28%. Generally, shareholders
subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification number is on file with a Fund or who,
to the Fund’s knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify under
penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding
is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld will be allowed as a credit against shareholders’ U.S. federal income tax
liabilities, and may entitle them to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal
Revenue Service.
Distributions of ordinary
income paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding
tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a
withholding exemption
is provided under applicable treaty law. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding such withholding.
For taxable years beginning
before January 1, 2014 (unless further extended by Congress), properly designated dividends received by a nonresident alien or
foreign entity are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax when they (i) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified
net interest income” (generally, the Fund’s U.S. source interest income, reduced by expenses that are allocable to
such income), or (ii) are paid in connection with the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally,
the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gain over the Fund’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year).
However, depending on the circumstances, the Fund may designate all, some or none of the Fund’s potentially eligible dividends
as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains, and a portion of the Fund’s distributions
(e.g. interest from non-U.S. sources or any foreign currency gains) would be ineligible for this potential exemption from
withholding. There can be no assurance as to whether or not legislation will be enacted to extend this exemption.
As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance
Act, (“FATCA”), the Funds may be required to impose a 30% withholding tax on certain types of U.S. sourced income (e.g.,
dividends, interest) paid effective July 1, 2014, and proceeds from the sale of property producing U.S. sourced income paid effective
January 1, 2017 to (i) foreign financial institutions (“FFI’s”), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless
they agree to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) information regarding their direct and indirect
U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities (“NFFE’s”), unless they certify certain information
regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid possible withholding, FFI’s will need to enter into agreements
with the IRS which state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses
and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures with respect
to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant
foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the IRS,
or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue authority, should an applicable intergovernmental
agreement be implemented. NFFE’s will need to provide the name, address, account numbers and balances and taxpayer identification
number of each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree
to provide certain information to the IRS.
While final FATCA rules have not been finalized,
the Funds may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform extensive due diligence reviews
to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. If the Funds are required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to
FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.
Non-U.S. shareholders
are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund,
including the possible applicability of the U.S. estate tax.
The foregoing discussion
is a summary only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares of the Trust should consult
their own tax advisers as to the tax consequences of investing in such Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws.
Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority
and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions
discussed above, and such changes often occur.
Reportable Transactions
Under promulgated Treasury
regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of a Fund’s Shares of $2 million or more in any one taxable
year (or $4 million or more over a period of six taxable years) for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more in any taxable
year (or $20 million or more over a period of six taxable years) for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the
IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting
requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC that engaged in a reportable transaction are not excepted. Future
guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. In addition, significant
penalties may be imposed for the failure to comply with the reporting requirements. The fact that a loss is reportable under these
regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Mauritius and India Tax Matters (Market
Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF Only)
Please note that the
tax implications in this section are based on the current provisions of the tax laws, and the regulations thereunder, and the
judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, which are subject to change or modification by subsequent legislative, regulatory,
administrative or judicial decisions. Any such changes could have different tax implications. The Market Vectors India Small-Cap
Index ETF and the Subsidiary, as the case may be, and the Adviser accept no responsibility for any loss suffered by a holder of
Shares as a result of current, or changes in, taxation law and practice.
Mauritius.
The Subsidiary is regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius (“FSC”) which has issued a Category
1 Global Business License (“GBL 1 License”) to the Subsidiary to conduct the business of “investment holding”
under the Financial Services Act 2007. The Subsidiary will annually apply for a tax residence certificate (“TRC”),
which is issued on an annual basis, to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (the “MRA”)
through the FSC. The MRA will issue a TRC to the Subsidiary if the Subsidiary provides an undertaking
to the MRA that it is and will be centrally managed and controlled in Mauritius. In order to satisfy the MRA that it is centrally
managed and controlled in Mauritius, the Subsidiary must:
| (a) | have at all times at least two (2) directors
of appropriate caliber and able to exercise independence of mind and
judgment, who are ordinarily resident in Mauritius; |
| (b) | maintain, at all times, its principal
bank account in Mauritius; |
| (c) | keep and maintain, at all times, its
accounting records in Mauritius; |
| (d) | prepare its statutory financial statements
and cause its financial statements to be audited in Mauritius; and |
| (e) | have at least two (2) directors from
Mauritius present in meetings of directors. |
In addition to the
above, the FSC has devised additional requirements when determining whether a company holding a GBL 1 License is “managed
and controlled” in Mauritius (this by way of amendments brought to section 3 of chapter 4 of the Guide to Global Business
(the ‘Guide’)). Holders of GBL 1 Licenses are expected to comply with the new “economic substance” requirement
by January 1, 2015, and the FSC shall consider whether a corporation meets at least one of the following criteria:
| (a) | the
corporation has or shall have office
premises in Mauritius; or |
| (b) | the corporation
employs or shall employ on a full time basis at the administrative/technical
level at least one person who shall be resident in Mauritius; or |
| (c) | the corporation’s
constitution contains a clause whereby all disputes arising out of the
constitution shall be resolved by way of arbitration in Mauritius; or |
| (d) | the corporation
holds or is expected to hold within the next twelve months, assets (excluding
cash held in bank account or shares/interests in another corporation
holding a GBL 1 License) which are worth at least United States Dollars
100,000 in Mauritius; or |
| (e) | the corporation’s
shares are listed on a securities exchange licensed by the FSC; or |
| (f) | the corporation
has or is expected to have a yearly expenditure in Mauritius which can
be reasonably expected from any similar corporation which is controlled
and managed from Mauritius. |
The Guide further provides
that a corporation shall be deemed to have satisfied the additional “economic substance” requirements where a related
corporation, that is a subsidiary, fellow subsidiary, a parent corporation or any other corporation within the same group structure,
holding a GBL 1 License satisfies one of the “economic substance” criteria.
Under the current provisions
of the Income Tax Act 1995 (“ITA 95”), a Mauritian company is taxed at the rate of 15% on its chargeable income. A
company holding a GBL 1 License is entitled to claim a tax credit on foreign source income at a rate which is the higher of:
| (a) | the actual foreign tax paid (including
if the Mauritius company holds more than 5% of the issued capital of
a company effecting a dividend distribution, a proportionate share of
the foreign tax paid by such company) on such income; or |
| (b) | a deemed foreign tax representing 80%
of the Mauritius tax on such income. |
Section 2 of ITA 95
defines the term “foreign source income” as income which is not derived from Mauritius. This includes, in the case
of a corporation holding a GBL 1 License, income derived from transactions with “non-residents.” The ITA 95 has an
extensive definition of “non-resident.” The Fund expects to derive foreign source income only. Therefore, it will
pay tax in Mauritius at an effective maximum rate of 3% on its taxable profits.
Under ITA 95, dividends
paid to shareholders that do not otherwise derive income from Mauritius are not subject to Mauritius income tax. Moreover, there
are no withholding taxes on dividends paid by a Mauritian resident company to its non-resident and resident shareholders. Distributions
paid to shareholders following a redemption of shares are not subject to Mauritius income tax provided that the shareholder does
not hold its shares in the course of trading activities. There is no Mauritius capital gains tax on the disposal of shares. Profits
made from the disposal of securities in the course of trading activities may be liable to income tax at the applicable rate. Under
ITA 95, interests paid by a corporation holding a GBL 1 License out of its foreign source income to non-residents that do not
carry on any business in Mauritius are not subject to Mauritius income tax.
India. The basis
of charge of Indian income tax depends upon the residential status of the taxpayer during a tax year, as well as the nature of
the income earned. The Indian tax year runs from April 1 until March 31. A person who is an Indian tax resident is subject to
taxation in India on worldwide income and subject to certain tax exemptions, which are afforded under the provisions of the India
Income Tax Act, 1961 (“ITA”). A person who is treated as a non-resident for Indian income tax purposes is generally
subject to tax in India only on such person’s Indian-sourced income. A company will be subject to taxation in India only
if it is a resident of India or being a non-resident, has an Indian source of income or has income received (whether accrued or
otherwise) in India.
The taxation of the
Subsidiary in India is governed by the provisions of the ITA, read with the provisions of the Treaty. As per Section 90(2) of
the ITA, the provisions of the ITA would apply to the extent they are more beneficial than the provisions of the Treaty. In order
to claim the beneficial provisions of the Treaty, the Subsidiary must be a tax resident of Mauritius. In light of Circular No.
789 dated April 13, 2000, issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the Subsidiary would be eligible for the benefits under
the Treaty if it is incorporated in Mauritius and has been issued a TRC by the MRA. Thus, the Subsidiary will seek a Mauritius
TRC. The Supreme Court of India has upheld the validity of
Circular 789 and accordingly, the Subsidiary
should be eligible for the benefits under the Treaty. However, the Supreme Court of India held that the existence of a tax residency
certificate does not prevent the tax authorities from examining special contracts, agreements or arrangements effected by Indian
residents or overseas companies if it is established that the Mauritius-based entity has been interposed as the owner of the shares
in India solely with a view to avoid tax without any commercial substance at the time of disposal of the shares to a third party.
Proposed legislation (“2013 Finance Bill”) proposes to amend the domestic India tax laws to provide that a valid tax
residency certificate “shall be a necessary but not a sufficient condition” to claim tax treaty benefits. While no
criterion has been prescribed in the 2013 Finance Bill to determine what constitutes a “sufficient condition,” statements
have been made by the Finance Minister that only persons having “beneficial ownership” of assets would be eligible
to claim tax treaty benefits.
The Subsidiary is expected
to have income in the form of gains on sale of capital assets, income from dividends and income from interest. The tax consequences
for the Subsidiary on account of the application of the Treaty, read with the provisions of the ITA, and provided the Subsidiary
does not have a permanent establishment in India would be as follows (all rates are exclusive of applicable surcharges and excess,
if any):
| (i) |
| Capital gains resulting from the
sale of Indian securities (including Foreign Currency Convertible
Bonds (“FCCBs”)) or Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)
or American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) issued by Indian
companies will not be subject to tax in India; |
| (ii) |
| Dividends on shares received from
an Indian company on which dividend distribution tax has been paid
is exempt from tax in the hands of the shareholders. However, the
Indian company distributing dividends is subject to a distribution
tax at the rate of 15% in the hands of the Subsidiary; |
| (iii) |
| Interest income from loans made
in Indian Rupees will be taxed at a rate of 42% on a net basis.
Interest income from loans made or debt securities held in India
will be taxed at the rate of 20%. However if such interest arises
out of FCCBs held by the Subsidiary then such interest shall be
taxed at the rate of 10%; |
In light of some recent
judicial precedents in India, the gains arising on disposal of shares or securities could be characterized by the tax authorities
as business income and not as capital gains. As per the provisions of the Treaty, if the gains arising on sale of shares or securities
are characterized as business income, the same would be taxable in India only if the Fund has a permanent establishment in India.
In the event that the
benefits of the Treaty are not available to the Subsidiary, or the Subsidiary is held to have a permanent establishment in India,
taxation of interest and dividend income of the Subsidiary would be the same as described above. The taxation of capital gains
would be as follows:
| (i) |
| Capital gains from the sale of listed
Indian securities held for twelve months or less will be taxed as
short-term capital gains at the rate of 15%, provided the Securities
Transaction Tax (“STT”) (as discussed below) has been
paid; |
| (ii) |
| Capital gains from the sale of listed
Indian securities held for more than twelve months will be exempt
from tax in India provided the STT has been paid; |
| (iii) |
| Capital gains from the sale of
listed Indian securities not executed on the stock exchange or
unlisted securities held for twelve months or less will be taxed
at the rate of 30% and those held for more than twelve months shall
be taxed at the rate of 10%; |
| (iv) |
| Capital gains arising from the transfer
of FCCBs, GDRs or ADRs outside India between nonresident investors,
will not be subject to tax in India; |
| (v) |
| Gains from the disposal of shares
acquired on redemption of GDRs or ADRs are treated as short-term
if such shares are held for less than or equal to12 months prior
to disposal and long term if such shares are held for more than 12
months prior to disposal. Short term gains will be taxed at the rate
of 15% provided STT (as discussed below) has been paid. Long term
gains will be exempt from tax if STT has been paid. |
Minimum Alternative Tax
In the event the benefits
of the Treaty are not available to the Subsidiary and the Subsidiary is held to have a permanent establishment in India, then
the Subsidiary may be subject to minimum alternative tax (“MAT”). As per the ITA, if the tax payable by a company
(including a foreign fund) is less than 18.5% of its book profits, it will be required to pay MAT which will be deemed to be 18.5%
of such book profits. Long-term capital gains on the sale of listed securities are included in the definition of “book profits”
for the purposes of calculating MAT.
Securities Transaction Tax
The exemption for long
term capital gains and the reduction of the rate on short term capital gains are applicable only if the sale or transfer of the
equity shares takes place on a recognized stock exchange in India and the Securities Transaction Tax (“STT”) is collected
by the respective stock exchanges at the applicable rates on the transaction value.
The Subsidiary will
also be liable to pay STT in respect of dealings in Indian securities purchased or sold on the Indian stock exchanges. The applicable
rates of STT are as follows:
| · | 0.125%
on the purchase of equity
shares in a company or
units of equity oriented
funds in a recognized
stock exchange in India. |
| · | 0.125%
on the sale of equity
shares in a company or
units of equity oriented
funds in a recognized
stock exchange in India. |
| · | 0.025%
on the sale of equity
shares in a company or
units of equity oriented
funds in a recognized
stock exchange in India
where the contract for
sale is settled otherwise
then by the actual delivery
or transfer of shares
or units. |
| · | 0.017%
on the sale of derivatives
in a recognized stock
exchange in India. |
| · | 0.25%
on the sale of units
of an equity oriented
fund to the Fund. |
PRC Taxation (Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF Only)
The Fund’s investments in A-shares
will be subject to a number of PRC tax rules and the application of many of those rules is at present uncertain. PRC taxes that
may apply to the Fund’s investments include withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned by the Fund, withholding
taxes on capital gains, business tax and stamp tax. Specific rules governing taxes on capital gains derived by RQFIIs and QFIIs
from the trading of PRC securities have yet to be announced. In the absence of specific rules, the tax treatment of the Fund’s
investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s RQFII quota should be
governed by the general PRC tax
provisions and provisions applicable to RQFIIs. Under these provisions, the Fund is generally subject to a tax of 10% on any
dividends, distributions and interest it receives from its investment in PRC securities. A nonresident enterprise is subject
to withholding tax at a rate of 10% on its capital gains. However, it is unclear if this tax will be applied to investments
by an RQFII or what the methodology for calculating or collecting the tax will be. Withholding taxes on dividends, interest
and capital gains may be taxed at a reduced rate under an applicable tax treaty, but the application of such treaties for an
RQFII acting on behalf of a foreign investor (i.e., the Sub-Adviser acting on behalf of the Fund) is also uncertain.
It is also unclear how China’s business tax may apply to activities of an RQFII such as the Sub-Adviser and how such
application may be affected by tax treaty provisions. The current PRC tax laws and regulations and interpretations thereof
may be revised or amended in the future, including with respect to the possible liability of the Fund for obligations of the
Sub-Adviser, and may be applied retroactively. Any revision or amendment in tax laws and regulations may adversely affect the
Fund. The Fund, as of the date of the Prospectus, reserves 10% of its realized and unrealized gains
from its A-share investments to apply towards withholding tax liability. This reserve may turn out to be excessive or
inadequate in light of the Fund’s actual tax liabilities. However, the Fund may discontinue reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized
and unrealized gains, except with respect to realized and unrealized gains from the Fund’s investments in A-shares of
“land-rich” enterprises, which are companies that have greater than 50% of their assets in land or real
properties in the PRC. In the event that the Fund discontinues reserving against the potential tax liability from these realized and unrealized gains, the Fund
anticipates releasing its reserve related to the capital gains back to the Fund, which will increase the Fund’s NAV and
may increase a shareholder's tax liability regardless of when the shareholder purchased his or her Shares. If the PRC begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of capital gains from
A-shares investment to RQFIIs, such as the Sub-Adviser, and/or begins collecting capital gains taxes on such investments, the
Fund could be subject to withholding tax liability. The impact of any such tax liability on the Fund’s return could be
substantial. The Fund may also be liable to the Sub-Adviser for any tax that is imposed on the Sub-Adviser by the PRC with
respect to the Fund’s investments. If the Fund’s direct investments in A-shares through the Sub-Adviser’s
RQFII quota become subject to repatriation restrictions, the Fund may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements
applicable to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code, and be subject to tax at the Fund level.
CAPITAL
STOCK AND SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
The Trust currently
is comprised of 58 investment funds. The Trust issues Shares of beneficial interest with no par value. The Board may designate
additional funds of the Trust.
Each Share issued by
the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of the corresponding Fund. Shares have no pre-emptive, exchange, subscription
or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions
declared by the Board with respect to the relevant Fund, and in the net distributable assets of such Fund on liquidation. A Fund
may liquidate and terminate at any time and for any reason, including as a result of the termination of the license agreement
between the Adviser and the Index Provider, without shareholder approval.
Each Share has one
vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the
rules promulgated thereunder and each fractional Share has a proportional fractional vote. Shares of all funds vote together as
a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund,
and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. Under Delaware
law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy
of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust
have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Delaware law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote
of the shareholders.
Under Delaware law,
the shareholders of a Fund are not generally subject to liability for the debts or obligations of the Trust. Similarly, Delaware
law provides that a Fund will not be liable for the debts or obligations of any other series of the Trust. However, no similar
statutory or other authority limiting statutory trust shareholder liability may exist in other states. As a result, to the extent
that a Delaware statutory trust or a shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of courts of such other states, the courts may
not apply Delaware law and may thereby subject the Delaware statutory trust’s shareholders to liability for the debts or
obligations of the Trust. The Trust’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”)
provides for indemnification by the relevant Fund for all loss suffered by a
shareholder as a result
of an obligation of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a Fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund and satisfy any judgment thereon.
The Trust will issue
through DTC Participants to its shareholders semi-annual reports containing unaudited financial statements and annual reports
containing financial statements audited by an independent auditor approved by the Trust’s Trustees and by the shareholders
when meetings are held and such other information as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Beneficial Owners
also receive annually notification as to the tax status of the Trust’s distributions.
Shareholder inquiries
may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o Van Eck Associates Corporation, 335 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
COUNSEL
AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Dechert LLP, 1095 Avenue
of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, is counsel to the Trust and has passed upon the validity of each Fund’s Shares.
Ernst
& Young LLP, 5 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, is the Trust’s independent registered public accounting
firm and audits the Funds’ financial statements and performs other related audit services.
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
The audited financial
statements of each Fund, including the financial highlights, and the report of Ernst & Young LLP, appearing in the Trust’s
Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and filed electronically with the SEC, are incorporated
by reference and made part of this SAI. You may request a copy of the Trust’s Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report for the
Funds at no charge by calling 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287) during normal business hours.
LICENSE
AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
The information contained
herein regarding the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (the “Gold Miners Index “) and NYSE Arca Steel Index (the “Steel
Index”) was obtained from Archipelago Holdings Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NYSE Euronext.
The Gold Miners Index,
a trademark of NYSE Euronext, is licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF. NYSE Euronext
neither sponsors nor endorses Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF and makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy and/or
completeness of the Gold Miners Index or results to be obtained by any person from using the Gold Miners Index in connection with
trading Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF.
The Steel Index, a
trademark of NYSE Euronext, is licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Steel ETF. NYSE Euronext neither
sponsors nor endorses Market Vectors Steel ETF and makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy and/or completeness
of the Steel Index or the results to be obtained by any person from the using the Steel Index in connection with trading Market
Vectors Steel ETF.
EACH OF THE GOLD MINERS
INDEX AND STEEL INDEX IS BASED ON EQUITY SECURITIES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES SELECTED FROM THE UNIVERSE OF ALL U.S. TRADED STOCKS AND
AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS AND CLASSIFIED AS APPROPRIATE FOR INCLUSION BY THE NYSE EURONEXT.
THE SHARES OF EACH
OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY NYSE EURONEXT.
NYSE EURONEXT, AS INDEX COMPILATION AGENT (THE “INDEX COMPILATION AGENT”), MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC
REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS STEEL ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX TO TRACK STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. NYSE
EURONEXT IS THE LICENSOR OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES, INCLUDING THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX.
EACH OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED WITHOUT REGARD TO THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS
GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF OR THE ISSUER THEREOF. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR, NOR HAS
IT PARTICIPATED IN, THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF
AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE SHARES ARE REDEEMABLE.
THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS
STEEL ETF IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS STEEL ETF.
ALTHOUGH THE INDEX
COMPILATION AGENT SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX
FROM SOURCES WHICH IT CONSIDERS RELIABLE, THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE
COMPLETENESS OF THE
COMPONENT DATA OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX OBTAINED FROM INDEPENDENT SOURCES. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE TRUST AS SUB-LICENSEE, THE ADVISER’S CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES,
OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS STEEL ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
EACH OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED AS DESCRIBED
HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF THE GOLD MINERS INDEX AND STEEL
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT HAVE
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF
NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The information contained
herein regarding the Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid) (the “Ardour Global Index”) was provided by Ardour
Global Indexes LLC (“Ardour”).
THE SHARES OF MARKET
VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR. ARDOUR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION
OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE
PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES MARKET.
ARDOUR DOES NOT GUARANTEE
THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND ARDOUR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED
BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF
THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ARDOUR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
“ARDOUR GLOBAL
INDEXES, LLCSM”, “ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXSM (COMPOSITE),” “ARDOUR COMPOSITESM”,
“ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXSM” (EXTRA LIQUID)”, “ARDOUR XLSM”, “ARDOUR GLOBAL
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDEXESSM” AND “ARDOUR FAMILYSM” ARE SERVICE MARKS OF ARDOUR AND HAVE
BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY THE ADVISER. THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED,
SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR AND ARDOUR MAKES
NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING
THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX
IS CALCULATED BY DOW JONES INDEXES, A BUSINESS UNIT OF DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC. (“DOW JONES”). THE SHARES OF
MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE BASED ON THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX AND ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED
BY DOW JONES INDEXES, AND DOW JONES INDEXES MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF MARKET
VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES,
SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “INDEX CALCULATION AGENT”) SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO MARKET VECTORS
GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING
FROM (I) ANY INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL
INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO (THE “INDEX DATA”) OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY MARKET
VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR THIRD PARTY IN RELIANCE UPON THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT
DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR ANY
ONE ELSE REGARDING THE INDEX DATA, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE, ACCURACY,
COMPLETENESS, CURRENTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO
BE OBTAINED BY MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS OR OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE
OF THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO MARKET VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, THEIR CUSTOMERS
OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The information contained
herein regarding The Rogers™-Van Eck Natural Resources Index (the “Natural Resources Index”) was provided
by S-Network Global Indexes, LLC (“S-Network”).
S-NetworkSM
is a service mark of S-Network and has been licensed for use by the Adviser in connection with Market Vectors Natural Resources
ETF. The Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network, which makes
no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF.
The Shares of Market
Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S-Network. S-Network makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or any member of the public regarding
the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF particularly or
the ability of the Natural Resources Index to track the performance of the physical commodities market. S-Network’s only
relationship to the Adviser is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names and of the Natural Resources Index that
is determined, composed and calculated by S-Network without regard to the Adviser or the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources
ETF. S-
Network has no obligation
to take the needs of the Adviser or the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF into consideration in determining,
composing or calculating the Natural Resources Index. S-Network is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination
of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF to be issued or in the determination
or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF are to be converted into cash. S-Network
has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural
Resources ETF.
S-NETWORK DOES NOT
GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S-NETWORK SHALL
HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO
RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
FROM THE USE OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S-NETWORK MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NATURAL
RESOURCES INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S-NETWORK HAVE ANY LIABILITY
FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
The Shares of Market
Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P or its third party licensors. Neither S&P
nor its third party licensors make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors
Natural Resources ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Shares
of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF particularly or the ability of the Natural Resources Index to track general stock market
performance. S&P’s and its third party licensor’s only relationship to S-Network is the licensing of certain trademarks,
service marks and trade names of S&P and/or its third party licensors and for the providing of calculation and maintenance
services related to The Rogers™-Van Eck Natural Resources Index. Neither S&P nor its third party licensors is
responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural
Resources ETF or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or in the determination
or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF is to be converted into cash. S&P
has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Natural
Resources ETF.
NEITHER S&P, ITS
AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT
TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE INDEX
OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR
THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
Standard & Poor’s®
and S&P® are registered trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; “Calculated by S&P Custom
Indices” and its related stylized mark are service marks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. These marks have been licensed
for use by S-Network.
“Jim Rogers,”
“James Beeland Rogers, Jr.” and “Rogers” are trademarks, service marks and/or registered trademarks of
Beeland Interests, Inc. (“Beeland Interests”), which is owned and controlled by James Beeland Rogers, Jr., and are
used subject to license. The personal names and likeness of Jim Rogers/James Beeland Rogers, Jr. are owned and licensed by James
Beeland Rogers, Jr.
The Shares of Market
Vectors Natural Resources ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Beeland Interests or James Beeland Rogers, Jr.
Neither Beeland Interests nor James Beeland Rogers, Jr. makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, nor accepts
any responsibility, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this Prospectus, or the advisability of investing in securities
or commodities generally, or in the Shares of Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF or in futures particularly.
BEELAND INTERESTS AND
ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE
USE OF THE ROGERS™-VAN ECK NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL BEELAND INTERESTS
OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES,
EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
VAN ECK AND ITS AFFILIATES
SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS, AND MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO RESULTS
TO BE OBTAINED BY OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE
NATURAL RESOURCES INDEX. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL VAN ECK INTERESTS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES HAVE
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY THEREOF.
The information contained
herein regarding the Africa Index, Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal
Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index, the
Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior
Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland
Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar
Energy Index and the Vietnam Index was provided by MVIS.
The Shares of Market
Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market
Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF,
Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors
Indonesia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil
Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market
Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market
Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MVIS. MVIS
makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market
Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India
Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold
Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF,
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market
Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in
the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market
Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market
Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors
Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market
Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia
ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF,
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF particularly or the ability of the Africa Index, Agribusiness
Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the
Germany Small-Cap Index, the Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia
Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm
Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index,
the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the
Vietnam Index to track the performance of the relevant securities markets. The Africa Index, Agribusiness
Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the
Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia
Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm
Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index,
the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the
Vietnam Index are determined and composed by MVIS without regard to the Adviser or the Shares of
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal
ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf
States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil
Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF,
Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors
Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors
Vietnam ETF. MVIS has no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the owners of Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF,
Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market
Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap
Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF,
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland
ETF, Market Vectors Rare
Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market
Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF into consideration
in determining or composing the Africa Index, the Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index,
the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index,
the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior
Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland
Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar
Energy Index and the Vietnam Index. MVIS is not responsible for and has not participated in
the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors
Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt
Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF,
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors
Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF to be issued or in the determination
or calculation of the equation by which the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market
Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors
Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap
Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market
Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil &
Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are to be converted into cash. MVIS has no obligation
or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors
Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index
ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market
Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF.
MVIS
DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE AFRICA INDEX, Agribusiness
Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, THE GULF
STATES INDEX, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the
LatAm Small-Cap Index, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index
OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MVIS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF SHARES OF MARKET VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF,
Market Vectors Agribusiness
ETF,
Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market
Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, MARKET VECTORS GULF STATES INDEX ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors
Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America
Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF,
Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF, MARKET VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF,
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE AFRICA INDEX, Agribusiness Index,
the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, THE GULF STATES
INDEX, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm
Small-Cap Index, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index
OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MVIS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE AFRICA INDEX, Agribusiness
Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, THE GULF
STATES INDEX, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the
LatAm Small-Cap Index, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index
OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MVIS HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL,
PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The
Shares of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market
Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors
Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services
ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear
Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF are not sponsored, promoted, sold or supported in any other
manner by Solactive AG nor does Solactive AG offer any express or implicit guarantee or assurance either with regard to the results
of using the Africa Index, Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index,
the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index,
the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap
Index, the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index,
the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index,
the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index,
the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index and/or its trade mark or its price at any time
or in any other respect. The Africa Index, the Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index,
the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index,
the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior
Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland
Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar
Energy Index and the Vietnam Index are calculated and maintained by Solactive AG. Solactive
AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Africa Index, the Agribusiness Index, the Brazil
Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index,
the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap
Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the
Oil Services Index, the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the
Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index are calculated correctly.
Irrespective of its obligations towards MVIS, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Africa Index, the Agribusiness
Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the
Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia Index,
the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the
Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam Index
to third parties including but not limited to investors and/or financial intermediaries of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market
Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors
Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index
ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market
Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF. Neither
publication of the Africa Index, the Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index,
the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index,
the Indonesia Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior
Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland
Index, the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar
Energy Index and the Vietnam Index by Solactive AG nor the licensing of the Africa Index, the
Agribusiness Index, the Brazil Small-Cap Index, the Coal Index, the Colombia Index, the
Egypt Index, the Germany Small-Cap Index, the Gulf States Index, the India Small-Cap Index, the Indonesia
Index, the Indonesia Small-Cap Index, the Junior Gold Miners Index, the LatAm Small-Cap
Index, the Nuclear Energy Index, the Oil & Gas Index, the Oil Services Index, the Poland Index,
the Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, the Russia Index, the Russia Small-Cap Index, the Solar Energy Index and the Vietnam
Index or its trade mark for the purpose of use in connection with the Fund constitutes a recommendation
by Solactive AG to invest capital in Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil
Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap
ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market
Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market
Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF,
Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market
Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF nor does it in any way represent
an assurance or opinion of Solactive AG with regard to any investment in Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors
Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small Cap-ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt
Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF,
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold
Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market
Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar
Energy ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam
ETF. Solactive AG is not responsible for fulfilling the legal requirements concerning the accuracy
and completeness of Market Vectors Africa Index ETF’s, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF’s, Market Vectors Brazil
Small Cap-ETF’s, Market Vectors Coal ETF’s, Market Vectors Colombia ETF’s, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF’s,
Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF’s, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF’s, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index
ETF’s, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF’s, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF’s, Market Vectors Junior
Gold Miners ETF’s, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF’s, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF’s, Market
Vectors Poland ETF’s, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF’s, Market Vectors Russia ETF’s, Market
Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF’s, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF’s, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF’s,
Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF’s and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF’s Prospectus.
The Market Vectors
India Small-Cap Index ETF invests substantially all of its assets in the Subsidiary, SCIF Mauritius, a private company limited
by shares incorporated in Mauritius. The Subsidiary is regulated by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission which has issued
a Category 1 Global Business License to the Subsidiary to conduct the business of “investment holding.” Neither investors
in the Subsidiary nor investors in the Fund are protected by any statutory compensation arrangements in Mauritius in the event
of the Subsidiary’s or the Fund’s failure.
The
Mauritius Financial Services Commission does not vouch for the financial soundness of the Subsidiary or the Fund or for the correctness
of any statements made or opinions expressed with regard to it in any offering document or other similar document of the Subsidiary
or the Fund.
The information contained herein regarding the Bluestar Israel Global Index™ (the “Israel Index”)
was obtained from BlueStar Global Investors, LLC (“BlueStar”). The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement
with BlueStar to use the Israel Index. Market Vectors Israel ETF is entitled to use the Israel Index pursuant to a sub-licensing
arrangement with the Adviser.
Market Vectors Israel
ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar. BlueStar makes no representation or warranty, express or implied,
to the shareholders of Market Vectors Israel ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of acquiring, bidding,
investing or trading in Market Vectors Israel ETF. BlueStar has licensed to the Adviser certain trademarks and trade names of
BlueStar and of the Israel Index which is determined, composed and calculated by BlueStar without regard to Adviser or Market
Vectors Israel ETF and BlueStar has no obligation to take the needs of Adviser or the owners of Market Vectors Israel ETF into
consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Israel Index. BlueStar is not responsible for and has not participated
in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of Market Vectors Israel ETF. BlueStar has no obligation or liability
in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of Market Vectors Israel ETF.
BLUESTAR DOES NOT GUARANTEE
THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE ISRAEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND BLUESTAR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR
ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. BLUESTAR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED
BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF MARKET VECTORS ISRAEL ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE ISRAEL INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. BLUESTAR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES,
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
USE WITH RESPECT TO THE ISRAEL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUESTAR
HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING
LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR
ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN BLUESTAR AND THE ADVISER.
The information contained
herein regarding CSI 300 Index (the “CSI Index”) was provided by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“China Securities”).
Market Vectors ChinaAMC
A-Share ETF is neither sponsored nor promoted, distributed or in any other manner supported by China Securities. CSI Indices are
compiled and calculated by China Securities. China Securities will apply all necessary means to ensure the accuracy of the CSI
Index. However, neither China Securities nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange nor the Shenzhen Stock Exchange shall be liable (whether
in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the CSI Index and neither China Securities nor the Shanghai Stock Exchange
nor the Shenzhen Stock Exchange shall be under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. All copyright in CSI
Index values and constituent lists vests in China Securities. Neither the publication of the CSI Index by China Securities nor
the granting of a license regarding the CSI Index as well as the Index Trademark for the utilization in connection with Market
Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, which derived from the CSI Index, represents a recommendation by China Securities for a capital
investment or contains in any manner a warranty or opinion by China Securities with respect to the attractiveness on an investment
in Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF.
APPENDIX
A
VAN ECK GLOBAL PROXY VOTING POLICIES
Van Eck Global (the “Adviser”)
has adopted the following policies and procedures which are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner that
is consistent with the best interests of its clients in accordance with its fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940. When an adviser has been granted proxy voting authority by a client, the adviser owes its clients the duties
of care and loyalty in performing this service on their behalf. The duty of care requires the adviser to monitor corporate actions
and vote client proxies. The duty of loyalty requires the adviser to cast the proxy votes in a manner that is consistent with
the best interests of the client.
Rule 206(4)-6 also requires the Adviser
to disclose information about the proxy voting procedures to its clients and to inform clients how to obtain information about
how their proxies were voted. Additionally, Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act requires the Adviser to maintain certain proxy voting
records.
An adviser that exercises voting authority
without complying with Rule 206(4)-6 will be deemed to have engaged in a “fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative”
act, practice or course of business within the meaning of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act.
The Adviser intends to vote all proxies
in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, and in the best interests of clients without influence by real or apparent
conflicts of interest. To assist in its responsibility for voting proxies and the overall voting process, the Adviser has engaged
an independent third party proxy voting specialist, Glass Lewis & Co., LLC. The services provided by Glass Lewis include in-depth
research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations as well as vote execution, reporting and recordkeeping.
Resolving Material Conflicts of Interest
When a material conflict of interest exists,
proxies will be voted in the following manner:
| 1. | Strict adherence to the Glass Lewis
guidelines, or |
| 2. | The potential conflict will be disclosed
to the client: |
| a. | with a request that the client vote
the proxy, |
| b. | with a recommendation that the client
engage another party to determine how the proxy should be voted or |
| c. | if the foregoing are not acceptable
to the client, disclosure of how Van Eck intends to vote and a written
consent to that vote by the client. |
Any deviations from the foregoing voting
mechanisms must be approved by the Chief Compliance Officer with a written explanation of the reason for the deviation.
A material conflict of interest
means the existence of a business relationship between a portfolio company or an affiliate and the Adviser, any affiliate or subsidiary,
or an “affiliated person” of a Van Eck mutual fund. Examples of when a material conflict of interest exists include
a situation where the adviser provides significant investment advisory, brokerage or other services to a company whose management
is soliciting proxies; an officer of the Adviser serves on the board of a charitable organization that receives charitable contributions
from the portfolio company and the charitable organization is a client of the
Adviser; a portfolio company that is a
significant selling agent of the Adviser’s products and services solicits proxies; a broker-dealer or insurance company
that controls 5% or more of the Adviser’s assets solicits proxies; the Adviser serves as an investment adviser to the pension
or other investment account of the portfolio company; the Adviser and the portfolio company have a lending relationship. In each
of these situations voting against management may cause the Adviser a loss of revenue or other benefit.
Client Inquiries
All inquiries by clients as to how the
Adviser has voted proxies must immediately be forwarded to Portfolio Administration.
Disclosure to Clients
| 1. | Notification of Availability of Information |
| a. | Client Brochure - The Client Brochure
or Part II of Form ADV will inform clients that they can obtain information
from the Adviser on how their proxies were voted. The Client Brochure
or Part II of Form ADV will be mailed to each client annually. The
Legal Department will be responsible for coordinating the mailing
with Sales/Marketing Departments. |
| 2. | Availability of Proxy Voting Information |
| a. | At the client’s request or if
the information is not available on the Adviser’s website, a
hard copy of the account’s proxy votes will be mailed to each
client. |
Recordkeeping Requirements
| 1. | Van Eck will retain the following
documentation and information for each matter relating to a portfolio
security with respect to which a client was entitled to vote: |
| a. | proxy statements received; |
| b. | identifying number for the portfolio
security; |
| c. | shareholder meeting date; |
| d. | brief identification of the matter
voted on; |
| e. | whether the vote was cast on the matter; |
| f. | how the vote was cast (e.g., for or
against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of
directors); |
| g. | records of written client requests
for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the
client; |
| h. | a copy of written responses from the
Adviser to any written or oral client request for information on how
the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the client; and any documents
prepared by the Adviser that were material to the decision on how
to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision, if such documents
were prepared. |
| 2. | Copies of proxy statements filed on
EDGAR, and proxy statements and records of proxy votes maintained
with a third party (i.e., proxy voting service) need not be maintained.
The third party must agree in writing to provide a copy of the documents
promptly upon request. |
| 3. | If applicable, any document memorializing
that the costs of voting a proxy exceed the benefit to the client
or any other decision to refrain from voting, and that such abstention
was in the client’s best interest. |
| 4. | Proxy voting records will be maintained
in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two at the
office of the Adviser. Proxy statements on file with EDGAR or maintained
by a third party and proxy votes maintained by a third party are not
subject to these particular retention requirements. |
Voting Foreign Proxies
At times the Adviser may determine that,
in the best interests of its clients, a particular proxy should not be voted. This may occur, for example, when the cost of voting
a foreign proxy (translation, transportation, etc.) would exceed the benefit of voting the proxy or voting the foreign proxy may
cause an unacceptable limitation on the sale of the security. Any such instances will be documented by the Portfolio Manager and
reviewed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
Securities Lending
Certain portfolios managed by the Adviser
participate in securities lending programs to generate additional revenue. Proxy voting rights generally pass to the borrower
when a security is on loan. The Adviser will use its best efforts to recall a security on loan and vote such securities if the
Portfolio Manager determines that the proxy involves a material event.
Proxy Voting Policy
The Adviser has reviewed the Glass Lewis
Proxy Guidelines (“Guidelines”) and has determined that the Guidelines are consistent with the Adviser’s proxy
voting responsibilities and its fiduciary duty with respect to its clients. The Adviser will review any material amendments to
the Guidelines.
While it is the Adviser’s policy
to generally follow the Guidelines, the Adviser retains the right, on any specific proxy, to vote differently from the Guidelines,
if the Adviser believes it is in the best interests of its clients. Any such exceptions will be documented by the Adviser and
reviewed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The portfolio manager or analyst covering
the security is responsible for making proxy voting decisions. Portfolio Administration, in conjunction with the portfolio manager
and the custodian, is responsible for monitoring corporate actions and ensuring that corporate actions are timely voted.
PROXY
PAPERTM
GUIDELINES
2014 PROXY SEASON
AN OVERVIEW OF THE GLASS LEWIS
APPROACH TO PROXY ADVICE
UNITED STATES
COPYRIGHT 2014 GLASS LEWIS, & CO., LLC
CONTENTS
| I. OVERVIEW OF SIGNIFICANT UPDATES FOR 2014 |
|
1 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Majority-Approved Shareholder Proposals Seeking
Board Declassification |
|
1 |
| |
Poison
Pills with a Term of One Year or Less |
|
1 |
| |
Dual-Listed
Companies |
|
1 |
| |
Hedging
and Pledging of Stock |
|
1 |
| |
SEC
Final Rules Regarding Compensation Committee Member Independence and Compensation Consultants |
|
1 |
| |
|
|
|
| II. A BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT SERVES THE INTERESTS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
|
2 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Election of Directors |
|
2 |
| |
Independence |
|
2 |
| |
Voting
Recommendations on the Basis of Board Independence |
|
4 |
| |
Committee
Independence |
|
4 |
| |
Independent
Chairman |
|
4 |
| |
Performance |
|
5 |
| |
Voting
Recommendations on the Basis of Performance |
|
5 |
| |
Board
Responsiveness |
|
6 |
| |
The
Role of a Committee Chairman |
|
6 |
| |
Audit
Committees and Performance |
|
7 |
| |
Standards
for Assessing the Audit Committee |
|
7 |
| |
Compensation
Committee Performance |
|
10 |
| |
Nominating
and Governance Committee Performance |
|
12 |
| |
Board
Level Risk Management Oversight |
|
13 |
| |
Experience |
|
14 |
| |
Other
Considerations |
|
14 |
| |
Controlled
Companies |
|
16 |
| |
Unofficially
Controlled Companies and 20-50% Beneficial Owners |
|
17 |
| |
Exceptions
for Recent IPOs |
|
17 |
| |
Dual-Listed
Companies |
|
18 |
| |
Mutual
Fund Boards |
|
18 |
| |
Declassified
Boards |
|
19 |
| |
Mandatory
Director Term and Age limits |
|
20 |
| |
Requiring
Two or More Nominees per Board Seat |
|
21 |
| |
Proxy
Access |
|
21 |
 |
I |
|
| |
Majority Vote for the Election of Directors |
|
21 |
| |
The
Plurality Vote Standard |
|
21 |
| |
Advantages
of a Majority Vote Standard |
|
22 |
| |
|
|
|
| III. TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTING |
|
23 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Auditor
Ratification |
|
23 |
| |
Voting
Recommendations on Auditor Ratification |
|
23 |
| |
Pension
Accounting Issues |
|
24 |
| |
|
|
|
| IV. THE LINK BETWEEN COMPENSATION AND PERFORMANCE |
|
25 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Advisory
Vote on Executive Compensation (“Say-on-Pay”) |
|
25 |
| |
Say-on-Pay
Voting Recommendations |
|
26 |
| |
Company
Responsiveness |
|
27 |
| |
Pay
for Performance |
|
27 |
| |
Short-Term
Incentives |
|
27 |
| |
Long-Term
Incentives |
|
28 |
| |
Recoupment
(“Clawback”) Provisions |
|
29 |
| |
Hedging
of Stock |
|
29 |
| |
Pledging
of Stock |
|
29 |
| |
Compensation
Consultant Independence |
|
30 |
| |
Frequency
of Say-on-Pay |
|
30 |
| |
Vote
on Golden Parachute Arrangements |
|
31 |
| |
Equity-Based
Compensation Plan Proposals |
|
31 |
| |
Option
Exchanges |
|
32 |
| |
Option
Backdating, Spring-Loading and Bullet-Dodging |
|
33 |
| |
Director
Compensation Plans |
|
33 |
| |
Executive
Compensation Tax Deductibility (IRS 162(m) Compliance) |
|
34 |
| |
|
|
|
| V. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND THE SHAREHOLDER FRANCHISE |
|
35 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Anti-Takeover
Measures |
|
35 |
| |
Poison
Pills (Shareholder Rights Plans) |
|
35 |
| |
NOL
Poison Pills |
|
35 |
| |
Fair
Price Provisions |
|
36 |
| |
Reincorporation |
|
37 |
| |
Exclusive
Forum Provisions |
|
37 |
| |
Authorized
Shares |
|
38 |
| |
Advance
Notice Requirements |
|
38 |
| |
Voting
Structure |
|
39 |
| |
Cumulative
Voting |
|
39 |
| |
Supermajority
Vote Requirements |
|
40 |
|
II |
|
| |
Transaction of Other Business |
|
40 |
| |
Anti-Greenmail
Proposals |
|
40 |
| |
Mutual
Funds: Investment Policies and Advisory Agreements |
|
40 |
| |
Real
Estate Investment Trusts |
|
41 |
| |
Preferred
Stock Issuances at REITs |
|
41 |
| |
Business
Development Companies |
|
41 |
| |
Authorization
to Sell Shares at a Price below Net Asset Value |
|
41 |
| |
|
|
|
| VI. COMPENSATION, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE SHAREHOLDER INITIATIVES OVERVIEW |
|
43 |
|
III |
|
| I. | OVERVIEW OF SIGNIFICANT UPDATES FOR 2014 |
Glass Lewis evaluates these guidelines on
an ongoing basis and formally updates them on an annual basis. This year we’ve made noteworthy revisions in the following
areas, which are summarized below but discussed in greater detail throughout this document:
MAJORITY-APPROVED
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS SEEKING BOARD DECLASSIFICATION
| • | We have updated our policy with regard to implementation of majority-approved shareholder proposals
seeking board declassification. If a company fails to implement a shareholder proposal seeking board declassification, which received
majority support from shareholders (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) at the previous year’s annual meeting, we
will consider recommending that shareholders vote against all nominees up for election that served throughout the previous year,
regardless of their committee membership. |
POISON PILLS WITH A TERM OF ONE YEAR OR LESS
| • | We have refined our policy with regard to short-term poison pills (those with a term of one year
or less). If a poison pill with a term of one year or less was adopted without shareholder approval, we will consider recommending
that shareholders vote against all members of the governance committee. If the board has, without seeking shareholder approval,
extended the term of a poison pill by one year or less in two consecutive years, we will consider recommending that shareholders
vote against the entire board. |
DUAL-LISTED COMPANIES
| • | We have clarified our approach to companies whose shares are listed on exchanges in multiple countries,
and which may seek shareholder approval of proposals in accordance with varying exchange- and country-specific rules. In determining
which Glass Lewis country-specific policy to apply, we will consider a number of factors, and we will apply the policy standards
most relevant in each situation. |
HEDGING AND PLEDGING OF STOCK
| • | We have included general discussions of our policies regarding hedging of stock and pledging of
shares owned by executives. |
SEC FINAL RULES
REGARDING COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEMBER INDEPENDENCE
AND COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS
| • | We have summarized the SEC requirements for compensation committee member independence and compensation
consultant independence, and how these new rules may affect our evaluation of compensation committee members. These requirements
were mandated by Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank Act and formally adopted by the NYSE and NASDAQ in 2013. Companies listed on these
exchanges were required to meet certain basic requirements under the new rules by July 1, 2013, with full compliance by the earlier
of their first annual meeting after January 15, 2014, or October 31, 2014. |
|
1 |
|
| II. | A BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT SERVES THE INTERESTS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The purpose of Glass Lewis’ proxy
research and advice is to facilitate shareholder voting in favor of governance structures that will drive performance, create shareholder
value and maintain a proper tone at the top. Glass Lewis looks for talented boards with a record of protecting shareholders and
delivering value over the medium- and long-term. We believe that a board can best protect and enhance the interests of shareholders
if it is sufficiently independent, has a record of positive performance, and consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and
a breadth and depth of relevant experience.
INDEPENDENCE
The independence of directors, or lack thereof,
is ultimately demonstrated through the decisions they make. In assessing the independence of directors, we will take into consideration,
when appropriate, whether a director has a track record indicative of making objective decisions. Likewise, when assessing the
independence of directors we will also examine when a director’s service track record on multiple boards indicates a lack
of objective decision-making. Ultimately, we believe the determination of whether a director is independent or not must take into
consideration both compliance with the applicable independence listing requirements as well as judgments made by the director.
We look at each director nominee to examine
the director’s relationships with the company, the company’s executives, and other directors. We do this to evaluate
whether personal, familial, or financial relationships (not including director compensation) may impact the director’s decisions.
We believe that such relationships make it difficult for a director to put shareholders’ interests above the director’s
or the related party’s interests. We also believe that a director who owns more than 20% of a company can exert disproportionate
influence on the board and, in particular, the audit committee.
Thus, we put directors into three categories
based on an examination of the type of relationship they have with the company:
Independent
Director – An independent director has no material financial, familial or other current relationships with the company,
its executives, or other board members, except for board service and standard fees paid for that service. Relationships that existed
within three to five years1 before the inquiry are usually considered “current” for purposes of this test.
In
our view, a director who is currently serving in an interim management position should be considered an insider, while a director
who previously served in an interim management position for less than one year and is no longer serving in such capacity is considered
independent. Moreover, a director who previously served in an interim management position for over one year and is no longer serving
in such capacity is considered an affiliate for five years following the date of his/her resignation or departure from the interim
management position. Glass Lewis applies a three-year look-back period to all directors who have an affiliation with the company
other than former employment, for which we apply a five-year look-back.
1 NASDAQ originally proposed a five-year
look-back period but both it and the NYSE ultimately settled on a three-year look-back prior to finalizing their rules. A five-year
standard is more appropriate, in our view, because we believe that the unwinding of conflicting relationships between former management
and board members is more likely to be complete and final after five years. However, Glass Lewis does not apply the five-year look-back
period to directors who have previously served as executives of the company on an interim basis for less than one year.
|
2 |
|
Affiliated
Director – An affiliated director has a material financial, familial or other relationship with the company or its
executives, but is not an employee of the company.2 This includes directors whose employers have a material financial
relationship with the company.3 In addition, we view a director who owns or controls 20% or more of the company’s
voting stock as an affiliate.4
We
view 20% shareholders as affiliates because they typically have access to and involvement with the management of a company that
is fundamentally different from that of ordinary shareholders. More importantly, 20% holders may have interests that diverge from
those of ordinary holders, for reasons such as the liquidity (or lack thereof) of their holdings, personal tax issues, etc.
Definition of “Material”:
A material relationship is one in which the dollar value exceeds:
| |
• | $50,000 (or where no amount is disclosed) for directors
who are paid for a service they have agreed to perform for the company, outside of their service as a director, including professional
or other services; or |
| |
| |
| |
• | $120,000 (or where no amount is disclosed) for those directors employed by a professional services
firm such as a law firm, investment bank, or consulting firm and the company pays the firm, not the individual, for services.
This dollar limit would also apply to charitable contributions to schools where a board member is a professor; or charities where
a director serves on the board or is an executive;5 and any aircraft and real estate dealings between the company and
the director’s firm; or |
| |
• | 1% of either company’s consolidated gross revenue for other business relationships (e.g.,
where the director is an executive officer of a company that provides services or products to or receives services or products
from the company).6 |
Definition of “Familial”: Familial relationships
include a person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and
anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home. A director is an affiliate if: i) he or she has a family
member who is employed by the company and receives more than $120,000 in annual compensation; or, ii) he or she has a family member
who is employed by the company and the company does not disclose this individual’s compensation.
Definition of “Company”:
A company includes any parent or subsidiary in a group with the company or any entity that merged with, was acquired by, or acquired
the company.
Inside Director
– An inside director simultaneously serves as a director and as an employee of the company. This category may include
a chairman of the board who acts as an employee of the company or is paid as an employee of the company. In our view, an inside
director who derives a greater amount of income as a result of affiliated transactions with the company rather than through compensation
paid by the company (i.e., salary, bonus, etc. as a company employee) faces a conflict between making decisions that are in the
best interests of the company versus those in the director’s own best interests. Therefore, we will recommend voting against
such a director.
2 If a company classifies one of its non-employee
directors as non-independent, Glass Lewis will classify that director as an affiliate.
3 We allow a five-year grace period for former
executives of the company or merged companies who have consulting agreements with the surviving company. (We do not automatically
recommend voting against directors in such cases for the first five years.) If the consulting agreement persists after this five-year
grace period, we apply the materiality thresholds outlined in the definition of “material.”
4 This includes a director
who serves on a board as a representative (as part of his or her basic responsibilities) of an in-vestment firm with greater than
20% ownership. However, while we will generally consider him/her to be affiliated, we will not recommend voting against unless
(i) the investment firm has disproportionate board representation or (ii) the director serves on the audit committee.
5 We will generally take into consideration
the size and nature of such charitable entities in relation to the company’s size and industry along with any other relevant
factors such as the director’s role at the charity. However, unlike for other types of related party transactions, Glass
Lewis generally does not apply a look-back period to affiliated relationships involving charitable contributions; if the relationship
between the director and the school or charity ceases, or if the company discontinues its donations to the entity, we will consider
the director to be independent.
6 This includes cases where a director is
employed by, or closely affiliated with, a private equity firm that profits from an acquisition made by the company. Unless disclosure
suggests otherwise, we presume the director is affiliated.
|
3 |
|
VOTING RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE BASIS OF BOARD
INDEPENDENCE
Glass Lewis believes a board will be most
effective in protecting shareholders’ interests if it is at least two-thirds independent. We note that each of the Business
Roundtable, the Conference Board, and the Council of Institutional Investors advocates that two-thirds of the board be independent.
Where more than one-third of the members are affiliated or inside directors, we typically7 recommend voting against
some of the inside and/or affiliated directors in order to satisfy the two-thirds threshold.
In the case of a less than two-thirds independent
board, Glass Lewis strongly supports the existence of a presiding or lead director with authority to set the meeting agendas and
to lead sessions outside the insider chairman’s presence.
In addition, we scrutinize avowedly “independent”
chairmen and lead directors. We believe that they should be unquestionably independent or the company should not tout them as such.
COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE
We believe that only independent directors
should serve on a company’s audit, compensation, nominating, and governance committees.8 We typically recommend
that shareholders vote against any affiliated or inside director seeking appointment to an audit, compensation, nominating, or
governance committee, or who has served in that capacity in the past year.
Pursuant to Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank
Act, as of January 11, 2013, the SEC approved new listing requirements for both the NYSE and NASDAQ which require that boards apply
enhanced standards of independence when making an affirmative determination of the independence of compensation committee members.
Specifically, when making this determination, in addition to the factors considered when assessing general director independence,
the board’s considerations must include: (i) the source of compensation of the director, including any consulting, advisory
or other compensatory fee paid by the listed company to the director (the “Fees Factor”); and (ii) whether the director
is affiliated with the listing company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates of its subsidiaries (the “Affiliation Factor”).
Glass Lewis believes it is important for
boards to consider these enhanced independence factors when assessing compensation committee members. However, as discussed above
in the section titled Independence, we apply our own standards when assessing the independence of directors, and these standards
also take into account consulting and advisory fees paid to the director, as well as the director’s affiliations with the
company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. We may recommend voting against compensation committee members who are not independent
based on our standards.
INDEPENDENT CHAIRMAN
Glass Lewis believes that separating the
roles of CEO (or, more rarely, another executive position) and chairman creates a better governance structure than a combined CEO/chairman
position. An executive manages the business according to a course the board charts. Executives should report to the board regarding
their performance in achieving goals set by the board. This is needlessly complicated when a CEO chairs the board, since a CEO/chairman
presumably will have a significant influence over the board.
It can become difficult for a board to fulfill
its role of overseer and policy setter when a CEO/chairman controls the agenda and the boardroom discussion. Such control can allow
a CEO to have an entrenched
7 With a staggered board, if the affiliates
or insiders that we believe should not be on the board are not up for election, we will express our concern regarding those directors,
but we will not recommend voting against the other affiliates or insiders who are up for election just to achieve two-thirds independence.
However, we will consider recommending voting against the directors subject to our concern at their next election if the concerning
issue is not resolved.
8 We will recommend voting against an audit
committee member who owns 20% or more of the company’s stock, and we believe that there should be a maximum of one director
(or no directors if the committee is comprised of less than three directors) who owns 20% or more of the company’s stock
on the compensation, nominating, and governance committees.
|
4 |
|
position, leading to longer-than-optimal
terms, fewer checks on management, less scrutiny of the business operation, and limitations on independent, shareholder-focused
goal-setting by the board.
A CEO should set the strategic course for
the company, with the board’s approval, and the board should enable the CEO to carry out the CEO’s vision for accomplishing
the board’s objectives. Failure to achieve the board’s objectives should lead the board to replace that CEO with someone
in whom the board has confidence.
Likewise, an independent chairman can better
oversee executives and set a pro-shareholder agenda without the management conflicts that a CEO and other executive insiders often
face. Such oversight and concern for shareholders allows for a more proactive and effective board of directors that is better able
to look out for the interests of shareholders.
Further, it is the board’s responsibility
to select a chief executive who can best serve a company and its shareholders and to replace this person when his or her duties
have not been appropriately fulfilled. Such a replacement becomes more difficult and happens less frequently when the chief executive
is also in the position of overseeing the board.
Glass Lewis believes that the installation
of an independent chairman is almost always a positive step from a corporate governance perspective and promotes the best interests
of shareholders. Further, the presence of an independent chairman fosters the creation of a thoughtful and dynamic board, not dominated
by the views of senior management. Encouragingly, many companies appear to be moving in this direction—one study even indicates
that less than 12 percent of incoming CEOs in 2009 were awarded the chairman title, versus 48 percent as recently as 2002.9
Another study finds that 45 percent of S&P 500 boards now separate the CEO and chairman roles, up from 23 percent in
2003, although the same study found that of those companies, only 25 percent have truly independent chairs.10
We do
not recommend that shareholders vote against CEOs who chair the board. However, we typically recommend that our clients support
separating the roles of chairman and CEO whenever that question is posed in a proxy (typically in the form of a shareholder proposal),
as we believe that it is in the long-term best interests of the company and its shareholders.
PERFORMANCE
The most crucial test of a board’s
commitment to the company and its shareholders lies in the actions of the board and its members. We look at the performance of
these individuals as directors and executives of the company and of other companies where they have served.
VOTING RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE BASIS OF PERFORMANCE
We disfavor directors who have a record
of not fulfilling their responsibilities to shareholders at any company where they have held a board or executive position. We
typically recommend voting against:
| |
1. | A director who fails to attend a minimum of 75% of board and applicable committee meetings, calculated
in the aggregate.11 |
| |
2. | A director who belatedly filed a significant form(s) 4 or 5, or who has a pattern of late filings
if the late filing was the director’s fault (we look at these late filing situations on a case-by-case basis). |
9 Ken Favaro, Per-Ola Karlsson and Gary Neilson.
“CEO Succession 2000-2009: A Decade of Convergence and Compression.” Booz & Company (from Strategy+Business, Issue
59, Summer 2010).
10 Spencer Stuart Board Index, 2013, p. 5
11 However, where a director has served for
less than one full year, we will typically not recommend voting against for failure to attend 75% of meetings. Rather, we will
note the poor attendance with a recommendation to track this issue going forward. We will also refrain from recommending to vote
against directors when the proxy discloses that the director missed the meetings due to serious illness or other extenuating circumstances.
|
5 |
|
| |
3. | A director who is also the CEO of a company where a serious and material restatement has occurred
after the CEO had previously certified the pre-restatement financial statements. |
| |
4. | A director who has received two against recommendations from Glass Lewis for identical reasons
within the prior year at different companies (the same situation must also apply at the company being analyzed). |
| |
5. | All directors who served on the board if, for the last three years, the company’s performance
has been in the bottom quartile of the sector and the directors have not taken reasonable steps to address the poor performance. |
BOARD RESPONSIVENESS
Glass Lewis believes that any time 25% or
more of shareholders vote contrary to the recommendation of management, the board should, depending on the issue, demonstrate some
level of responsiveness to address the concerns of shareholders. These include instances when 25% or more of shareholders (excluding
abstentions and broker non-votes): WITHOLD votes from (or vote AGAINST) a director nominee, vote AGAINST a management-sponsored
proposal, or vote FOR a shareholder proposal. In our view, a 25% threshold is significant enough to warrant a close examination
of the underlying issues and an evaluation of whether or not a board response was warranted and, if so, whether the board responded
appropriately following the vote. While the 25% threshold alone will not automatically generate a negative vote recommendation
from Glass Lewis on a future proposal (e.g. to recommend against a director nominee, against a say-on-pay proposal, etc.), it may
be a contributing factor if we recommend to vote against management’s recommendation in the event we determine that the board
did not respond appropriately.
As a general framework, our evaluation of
board responsiveness involves a review of publicly available disclosures (e.g. the proxy statement, annual report, 8-Ks, company
website, etc.) released following the date of the company’s last annual meeting up through the publication date of our most
current Proxy Paper. Depending on the specific issue, our focus typically includes, but is not limited to, the following:
| |
• | At the board level, any changes in directorships, committee memberships, disclosure of related
party transactions, meeting attendance, or other responsibilities; |
| |
• | Any revisions made to the company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws or other governance
documents; |
| |
• | Any press or news releases indicating changes in, or the adoption of, new company policies, business
practices or special reports; and |
| |
• | Any modifications made to the design and structure of the company’s compensation program. |
Our Proxy Paper analysis will include a
case-by-case assessment of the specific elements of board responsiveness that we examined along with an explanation of how that
assessment impacts our current vote recommendations.
THE ROLE OF A COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Glass Lewis believes that a designated committee
chairman maintains primary responsibility for the actions of his or her respective committee. As such, many of our committee-specific
vote recommendations deal with the applicable committee chair rather than the entire committee (depending on the seriousness of
the issue). However, in cases where we would ordinarily recommend voting against a committee chairman but the chair is not specified,
we apply the following general rules, which apply throughout our guidelines:
|
6 |
|
| |
• | If there is no committee chair, we recommend voting against the longest-serving committee member
or, if the longest-serving committee member cannot be determined, the longest-serving board member serving on the committee (i.e.
in either case, the “senior director”); and |
| |
• | If there is no committee chair, but multiple senior directors serving on the committee, we recommend
voting against both (or all) such senior directors. |
In our view, companies should provide clear
disclosure of which director is charged with overseeing each committee. In cases where that simple framework is ignored and a reasonable
analysis cannot determine which committee member is the designated leader, we believe shareholder action against the longest serving
committee member(s) is warranted. Again, this only applies if we would ordinarily recommend voting against the committee chair
but there is either no such position or no designated director in such role.
On the contrary, in cases where there is
a designated committee chair and the recommendation is to vote against the committee chair, but the chair is not up for election
because the board is staggered, we do not recommend voting against any members of the committee who are up for election; rather,
we will simply express our concern with regard to the committee chair.
AUDIT COMMITTEES AND PERFORMANCE
Audit committees play an integral role in
overseeing the financial reporting process because “[v]ibrant and stable capital markets depend on, among other things, reliable,
transparent, and objective financial information to support an efficient and effective capital market process. The vital oversight
role audit committees play in the process of producing financial information has never been more important.”12
When
assessing an audit committee’s performance, we are aware that an audit committee does not prepare financial statements, is
not responsible for making the key judgments and assumptions that affect the financial statements, and does not audit the numbers
or the disclosures provided to investors. Rather, an audit committee member monitors and oversees the process and procedures that
management and auditors perform. The 1999 Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Improving the Effectiveness
of Corporate Audit Committees stated it best:
A
proper and well-functioning system exists, therefore, when the three main groups responsible for financial reporting – the
full board including the audit committee, financial management including the internal auditors, and the outside auditors –
form a ‘three legged stool’ that supports responsible financial disclosure and active participatory oversight. However,
in the view of the Committee, the audit committee must be ‘first among equals’ in this process, since the audit committee
is an extension of the full board and hence the ultimate monitor of the process.
STANDARDS FOR ASSESSING THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
For an audit committee to function
effectively on investors’ behalf, it must include members with sufficient knowledge to diligently carry out their
responsibilities. In its audit and accounting recommendations, the Conference Board Commission on Public Trust and Private
Enterprise said “members of the audit committee must be independent and have both knowledge and experience in auditing
financial matters.”13
We are skeptical of audit committees where there are members that lack expertise as a
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or corporate controller, or similar experience. While
12 Audit Committee Effectiveness –
What Works Best.” PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation. 2005.
13 Commission on Public Trust and Private
Enterprise. The Conference Board. 2003.
|
7 |
|
we will not necessarily vote against members of an audit committee
when such expertise is lacking, we are more likely to vote against committee members when a problem such as a restatement occurs
and such expertise is lacking.
Glass Lewis generally assesses audit committees against the decisions
they make with respect to their oversight and monitoring role. The quality and integrity of the financial statements and earnings
reports, the completeness of disclosures necessary for investors to make informed decisions, and the effectiveness of the internal
controls should provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements are materially free from errors. The independence of
the external auditors and the results of their work all provide useful information by which to assess the audit committee.
When assessing the decisions and actions of the audit committee,
we typically defer to its judgment and would vote in favor of its members, but we would recommend voting against the following
members under the following circumstances:14
| |
1. |
All members of the audit committee when options were backdated, there is a lack of adequate controls in place, there was a resulting restatement, and disclosures indicate there was a lack of documentation with respect to the option grants. |
| |
2. |
The audit committee chair, if the audit committee does not have a financial expert or the committee’s financial expert does not have a demonstrable financial background sufficient to understand the financial issues unique to public companies. |
| |
3. |
The audit committee chair, if the audit committee did not meet at least 4 times during the year. |
| |
4. |
The audit committee chair, if the committee has less than three members. |
| |
5. |
Any audit committee member who sits on more than three public company audit committees, unless the audit committee member is a retired CPA, CFO, controller or has similar experience, in which case the limit shall be four committees, taking time and availability into consideration including a review of the audit committee member’s attendance at all board and committee meetings.15 |
| |
6. |
All members of an audit committee who are up for election and who served on the committee at the time of the audit, if audit and audit-related fees total one-third or less of the total fees billed by the auditor. |
| |
7. |
The audit committee chair when tax and/or other fees are greater than audit and audit-related fees paid to the auditor for more than one year in a row (in which case we also recommend against ratification of the auditor). |
| |
8. |
All members of an audit committee where non-audit fees include fees for tax services (including, but not limited to, such things as tax avoidance or shelter schemes) for senior executives of the company. Such services are prohibited by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). |
| |
9. |
All members of an audit committee that reappointed an auditor that we no longer consider to be independent for reasons unrelated to fee proportions. |
14 As discussed under the section labeled “Committee Chairman,”
where the recommendation is to vote against the committee chair but the chair is not up for election because the board is staggered,
we do not recommend voting against the members of the committee who are up for election; rather, we will simply express our concern
with regard to the committee chair.
15 Glass Lewis may exempt certain audit committee members from
the above threshold if, upon further analysis of relevant factors such as the director’s experience, the size, industry-mix
and location of the companies involved and the director’s attendance at all the companies, we can reasonably determine that
the audit committee member is likely not hindered by multiple audit committee commitments.
|
8 |
|
| |
10. |
All members of an audit committee when audit fees are excessively low, especially when compared with other companies in the same industry. |
| |
11. |
The audit committee chair16 if the committee failed to put auditor ratification on the ballot for shareholder approval. However, if the non-audit fees or tax fees exceed audit plus audit-related fees in either the current or the prior year, then Glass Lewis will recommend voting against the entire audit committee. |
| |
12. |
All members of an audit committee where the auditor has resigned and reported that a section 10A17 letter has been issued. |
| |
13. |
All members of an audit committee at a time when material accounting fraud occurred at the company.18 |
| |
14. |
All members of an audit committee at a time when annual and/or multiple quarterly financial statements had to be restated, and any of the following factors apply: |
| |
• |
The restatement involves fraud or manipulation by insiders; |
| |
• |
The restatement is accompanied by an SEC inquiry or investigation; |
| |
• |
The restatement involves revenue recognition; |
| |
• |
The restatement results in a greater than 5% adjustment to costs of goods sold, operating expense, or operating cash flows; or |
| |
• |
The restatement results in a greater than 5% adjustment to net income, 10% adjustment to assets or shareholders equity, or cash flows from financing or investing activities. |
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15. |
All members of an audit committee if the company repeatedly fails to file its financial reports in a timely fashion. For example, the company has filed two or more quarterly or annual financial statements late within the last 5 quarters. |
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16. |
All members of an audit committee when it has been disclosed that a law enforcement agency has charged the company and/or its employees with a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). |
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17. |
All members of an audit committee when the company has aggressive accounting policies and/ or poor disclosure or lack of sufficient transparency in its financial statements. |
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18. |
All members of the audit committee when there is a disagreement with the auditor and the auditor resigns or is dismissed (e.g., the company receives an adverse opinion on its financial statements from the auditor). |
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19. |
All members of the audit committee if the contract with the auditor specifically limits the auditor’s liability to the company for damages.19 |
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20. |
All members of the audit committee who served since the date of the company’s last annual |
16 As discussed under the section labeled “Committee Chairman,”
in all cases, if the chair of the committee is not specified, we recommend voting against the director who has been on the committee
the longest.
17 Auditors are required to report all potential illegal acts
to management and the audit committee unless they are clearly inconsequential in nature. If the audit committee or the board fails
to take appropriate action on an act that has been determined to be a violation of the law, the independent auditor is required
to send a section 10A letter to the SEC. Such letters are rare and therefore we believe should be taken seriously.
18 Recent research indicates that revenue fraud now accounts for
over 60% of SEC fraud cases, and that companies that engage in fraud experience significant negative abnormal stock price declines—facing
bankruptcy, delisting, and material asset sales at much higher rates than do non-fraud firms (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission. “Fraudulent Financial Reporting: 1998-2007.” May 2010).
19 The Council of Institutional Investors. “Corporate Governance
Policies,” p. 4, April 5, 2006; and “Letter from Council of Institutional Investors to the AICPA,” November 8,
2006.
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meeting, and when, since the last annual meeting, the company has reported a material weakness that has not yet been corrected, or, when the company has an ongoing material weakness from a prior year that has not yet been corrected. |
We also take a dim view of audit committee reports that are boilerplate,
and which provide little or no information or transparency to investors. When a problem such as a material weakness, restatement
or late filings occurs, we take into consideration, in forming our judgment with respect to the audit committee, the transparency
of the audit committee report.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
PERFORMANCE
Compensation committees have the final say in determining the
compensation of executives. This includes deciding the basis on which compensation is determined, as well as the amounts and types
of compensation to be paid. This process begins with the hiring and initial establishment of employment agreements, including the
terms for such items as pay, pensions and severance arrangements. It is important in establishing compensation arrangements that
compensation be consistent with, and based on the long-term economic performance of, the business’s long-term shareholders
returns.
Compensation committees are also responsible for the oversight
of the transparency of compensation. This oversight includes disclosure of compensation arrangements, the matrix used in assessing
pay for performance, and the use of compensation consultants. In order to ensure the independence of the compensation consultant,
we believe the compensation committee should only engage a compensation consultant that is not also providing any services to the
company or management apart from their contract with the compensation committee. It is important to investors that they have clear
and complete disclosure of all the significant terms of compensation arrangements in order to make informed decisions with respect
to the oversight and decisions of the compensation committee.
Finally, compensation committees are responsible for oversight
of internal controls over the executive compensation process. This includes controls over gathering information used to determine
compensation, establishment of equity award plans, and granting of equity awards. For example, the use of a compensation consultant
who maintains a business relationship with company management may cause the committee to make decisions based on information that
is compromised by the consultant’s conflict of interests. Lax controls can also contribute to improper awards of compensation
such as through granting of backdated or spring-loaded options, or granting of bonuses when triggers for bonus payments have not
been met.
Central to understanding the actions of a compensation committee
is a careful review of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) report included in each company’s
proxy. We review the CD&A in our evaluation of the overall compensation practices of a company, as overseen by the compensation
committee. The CD&A is also integral to the evaluation of compensation proposals at companies, such as advisory votes on executive
compensation, which allow shareholders to vote on the compensation paid to a company’s top executives.
When assessing the performance of compensation committees, we
will recommend voting against for the following:20
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1. |
All members of the compensation committee who are up for election and served at the time of poor pay-for-performance (e.g., a company receives an F grade in our pay-for-performance analysis) when shareholders are not provided with an advisory vote on executive compensation |
20 As discussed under the section labeled “Committee Chairman,”
where the recommendation is to vote against the committee chair and the chair is not up for election because the board is staggered,
we do not recommend voting against any members of the committee who are up for election; rather, we will simply express our concern
with regard to the committee chair.
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2. |
Any member of the compensation committee who has served on the compensation committee of at least two other public companies that received F grades in our pay-for-performance model and whose oversight of compensation at the company in question is suspect. |
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3. |
The compensation committee chair if the company received two D grades in consecutive years in our pay-for-performance analysis, and if during the past year the company performed the same as or worse than its peers.22 |
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4. |
All members of the compensation committee (during the relevant time period) if the company entered into excessive employment agreements and/or severance agreements. |
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5. |
All members of the compensation committee when performance goals were changed (i.e., lowered) when employees failed or were unlikely to meet original goals, or performance-based compensation was paid despite goals not being attained. |
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6. |
All members of the compensation committee if excessive employee perquisites and benefits were allowed. |
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7. |
The compensation committee chair if the compensation committee did not meet during the year, but should have (e.g., because executive compensation was restructured or a new executive was hired). |
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8. |
All members of the compensation committee when the company repriced options or completed a “self tender offer” without shareholder approval within the past two years. |
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9. |
All members of the compensation committee when vesting of in-the-money options is accelerated. |
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10. |
All members of the compensation committee when option exercise prices were backdated. Glass Lewis will recommend voting against an executive director who played a role in and participated in option backdating. |
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11. |
All members of the compensation committee when option exercise prices were spring-loaded or otherwise timed around the release of material information. |
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12. |
All members of the compensation committee when a new employment contract is given to an executive that does not include a clawback provision and the company had a material restatement, especially if the restatement was due to fraud. |
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13. |
The chair of the compensation committee where the CD&A provides insufficient or unclear information about performance metrics and goals, where the CD&A indicates that pay is not tied to performance, or where the compensation committee or management has excessive discretion to alter performance terms or increase amounts of awards in contravention of previously defined targets. |
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14. |
All members of the compensation committee during whose tenure the committee failed to |
21 Where there are multiple CEOs in one year, we will consider
not recommending against the compensation committee but will defer judgment on compensation policies and practices until the next
year or a full year after arrival of the new CEO. In addition, if a company provides shareholders with a say-on-pay proposal and
receives an F grade in our pay-for-performance model, we will recommend that shareholders only vote against the say-on-pay proposal
rather than the members of the compensation committee, unless the company exhibits egregious practices. However, if the company
receives successive F grades, we will then recommend against the members of the compensation committee in addition to recommending
voting against the say-on-pay proposal.
22 In cases where a company has received two consecutive D grades,
or if its grade improved from an F to a D in the most recent period, and during the most recent year the company performed better
than its peers (based on our analysis), we refrain from recommending to vote against the compensation committee chair. In addition,
if a company provides shareholders with a say-on-pay proposal in this instance, we will consider voting against the advisory vote
rather than the compensation committee chair unless the company exhibits unquestionably egregious practices.
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implement a shareholder proposal regarding a compensation-related issue, where the proposal received the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting shares at a shareholder meeting, and when a reasonable analysis suggests that the compensation committee (rather than the governance committee) should have taken steps to implement the request.23 |
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15. |
All members of a compensation committee during whose tenure the committee failed to address shareholder concerns following majority shareholder rejection of the say-on-pay proposal in the previous year. Where the proposal was approved but there was a significant shareholder vote (i.e., greater than 25% of votes cast) against the say-on-pay proposal in the prior year, if there is no evidence that the board responded accordingly to the vote including actively engaging shareholders on this issue, we will also consider recommending voting against the chairman of the compensation committee or all members of the compensation committee, depending on the severity and history of the compensation problems and the level of opposition. |
NOMINATING AND
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE PERFORMANCE
The nominating and governance committee, as an agency for the
shareholders, is responsible for the governance by the board of the company and its executives. In performing this role, the board
is responsible and accountable for selection of objective and competent board members. It is also responsible for providing leadership
on governance policies adopted by the company, such as decisions to implement shareholder proposals that have received a majority
vote. (At most companies, a single committee is charged with these oversight functions; at others, the governance and nominating
responsiblities are apportioned among two separate committees.)
Consistent with Glass Lewis’ philosophy that boards should
have diverse backgrounds and members with a breadth and depth of relevant experience, we believe that nominating and governance
committees should consider diversity when making director nominations within the context of each specific company and its industry.
In our view, shareholders are best served when boards make an effort to ensure a constituency that is not only reasonably diverse
on the basis of age, race, gender and ethnicity, but also on the basis of geographic knowledge, industry experience and culture.
Regarding the committee responsible for governance, we will recommend voting against the following:24
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1. |
All members of the governance committee25 during whose tenure the board failed to implement a shareholder proposal with a direct and substantial impact on shareholders and their rights – i.e., where the proposal received enough shareholder votes (at least a majority) to allow the board to implement or begin to implement that proposal.26 Examples of these types of shareholder proposals are majority vote to elect directors and to declassify the board. |
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2. |
The governance committee chair,27 when the chairman is not independent and an independent lead or presiding director has not been appointed.28 |
23 In all other instances (i.e., a non-compensation-related shareholder
proposal should have been implemented) we recommend that shareholders vote against the members of the governance committee.
24 As discussed in the guidelines section labeled “Committee
Chairman,” where we would recommend to vote against the committee chair but the chair is not up for election because the
board is staggered, we do not recommend voting against any members of the committee who are up for election; rather, we will simply
express our concern regarding the committee chair.
25 If the board does not have a committee responsible for governance
oversight and the board did not implement a shareholder proposal that received the requisite support, we will recommend voting
against the entire board. If the shareholder proposal at issue requested that the board adopt a declassified structure, we will
recommend voting against all director nominees up for election.
26 Where a compensation-related shareholder proposal should have
been implemented, and when a reasonable analysis suggests that the members of the compensation committee (rather than the governance
committee) bear the responsibility for failing to implement the request, we recommend that shareholders only vote against members
of the compensation committee.
27 As discussed in the guidelines section labeled “Committee
Chairman,” if the committee chair is not specified, we recommend voting against the director who has been on the committee
the longest. If the longest-serving committee member cannot be determined, we will recommend voting against the longest-serving
board member serving on the committee.
28 We believe that one independent individual should be appointed
to serve as the lead or presiding director. When such a position is rotated among directors from meeting to meeting, we will recommend
voting against as if there were no lead or presiding director.
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3. |
In the absence of a nominating committee, the governance committee chair when there are less than five or the whole nominating committee when there are more than 20 members on the board. |
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4. |
The governance committee chair, when the committee fails to meet at all during the year. |
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5. |
The governance committee chair, when for two consecutive years the company provides what we consider to be “inadequate” related party transaction disclosure (i.e., the nature of such transactions and/or the monetary amounts involved are unclear or excessively vague, thereby preventing a shareholder from being able to reasonably interpret the independence status of multiple directors above and beyond what the company maintains is compliant with SEC or applicable stock exchange listing requirements). |
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6. |
The governance committee chair, when during the past year the board adopted a forum selection clause (i.e., an exclusive forum provision)29 without shareholder approval, or, if the board is currently seeking shareholder approval of a forum selection clause pursuant to a bundled bylaw amendment rather than as a separate proposal. |
Regarding the nominating committee, we will recommend voting
against the following:30
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1. |
All members of the nominating committee, when the committee nominated or renominated an individual who had a significant conflict of interest or whose past actions demonstrated a lack of integrity or inability to represent shareholder interests. |
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2. |
The nominating committee chair, if the nominating committee did not meet during the year, but should have (i.e., because new directors were nominated or appointed since the time of the last annual meeting). |
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3. |
In the absence of a governance committee, the nominating committee chair31 when the chairman is not independent, and an independent lead or presiding director has not been appointed.32 |
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4. |
The nominating committee chair, when there are less than five or the whole nominating committee when there are more than 20 members on the board.33 |
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5. |
The nominating committee chair, when a director received a greater than 50% against vote the prior year and not only was the director not removed, but the issues that raised shareholder concern were not corrected.34 |
BOARD-LEVEL RISK
MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT
Glass Lewis evaluates the risk management function of a public
company board on a strictly case-by-case basis. Sound risk management, while necessary at all companies, is particularly important
at
29 A forum selection clause is a bylaw provision stipulating that
a certain state, typically Delaware, shall be the exclusive forum for all intra-corporate disputes (e.g. shareholder derivative
actions, assertions of claims of a breach of fiduciary duty, etc.). Such a clause effectively limits a shareholder’s legal
remedy regarding appropriate choice of venue and related relief offered under that state’s laws and rulings.
30 As discussed in the guidelines section labeled “Committee
Chairman,” where we would recommend to vote against the committee chair but the chair is not up for election because the
board is staggered, we do not recommend voting against any members of the committee who are up for election; rather, we will simply
express our concern regarding the committee chair.
31 As discussed under the section labeled “Committee Chairman,”
if the committee chair is not specified, we will recommend voting against the director who has been on the committee the longest.
If the longest-serving committee member cannot be determined, we will recommend voting against the longest-serving board member
on the committee.
32 In the absence of both a governance and a nominating committee,
we will recommend voting against the chairman of the board on this basis, unless if the chairman also serves as the CEO, in which
case we will recommend voting against the director who has served on the board the longest.
33 In the absence of both a governance
and a nominating committee, we will recommend voting against the chairman of the board on this basis, unless if the chairman also
serves as the CEO, in which case we will recommend voting against the director who has served on the board the longest.
34 Considering
that shareholder discontent clearly relates to the director who received a greater than 50% against vote rather than the nominating
chair, we review the validity of the issue(s) that initially raised shareholder concern, follow-up on such matters, and only recommend
voting against the nominating chair if a reasonable analysis suggests that it would be most appropriate. In rare cases, we will
consider recommending against the nominating chair when a director receives a substantial (i.e., 25% or more) vote against based
on the same analysis.
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financial firms which inherently maintain significant exposure to financial
risk. We believe such financial firms should have a chief risk officer reporting directly to the board and a dedicated risk committee
or a committee of the board charged with risk oversight. Moreover, many non-financial firms maintain strategies which involve a
high level of exposure to financial risk. Similarly, since many non-financial firms have complex hedging or trading strategies,
those firms should also have a chief risk officer and a risk committee.
Our views on risk oversight are consistent with those expressed
by various regulatory bodies. In its December 2009 Final Rule release on Proxy Disclosure Enhancements, the SEC noted that risk
oversight is a key competence of the board and that additional disclosures would improve investor and shareholder understanding
of the role of the board in the organization’s risk management practices. The final rules, which became effective on February
28, 2010, now explicitly require companies and mutual funds to describe (while allowing for some degree of flexibility) the board’s
role in the oversight of risk.
When analyzing the risk management practices of public companies,
we take note of any significant losses or writedowns on financial assets and/or structured transactions. In cases where a company
has disclosed a sizable loss or writedown, and where we find that the company’s board-level risk committee contributed to
the loss through poor oversight, we would recommend that shareholders vote against such committee members on that basis. In addition,
in cases where a company maintains a significant level of financial risk exposure but fails to disclose any explicit form of board-level
risk oversight (committee or otherwise)35, we will consider recommending to vote against the chairman of the board on
that basis. However, we generally would not recommend voting against a combined chairman/CEO, except in egregious cases.
EXPERIENCE
We find that a director’s past conduct is often indicative
of future conduct and performance. We often find directors with a history of overpaying executives or of serving on boards where
avoidable disasters have occurred appearing at companies that follow these same patterns. Glass Lewis has a proprietary database
of directors serving at over 8,000 of the most widely held U.S. companies. We use this database to track the performance of directors
across companies.
Voting Recommendations
on the Basis of Director Experience
We typically recommend that shareholders vote against directors
who have served on boards or as executives of companies with records of poor performance, inadequate risk oversight, excessive
compensation, audit- or accounting-related issues, and/or other indicators of mismanagement or actions against the interests of
shareholders.36
Likewise, we examine the backgrounds of those who serve on key board committees to ensure that they
have the required skills and diverse backgrounds to make informed judgments about the subject matter for which the committee is
responsible.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the three key characteristics – independence,
performance, experience – that we use to evaluate board members, we consider conflict-of-interest issues as well as the size
of the board of directors when making voting recommendations.
35 A committee responsible for risk management could be a dedicated
risk committee, the audit committee, or the finance committee, depending on a given company’s board structure and method
of disclosure. At some companies, the entire board is charged with risk management.
36 We typically apply a three-year look-back to such issues and
also take into account the level of support the director has received from shareholders since the time of the failure.
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Conflicts of Interest
We believe board members should be wholly
free of identifiable and substantial conflicts of interest, regardless of the overall level of independent directors on the board.
Accordingly, we recommend that shareholders vote against the following types of directors:
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1. |
A CFO who is on the board: In our view, the CFO holds a unique position relative
to financial reporting and disclosure to shareholders. Due to the critical importance of financial disclosure and reporting,
we believe the CFO should report to the board and not be a member of it. |
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2. |
A director who is on an excessive number of boards: We will typically recommend voting against
a director who serves as an executive officer of any public company while serving on more than two other public company boards
and any other director who serves on more than six public company boards.37 Academic literature suggests that one
board takes up approximately 200 hours per year of each member’s time. We believe this limits the number of boards on
which directors can effectively serve, especially executives at other companies.38 Further, we note a recent study
has shown that the average number of outside board seats held by CEOs of S&P 500 companies is 0.6, down from 0.7 in 2008
and 1.0 in 2003.39 |
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3. |
A director, or a director who has an immediate family member, providing material consulting
or other material professional services to the company: These services may include legal, consulting, or financial services.
We question the need for the company to have consulting relationships with its directors. We view such relationships as creating
conflicts for directors, since they may be forced to weigh their own interests against shareholder interests when making board
decisions. In addition, a company’s decisions regarding where to turn for the best professional services may be compromised
when doing business with the professional services firm of one of the company’s directors. |
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4. |
A director, or a director who has an immediate family member, engaging in airplane, real estate,
or similar deals, including perquisite-type grants from the company, amounting to more than $50,000. Directors who receive
these sorts of payments from the company will have to make unnecessarily complicated decisions that may pit their interests
against shareholder interests. |
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5. |
Interlocking directorships: CEOs or other top executives who serve on each other’s
boards create an interlock that poses conflicts that should be avoided to ensure the promotion of shareholder interests above
all else.40 |
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6. |
All board members who served at a time when a poison pill with a term of longer than one year
was adopted without shareholder approval within the prior twelve months.41 In the event a board is classified and
shareholders are therefore unable to vote against all directors, we will recommend voting against the remaining directors
the next year they are up for a shareholder vote. If a poison pill with a term of one year or less was adopted without shareholder
approval, and without adequate justification, we will consider recommending that shareholders vote against all members of
the governance committee. If the board has, without seeking shareholder |
37 Glass Lewis will not recommend voting against the director
at the company where he or she serves as an executive officer, only at the other public companies where he or she serves on the
board.
38 Our guidelines are similar to the standards set forth by the
NACD in its “Report of the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Director Professionalism,” 2001 Edition, pp. 14-15 (also
cited approvingly by the Conference Board in its “Corporate Governance Best Practices: A Blueprint for the Post-Enron Era,”
2002, p. 17), which suggested that CEOs should not serve on more than 2 additional boards, persons with full-time work should not
serve on more than 4 additional boards, and others should not serve on more than six boards.
39 Spencer Stuart Board Index, 2013, p. 6.
40 We do not apply a look-back period for this situation. The
interlock policy applies to both public and private companies. We will also evaluate multiple board interlocks among non-insiders
(i.e., multiple directors serving on the same boards at other companies), for evidence of a pattern of poor oversight.
41 Refer to Section V. Governance Structure and the Shareholder
Franchise for further discussion of our policies regarding anti-takeover measures, including poison pills.
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approval, and without adequate justification, extended the term of a poison pill
by one year or less in two consecutive years, we will consider recommending that shareholders vote against the entire board. |
Size of the Board
of Directors
While we do not believe there is a universally
applicable optimum board size, we do believe boards should have at least five directors to ensure sufficient diversity in decision-making
and to enable the formation of key board committees with independent directors. Conversely, we believe that boards with more than
20 members will typically suffer under the weight of “too many cooks in the kitchen” and have difficulty reaching consensus
and making timely decisions. Sometimes the presence of too many voices can make it difficult to draw on the wisdom and experience
in the room by virtue of the need to limit the discussion so that each voice may be heard.
To that end, we typically recommend voting
against the chairman of the nominating committee at a board with fewer than five directors. With boards consisting of more than
20 directors, we typically recommend voting against all members of the nominating committee (or the governance committee, in the
absence of a nominating committee).42
CONTROLLED
COMPANIES
Controlled companies present an exception
to our independence recommendations. The board’s function is to protect shareholder interests; however, when an individual
or entity owns more than 50% of the voting shares, the interests of the majority of shareholders are the interests of that entity
or individual. Consequently, Glass Lewis does not apply our usual two-thirds independence rule and therefore we will not recommend
voting against boards whose composition reflects the makeup of the shareholder population.
Independence Exceptions
The independence exceptions that we make
for controlled companies are as follows:
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1. |
We do not require that controlled companies have boards that are at least two-thirds
independent. So long as the insiders and/or affiliates are connected with the controlling entity, we accept the presence of
non-independent board members. |
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2. |
The compensation committee and nominating and governance committees do not need
to consist solely of independent directors. |
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• |
We believe that standing nominating and corporate governance committees at controlled
companies are unnecessary. Although having a committee charged with the duties of searching for, selecting, and nominating
independent directors can be beneficial, the unique composition of a controlled company’s shareholder base makes such
committees weak and irrelevant. |
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Likewise, we believe that independent compensation committees at controlled companies
are unnecessary. Although independent directors are the best choice for approving and monitoring senior executives’
pay, controlled companies serve a unique shareholder population whose voting power ensures the protection of its interests.
As such, we believe that having affiliated directors on a controlled company’s compensation committee is acceptable.
However, given that a controlled company has certain obligations to minority shareholders we feel that an insider should not
serve on the compensation committee. Therefore, Glass Lewis |
42 The Conference Board, at p. 23 in its May 2003 report “Corporate
Governance Best Practices, Id.,” quotes one of its roundtable participants as stating, “[w]hen you’ve got a 20
or 30 person corporate board, it’s one way of assuring that nothing is ever going to happen that the CEO doesn’t want
to happen.”
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will recommend voting against any insider (the CEO or otherwise) serving on the
compensation committee. |
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3. |
Controlled companies do not need an independent chairman or an independent lead
or presiding director. Although an independent director in a position of authority on the board – such as chairman or
presiding director – can best carry out the board’s duties, controlled companies serve a unique shareholder population
whose voting power ensures the protection of its interests. |
Size of the Board of Directors
We have no board size requirements for controlled
companies.
Audit
Committee Independence
We believe that audit committees should
consist solely of independent directors. Regardless of a company’s controlled status, the interests of all shareholders must
be protected by ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the company’s financial statements. Allowing affiliated directors
to oversee the preparation of financial reports could create an insurmountable conflict of interest.
UNOFFICIALLY
CONTROLLED COMPANIES AND 20-50% BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Where a shareholder group owns more than
50% of a company’s voting power but the company is not a “controlled” company as defined by relevant listing
standards, we apply a lower independence requirement of a majority of the board but believe the company should otherwise be treated
like another public company; we will therefore apply all other standards as outlined above.
Similarly, where an individual or entity
holds between 20-50% of a company’s voting power, but the company is not “controlled,” we believe it is reasonable
to allow proportional representation on the board and committees (excluding the audit committee) based on the individual or entity’s
percentage of ownership.
EXCEPTIONS
FOR RECENT IPOs
We believe companies that have recently
completed an initial public offering (“IPO”) should be allowed adequate time to fully comply with marketplace listing
requirements as well as to meet basic corporate governance standards. We believe a one-year grace period immediately following
the date of a company’s IPO is sufficient time for most companies to comply with all relevant regulatory requirements and
to meet such corporate governance standards. Except in egregious cases, Glass Lewis refrains from issuing voting recommendations
on the basis of corporate governance best practices (e.g., board independence, committee membership and structure, meeting attendance,
etc.) during the one-year period following an IPO.
However, two specific cases warrant strong
shareholder action against the board of a company that completed an IPO within the past year:
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1. |
Adoption of a poison pill: In cases
where a board implements a poison pill preceding an IPO, we will consider voting against the members of the board who served
during the period of the poison pill’s adoption if the board (i) did not also commit to submit the poison pill to a
shareholder vote within 12 months of the IPO or (ii) did not provide a sound rationale for adopting the pill and the pill
does not expire in three years or less. In our view, adopting such an anti-takeover device unfairly penalizes future shareholders
who (except for electing to buy or sell the stock) are unable to weigh in on a matter that could potentially negatively impact
their ownership interest. This notion is strengthened when a board adopts a poison pill with a five to ten year life immediately
prior to having a public shareholder base so as to insulate management for a substantial amount |
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of time while postponing and/or avoiding allowing public shareholders the ability
to vote on the pill’s adoption. Such instances are indicative of boards that may subvert shareholders’ best interests
following their IPO. |
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2. |
Adoption of an exclusive forum provision: Consistent
with our general approach to boards that adopt exclusive forum provisions without shareholder approval (refer to our discussion
of nominating and governance committee performance in Section I of the guidelines), in cases where a board adopts such a provision
for inclusion in a company’s charter or bylaws before the company’s IPO, we will recommend voting against the
chairman of the governance committee, or, in the absence of such a committee, the chairman of the board, who served during
the period of time when the provision was adopted. |
In addition, shareholders should also be
wary of companies that adopt supermajority voting requirements before their IPO. Absent explicit provisions in the articles or
bylaws stipulating that certain policies will be phased out over a certain period of time (e.g. a predetermined declassification
of the board, a planned separation of the chairman and CEO, etc.) long-term shareholders could find themselves in the predicament
of having to attain a supermajority vote to approve future proposals seeking to eliminate such policies.
DUAL-LISTED
COMPANIES
For those companies whose shares trade on
exchanges in multiple countries, and which may seek shareholder approval of proposals in accordance with varying exchange- and
country-specific rules, we will apply the governance standards most relevant in each situation. We will consider a number of factors
in determining which Glass Lewis country-specific policy to apply, including but not limited to: (i) the corporate governance structure
and features of the company including whether the board structure is unique to a particular market; (ii) the nature of the proposals;
(iii) the location of the company’s primary listing, if one can be determined; (iv) the regulatory/governance regime that
the board is reporting against; and (v) the availability and completeness of the company’s SEC filings.
MUTUAL
FUND BOARDS
Mutual funds, or investment companies, are
structured differently from regular public companies (i.e., operating companies). Typically, members of a fund’s adviser
are on the board and management takes on a different role from that of regular public companies. Thus, we focus on a short list
of requirements, although many of our guidelines remain the same.
The following mutual fund policies are similar
to the policies for regular public companies:
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1. |
Size of the board of directors: The
board should be made up of between five and twenty directors. |
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2. |
The CFO on the board: Neither the CFO of the fund
nor the CFO of the fund’s registered investment adviser should serve on the board. |
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3. |
Independence of the audit committee: The audit
committee should consist solely of independent directors. |
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4. |
Audit committee financial expert: At least one
member of the audit committee should be designated as the audit committee financial expert. |
The following differences from regular public
companies apply at mutual funds:
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1. |
Independence of the board: We believe
that three-fourths of an investment company’s board should be made up of independent directors. This is consistent with
a proposed SEC rule on |
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investment company boards. The Investment Company Act requires 40% of the board
to be independent, but in 2001, the SEC amended the Exemptive Rules to require that a majority of a mutual fund board be independent.
In 2005, the SEC proposed increasing the independence threshold to 75%. In 2006, a federal appeals court ordered that this
rule amendment be put back out for public comment, putting it back into “proposed rule” status. Since mutual fund
boards play a vital role in overseeing the relationship between the fund and its investment manager, there is greater need
for independent oversight than there is for an operating company board. |
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2. |
When the auditor is not up for ratification: We
do not recommend voting against the audit committee if the auditor is not up for ratification. Due to the different legal
structure of an investment company compared to an operating company, the auditor for the investment company (i.e., mutual
fund) does not conduct the same level of financial review for each investment company as for an operating company. |
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3. |
Non-independent chairman: The SEC has proposed
that the chairman of the fund board be independent. We agree that the roles of a mutual fund’s chairman and CEO should
be separate. Although we believe this would be best at all companies, we recommend voting against the chairman of an investment
company’s nominating committee as well as the chairman of the board if the chairman and CEO of a mutual fund are the
same person and the fund does not have an independent lead or presiding director. Seven former SEC commissioners support the
appointment of an independent chairman and we agree with them that “an independent board chairman would be better able
to create conditions favoring the long-term interests of fund shareholders than would a chairman who is an executive of the
adviser.” (See the comment letter sent to the SEC in support of the proposed rule at http://www.sec.gov/news/studies/indchair.pdf)
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4. |
Multiple funds overseen by the same director: Unlike
service on a public company board, mutual fund boards require much less of a time commitment. Mutual fund directors typically
serve on dozens of other mutual fund boards, often within the same fund complex. The Investment Company Institute’s
(“ICI”) Overview of Fund Governance Practices, 1994-2012, indicates that the average number of funds served by
an independent director in 2012 was 53. Absent evidence that a specific director is hindered from being an effective board
member at a fund due to service on other funds’ boards, we refrain from maintaining a cap on the number of outside mutual
fund boards that we believe a director can serve on. |
DECLASSIFIED
BOARDS
Glass Lewis favors the repeal of staggered
boards and the annual election of directors. We believe staggered boards are less accountable to shareholders than boards that
are elected annually. Furthermore, we feel the annual election of directors encourages board members to focus on shareholder interests.
Empirical studies have shown: (i)
companies with staggered boards reduce a firm’s value; and (ii) in the context of hostile takeovers, staggered boards
operate as a takeover defense, which entrenches management, discourages potential acquirers, and delivers a lower return to
target shareholders.
In our view, there is no evidence to demonstrate
that staggered boards improve shareholder returns in a takeover context. Research shows that shareholders are worse off when a
staggered board blocks a transaction. A study by a group of Harvard Law professors concluded that companies whose staggered boards
prevented a takeover “reduced shareholder returns for targets ... on the order of eight to ten percent in the nine months
after a hostile bid was announced.”43 When a staggered board negotiates
43 Lucian Bebchuk, John Coates IV, Guhan Subramanian, “The
Powerful Antitakeover Force of Staggered Boards: Further Findings and a Reply to Symposium Participants,” 55 Stanford Law
Review 885-917 (2002), page 1.
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a friendly transaction, no statistically
significant difference in premiums occurs.44 Further, one of those same professors found that charter-based staggered
boards “reduce the market value of a firm by 4% to 6% of its market capitalization” and that “staggered boards
bring about and not merely reflect this reduction in market value.”45 A subsequent study reaffirmed that classified
boards reduce shareholder value, finding “that the ongoing process of dismantling staggered boards, encouraged by institutional
investors, could well contribute to increasing shareholder wealth.”46
Shareholders have increasingly come to agree
with this view. In 2013, 91% of S&P 500 companies had declassified boards, up from approximately 40% a decade ago.47 Clearly,
more shareholders have supported the repeal of classified boards. Resolutions relating to the repeal of staggered boards garnered
on average over 70% support among shareholders in 2008, whereas in 1987, only 16.4% of votes cast favored board declassification.48
Given the empirical evidence suggesting
staggered boards reduce a company’s value and the increasing shareholder opposition to such a structure, Glass Lewis supports
the declassification of boards and the annual election of directors.
MANDATORY
DIRECTOR TERM AND AGE LIMITS
Glass Lewis believes that director age and
term limits typically are not in shareholders’ best interests. Too often age and term limits are used by boards as a crutch
to remove board members who have served for an extended period of time. When used in that fashion, they are indicative of a board
that has a difficult time making “tough decisions.”
Academic literature suggests that there
is no evidence of a correlation between either length of tenure or age and director performance. On occasion, term limits can be
used as a means to remove a director for boards that are unwilling to police their membership and to enforce turnover. Some shareholders
support term limits as a way to force change when boards are unwilling to do so.
While we understand that age limits can
be a way to force change where boards are unwilling to make changes on their own, the long-term impact of age limits restricts
experienced and potentially valuable board members from service through an arbitrary means. Further, age limits unfairly imply
that older (or, in rare cases, younger) directors cannot contribute to company oversight.
In our view, a director’s experience
can be a valuable asset to shareholders because of the complex, critical issues that boards face. However, we support periodic
director rotation to ensure a fresh perspective in the boardroom and the generation of new ideas and business strategies. We believe
the board should implement such rotation instead of relying on arbitrary limits. When necessary, shareholders can address the issue
of director rotation through director elections.
We believe that shareholders are better
off monitoring the board’s approach to corporate governance and the board’s stewardship of company performance rather
than imposing inflexible rules that don’t necessarily correlate with returns or benefits for shareholders.
However, if a board adopts term/age limits,
it should follow through and not waive such limits. If the board waives its term/age limits, Glass Lewis will consider recommending
shareholders vote against the nominating and/or governance committees, unless the rule was waived with sufficient explanation,
such as consummation of a corporate transaction like a merger.
44 Id. at 2 (“Examining a sample of seventy-three negotiated
transactions from 2000 to 2002, we find no systematic benefits in terms of higher premia to boards that have [staggered structures].”).
45 Lucian Bebchuk, Alma Cohen, “The Costs of Entrenched
Boards” (2004).
46 Lucian Bebchuk, Alma Cohen and Charles C.Y. Wang, “Staggered
Boards and the Wealth of Shareholders:
Evidence from a Natural Experiment,” SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1706806 (2010),
p. 26.
47 Spencer Stuart Board Index, 2013, p. 4
48 Lucian Bebchuk, John Coates IV and Guhan Subramanian, “The
Powerful Antitakeover Force of Staggered Boards: Theory, Evidence, and Policy,” 54 Stanford Law Review 887-951 (2002).
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REQUIRING
TWO OR MORE NOMINEES PER BOARD SEAT
In an attempt to address lack of access
to the ballot, shareholders sometimes propose that the board give shareholders a choice of directors for each open board seat in
every election. However, we feel that policies requiring a selection of multiple nominees for each board seat would discourage
prospective directors from accepting nominations. A prospective director could not be confident either that he or she is the board’s
clear choice or that he or she would be elected. Therefore, Glass Lewis generally will vote against such proposals.
PROXY
ACCESS
Proxy Access has garnered significant attention
in recent years. As in 2013, we expect to see a number of shareholder proposals regarding this topic in 2014 and perhaps even some
companies unilaterally adopting some elements of proxy access. However, considering the uncertainty in this area and the inherent
case-by-case nature of those situations, we refrain from establishing any specific parameters at this time.
For a discussion of recent regulatory events
in this area, along with a detailed overview of the Glass Lewis approach to Shareholder Proposals regarding Proxy Access, refer
to Glass Lewis’ Proxy Paper Guidelines for Shareholder Initiatives.
MAJORITY
VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
In stark contrast to the failure of shareholder
access to gain acceptance, majority voting for the election of directors is fast becoming the de facto standard in corporate board
elections. In our view, the majority voting proposals are an effort to make the case for shareholder impact on director elections
on a company-specific basis.
While this proposal would not give shareholders
the opportunity to nominate directors or lead to elections where shareholders have a choice among director candidates, if implemented,
the proposal would allow shareholders to have a voice in determining whether the nominees proposed by the board should actually
serve as the overseer-representatives of shareholders in the boardroom. We believe this would be a favorable outcome for shareholders.
During the first half of 2013, Glass Lewis
tracked approximately 30 shareholder proposals seeking to require a majority vote to elect directors at annual meetings in the
U.S. While this is roughly on par with what we have reviewed in each of the past several years, it is a sharp contrast to the 147
proposals tracked during all of 2006. This large drop in the number of proposals being submitted in recent years compared to 2006
is a result of many companies having already adopted some form of majority voting, including approximately 84% of companies in
the S&P 500 Index, up from 56% in 2008.49 During 2013, these proposals received, on average, 59% shareholder support
(excluding abstentions and broker non-votes), up from 54% in 2008. Further, nearly half of these resolutions received majority
shareholder support.
THE PLURALITY
VOTE STANDARD
Today, most US companies still elect directors
by a plurality vote standard. Under that standard, if one shareholder holding only one share votes in favor of a nominee (including
himself, if the director is a shareholder), that nominee “wins” the election and assumes a seat on the board. The common
concern among companies with a plurality voting standard is the possibility that one or more directors would not receive a majority
of votes, resulting in “failed elections.” This was of particular concern during the 1980s, an era of frequent takeovers
and contests for control of companies.
49 Spencer Stuart Board Index, 2013, p. 13
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ADVANTAGES
OF A MAJORITY VOTE STANDARD
If a majority vote standard were implemented,
a nominee would have to receive the support of a majority of the shares voted in order to be elected. Thus, shareholders could
collectively vote to reject a director they believe will not pursue their best interests. We think that this minimal amount of
protection for shareholders is reasonable and will not upset the corporate structure nor reduce the willingness of qualified shareholder-focused
directors to serve in the future.
We believe that a majority vote standard
will likely lead to more attentive directors. Occasional use of this power will likely prevent the election of directors with a
record of ignoring shareholder interests in favor of other interests that conflict with those of investors. Glass Lewis will generally
support proposals calling for the election of directors by a majority vote except for use in contested director elections.
In response to the high level of support
majority voting has garnered, many companies have voluntarily taken steps to implement majority voting or modified approaches to
majority voting. These steps range from a modified approach requiring directors that receive a majority of withheld votes to resign
(e.g., Ashland Inc.) to actually requiring a majority vote of outstanding shares to elect directors (e.g., Intel).
We feel that the modified approach does
not go far enough because requiring a director to resign is not the same as requiring a majority vote to elect a director and does
not allow shareholders a definitive voice in the election process. Further, under the modified approach, the corporate governance
committee could reject a resignation and, even if it accepts the resignation, the corporate governance committee decides on the
director’s replacement. And since the modified approach is usually adopted as a policy by the board or a board committee,
it could be altered by the same board or committee at any time.
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| III. | TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTING |
AUDITOR RATIFICATION
The auditor’s role as gatekeeper is
crucial in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the financial information necessary for protecting shareholder value. Shareholders
rely on the auditor to ask tough questions and to do a thorough analysis of a company’s books to ensure that the information
provided to shareholders is complete, accurate, fair, and that it is a reasonable representation of a company’s financial
position. The only way shareholders can make rational investment decisions is if the market is equipped with accurate information
about a company’s fiscal health. As stated in the October 6, 2008 Final Report of the Advisory Committee on the Auditing
Profession to the U.S. Department of the Treasury:
“The auditor is expected to offer
critical and objective judgment on the financial matters under consideration, and actual and perceived absence of conflicts is
critical to that expectation. The Committee believes that auditors, investors, public companies, and other market participants
must understand the independence requirements and their objectives, and that auditors must adopt a mindset of skepticism when facing
situations that may compromise their independence.”
As such, shareholders should demand an objective,
competent and diligent auditor who performs at or above professional standards at every company in which the investors hold an
interest. Like directors, auditors should be free from conflicts of interest and should avoid situations requiring a choice between
the auditor’s interests and the public’s interests. Almost without exception, shareholders should be able to annually
review an auditor’s performance and to annually ratify a board’s auditor selection. Moreover, in October 2008, the
Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession went even further, and recommended that “to further enhance audit committee
oversight and auditor accountability... disclosure in the company proxy statement regarding shareholder ratification [should]
include the name(s) of the senior auditing partner(s) staffed on the engagement.”50
On August 16, 2011, the PCAOB issued a Concept
Release seeking public comment on ways that auditor independence, objectivity and professional skepticism could be enhanced, with
a specific emphasis on mandatory audit firm rotation. The PCAOB convened several public roundtable meetings during 2012 to further
discuss such matters. Glass Lewis believes auditor rotation can ensure both the independence of the auditor and the integrity of
the audit; we will typically recommend supporting proposals to require auditor rotation when the proposal uses a reasonable period
of time (usually not less than 5-7 years), particularly at
companies with a history of accounting problems.
VOTING RECOMMENDATIONS ON AUDITOR RATIFICATION
We generally support management’s
choice of auditor except when we believe the auditor’s independence or audit integrity has been compromised. Where a board
has not allowed shareholders to review and ratify an auditor, we typically recommend voting against the audit committee chairman.
When there have been material restatements of annual financial statements or material weaknesses in internal controls, we usually
recommend voting against the entire audit committee.
50 “Final Report of the Advisory Committee on the Auditing
Profession to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.” p. VIII:20, October 6, 2008.
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Reasons why we may not recommend ratification of an auditor include:
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1. |
When audit fees plus audit-related fees total less than the tax fees and/or other non-audit fees. |
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2. |
Recent material restatements of annual financial statements, including those resulting in the reporting of material weaknesses in internal controls and including late filings by the company where the auditor bears some responsibility for the restatement or late filing.51 |
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3. |
When the auditor performs prohibited services such as tax-shelter work, tax services for the CEO or CFO, or contingent-fee work, such as a fee based on a percentage of economic benefit to the company. |
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4. |
When audit fees are excessively low, especially when compared with other companies in the same industry. |
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When the company has aggressive accounting policies. |
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When the company has poor disclosure or lack of transparency in its financial statements. |
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7. |
Where the auditor limited its liability through its contract with the company or the audit contract requires the corporation to use alternative dispute resolution procedures without adequate justification. |
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8. |
We also look for other relationships or concerns with the auditor that might suggest a conflict between the auditor’s interests and shareholder interests. |
PENSION ACCOUNTING ISSUES
A pension accounting question often raised
in proxy proposals is what effect, if any, projected returns on employee pension assets should have on a company’s net income.
This issue often arises in the executive-compensation context in a discussion of the extent to which pension accounting should
be reflected in business performance for purposes of calculating payments to executives.
Glass Lewis believes that pension credits
should not be included in measuring income that is used to award performance-based compensation. Because many of the assumptions
used in accounting for retirement plans are subject to the company’s discretion, management would have an obvious conflict
of interest if pay were tied to pension income. In our view, projected income from pensions does not truly reflect a company’s
performance.
51 An auditor does not audit interim financial
statements. Thus, we generally do not believe that an auditor should be opposed due to a restatement of interim financial statements
unless the nature of the misstatement is clear from a reading of the incorrect financial statements.
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| IV. |
THE LINK BETWEEN COMPENSATION
AND PERFORMANCE |
Glass Lewis carefully reviews the compensation
awarded to senior executives, as we believe that this is an important area in which the board’s priorities are revealed.
Glass Lewis strongly believes executive compensation should be linked directly with the performance of the business the executive
is charged with managing. We believe the most effective compensation arrangements provide for an appropriate mix of performance-based
short- and long-term incentives in addition to fixed pay elements.
Glass Lewis believes that comprehensive,
timely and transparent disclosure of executive pay is critical to allowing shareholders to evaluate the extent to which pay is
keeping pace with company performance. When reviewing proxy materials, Glass Lewis examines whether the company discloses the performance
metrics used to determine executive compensation. We recognize performance metrics must necessarily vary depending on the company
and industry, among other factors, and may include a wide variety of financial measures as well as industry-specific performance
indicators. However, we believe companies should disclose why the specific performance metrics were selected and how the actions
they are designed to incentivize will lead to better corporate performance.
Moreover, it is rarely in shareholders’
interests to disclose competitive data about individual salaries below the senior executive level. Such disclosure could create
internal personnel discord that would be counterproductive for the company and its shareholders. While we favor full disclosure
for senior executives and we view pay disclosure at the aggregate level (e.g., the number of employees being paid over a certain
amount or in certain categories) as potentially useful, we do not believe shareholders need or will benefit from detailed reports
about individual management employees other than the most senior executives.
ADVISORY VOTE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) required companies to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation at the
first shareholder meeting that occurs six months after enactment of the bill (January 21, 2011).
This practice of allowing shareholders a
non-binding vote on a company’s compensation report is standard practice in many non-US countries, and has been a requirement
for most companies in the United Kingdom since 2003 and in Australia since 2005. Although say-on-pay proposals are non-binding,
a high level of “against” or “abstain” votes indicates substantial
shareholder concern about a company’s compensation policies and procedures.
Given the complexity of most companies’
compensation programs, Glass Lewis applies a highly nuanced approach when analyzing advisory votes on executive compensation. We
review each company’s compensation on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that each company must be examined in the context
of industry, size, maturity, performance, financial condition, its historic pay for performance practices, and any other relevant
internal or external factors.
We believe that each company should design
and apply specific compensation policies and practices that are appropriate to the circumstances of the company and, in particular,
will attract and retain competent executives and other staff, while motivating them to grow the company’s long-term shareholder
value.
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Where we find those specific policies and
practices serve to reasonably align compensation with performance, and such practices are adequately disclosed, Glass Lewis will
recommend supporting the company’s approach. If, however, those specific policies and practices fail to demonstrably link
compensation with performance, Glass Lewis will generally recommend voting against the say-on-pay proposal.
Glass Lewis focuses on four main areas when
reviewing say-on-pay proposals:
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The overall design and structure of the company’s executive compensation program including performance metrics; |
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The quality and content of the company’s disclosure; |
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The quantum paid to executives; and |
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The link between compensation and performance as indicated by the company’s current and past pay-for-performance grades. |
We also review any significant changes or
modifications, and rationale for such changes, made to the company’s compensation structure or award amounts, including base
salaries.
SAY-ON-PAY VOTING
RECOMMENDATIONS
In cases where we find deficiencies in a
company’s compensation program’s design, implementation or management, we will recommend that shareholders vote against
the say-on-pay proposal. Generally such instances include evidence of a pattern of poor pay-for-performance practices (i.e., deficient
or failing pay for performance grades), unclear or questionable disclosure regarding the overall compensation structure (e.g.,
limited information regarding benchmarking processes, limited rationale for bonus performance metrics and targets, etc.), questionable
adjustments to certain aspects of the overall compensation structure (e.g., limited rationale for significant changes to performance
targets or metrics, the payout of guaranteed bonuses or sizable retention grants, etc.), and/or other egregious compensation practices.
Although not an exhaustive list, the following
issues when weighed together may cause Glass Lewis to recommend voting against a say-on-pay vote:
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Inappropriate peer group and/or benchmarking issues; |
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Inadequate or no rationale for changes to peer groups; |
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Egregious or excessive bonuses, equity awards or severance payments, including golden handshakes and golden parachutes; |
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Guaranteed bonuses; |
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Targeting overall levels of compensation at higher than median without adequate justification; |
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Bonus or long-term plan targets set at less than mean or negative performance levels; |
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Performance targets not sufficiently challenging, and/or providing for high potential payouts; |
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Performance targets lowered without justification; |
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Discretionary bonuses paid when short- or long-term incentive plan targets were not met; |
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Executive pay high relative to peers not justified by outstanding company performance; and |
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The terms of the long-term incentive plans are inappropriate (please see “Long-Term Incentives” on page 28). |
In instances where a company has simply
failed to provide sufficient disclosure of its policies, we may recommend shareholders vote against this proposal solely on this
basis, regardless of the appropriateness of compensation levels.
COMPANY RESPONSIVENESS
At companies that received a significant
level of shareholder disapproval (25% or greater) to their say-on-pay proposal at the previous annual meeting, we believe the board
should demonstrate some level of engagement and responsiveness to the shareholder concerns behind the discontent. While we recognize
that sweeping changes cannot be made to a compensation program without due consideration and that a majority of shareholders voted
in favor of the proposal, we will look for disclosure in the proxy statement and other publicly-disclosed filings that indicates
the compensation committee is responding to the prior year’s vote results including engaging with large shareholders to identify
the concerns causing the substantial vote against. In the absence of any evidence that the board is actively engaging shareholders
on these issues and responding accordingly, we may recommend holding compensation committee members accountable for failing to
adequately respond to shareholder opposition, giving careful consideration to the level of shareholder protest and the severity
and history of compensation problems.
Where we identify egregious compensation
practices, we may also recommend voting against the compensation committee based on the practices or actions of its members during
the year, such as approving large one-off payments, the inappropriate, unjustified use of discretion, or sustained poor pay for
performance practices.
PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
Glass Lewis believes an integral part of
a well-structured compensation package is a successful link between pay and performance. Our proprietary pay-for-performance model
was developed to better evaluate the link between pay and performance of the top five executives at US companies. Our model benchmarks
these executives’ pay and company performance against peers selected by Equilar’s market-based peer groups and across
five performance metrics. By measuring the magnitude of the gap between two weighted-average percentile rankings (executive compensation
and performance), we grade companies from a school letter system: “A”, “B”, “F”, etc. The grades
guide our evaluation of compensation committee effectiveness and we generally recommend voting against compensation committee of
companies with a pattern of failing our pay-for-performance analysis.
We also use this analysis to inform our
voting decisions on say-on-pay proposals. As such, if a company receives a failing grade from our proprietary model, we are likely
to recommend that shareholders vote against
the say-on-pay proposal. However, there may be exceptions to this rule such as when a company makes significant enhancements to
its compensation programs that may not be reflected yet in a quantitative assessment.
SHORT-TERM INCENTIVES
A short-term bonus or incentive (“STI”)
should be demonstrably tied to performance. Whenever possible, we believe a mix of corporate and individual performance measures
is appropriate. We would normally expect performance measures for STIs to be based on company-wide or divisional financial measures
as well as non-financial factors such as those related to safety, environmental issues, and customer satisfaction. While we recognize
that companies operating in different sectors or markets may seek to utilize a wide range of metrics, we expect such measures to
be appropriately tied to a company’s business drivers.
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Further, the target and potential maximum awards that can be
achieved under STI awards should be disclosed. Shareholders should expect stretching performance targets for the maximum award
to be achieved. Any increase in the potential maximum award should be clearly justified to shareholders.
Glass Lewis recognizes that disclosure of some measures may include
commercially confidential information. Therefore, we believe it may be reasonable to exclude such information in some cases as
long as the company provides sufficient justification for non-disclosure. However, where a short-term bonus has been paid, companies
should disclose the extent to which performance has been achieved against relevant targets, including disclosure of the actual
target achieved.
Where management has received significant STIs but short-term
performance over the previous year prima facie appears to be poor or negative, we believe the company should provide a clear explanation
of why these significant short-term payments were made.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES
Glass Lewis recognizes the value of equity-based incentive programs.
When used appropriately, they can provide a vehicle for linking an executive’s pay to company performance, thereby aligning
their interests with those of shareholders. In addition, equity-based compensation can be an effective way to attract, retain and
motivate key employees.
There are certain elements that Glass Lewis believes are common
to most well-structured long-term incentive (“LTI”) plans. These include:
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No re-testing or lowering of performance conditions; |
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Performance metrics that cannot be easily manipulated by management; |
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Two or more performance metrics; |
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At least one relative performance metric that compares the company’s performance to a relevant peer group or index; |
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Performance periods of at least three years; |
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Stretching metrics that incentivize executives to strive for outstanding performance while not encouraging excessive risk-taking; and |
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Individual limits expressed as a percentage of base salary. |
Performance measures should be carefully selected and should
relate to the specific business/industry in which the company operates and, especially, the key value drivers of the company’s
business.
While cognizant of the inherent complexity of certain performance
metrics, Glass Lewis generally believes that measuring a company’s performance with multiple metrics serves to provide a
more complete picture of the company’s performance than a single metric, which may focus too much management attention on
a single target and is therefore more susceptible to manipulation. When utilized for relative measurements, external benchmarks
such as a sector index or peer group should be disclosed and transparent. The rationale behind the selection of a specific index
or peer group should also be disclosed. Internal benchmarks should also be disclosed and transparent, unless a cogent case for
confidentiality is made and fully explained.
We also believe shareholders should
evaluate the relative success of a company’s compensation programs, particularly with regard to existing equity-based
incentive plans, in linking pay and performance in evaluating new LTI plans to determine the impact of additional stock
awards. We
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will therefore review the company’s pay-for-performance
grade (see below for more information) and specifically the proportion of total compensation that is stock-based.
RECOUPMENT (“CLAWBACK”)
PROVISIONS
Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires the SEC to create
a rule requiring listed companies to adopt policies for recouping certain compensation during a three-year look-back period. The
rule applies to incentive-based compensation paid to current or former executives if the company is required to prepare an accounting
restatement due to erroneous data resulting from material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirements under the securities
laws.
These recoupment provisions are more stringent than under Section
304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in three respects: (i) the provisions extend to current or former executive officers rather than
only to the CEO and CFO; (ii) it has a three-year look-back period (rather than a twelve-month look-back period); and (iii) it
allows for recovery of compensation based upon a financial restatement due to erroneous data, and therefore does not require misconduct
on the part of the executive or other employees.
HEDGING OF STOCK
Glass Lewis believes that the hedging of shares by executives
in the shares of the companies where they are employed severs the alignment of interests of the executive with shareholders. We
believe companies should adopt strict policies to prohibit executives from hedging the economic risk associated with their shareownership
in the company.
PLEDGING OF STOCK
Glass Lewis believes that shareholders should examine the facts
and circumstances of each company rather than apply a one-size-fits-all policy regarding employee stock pledging. Glass Lewis believes
that shareholders benefit when employees, particularly senior executives have “skin-in-the-game” and therefore recognizes
the benefits of measures designed to encourage employees to both buy shares out of their own pocket and to retain shares they have
been granted; blanket policies prohibiting stock pledging may discourage executives and employees from doing either.
However, we also recognize that the pledging of shares can present
a risk that, depending on a host of factors, an executive with significant pledged shares and limited other assets may have an
incentive to take steps to avoid a forced sale of shares in the face of a rapid stock price decline. Therefore, to avoid substantial
losses from a forced sale to meet the terms of the loan, the executive may have an incentive to boost the stock price in the short
term in a manner that is unsustainable, thus hurting shareholders in the long-term. We also recognize concerns regarding pledging
may not apply to less senior employees, given the latter group’s significantly more limited influence over a company’s
stock price. Therefore, we believe that the issue of pledging shares should be reviewed in that context, as should polices that
distinguish between the two groups.
Glass Lewis believes that the benefits of stock ownership by
executives and employees may outweigh the risks of stock pledging, depending on many factors. As such, Glass Lewis reviews all
relevant factors in evaluating proposed policies, limitations and prohibitions on pledging stock, including:
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The number of shares pledged; |
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The percentage executives’ pledged shares are of outstanding shares; |
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The percentage executives’ pledged shares are of each executive’s shares and total assets; |
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Whether the pledged shares were purchased by the employee or granted by the company; |
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Whether there are different policies for purchased and granted shares; |
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Whether the granted shares were time-based or performance-based; |
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The overall governance profile of the company; |
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The volatility of the company’s stock (in order to determine the likelihood of a sudden stock price drop); |
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The nature and cyclicality, if applicable, of the company’s industry; |
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The participation and eligibility of executives and employees in pledging; |
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The company’s current policies regarding pledging and any waiver from these policies for employees and executives; and |
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Disclosure of the extent of any pledging, particularly among senior executives. |
COMPENSATION CONSULTANT
INDEPENDENCE
As mandated by Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank Act, as of January
11, 2013, the SEC approved new listing requirements for both the NYSE and NASDAQ which require compensation committees to consider
six factors in assessing compensation advisor independence. These factors include: (1) provision of other services to the company;
(2) fees paid by the company as a percentage of the advisor’s total annual revenue; (3) policies and procedures of the advisor
to mitigate conflicts of interests; (4) any business or personal relationships of the consultant with any member of the compensation
committee; (5) any company stock held by the consultant; and (6) any business or personal relationships of the consultant with
any executive officer of the company. According to the SEC, “no one factor should be viewed as a determinative factor.”
Glass Lewis believes this six-factor assessment is an important process for every compensation committee to undertake.
We believe compensation consultants are engaged to provide objective,
disinterested, expert advice to the compensation committee. When the consultant or its affiliates receive substantial income from
providing other services to the company, we believe the potential for a conflict of interest arises and the independence of the
consultant may be jeopardized. Therefore, Glass Lewis will, when relevant, note the potential for a conflict of interest when the
fees paid to the advisor or its affiliates for other services exceeds those paid for compensation consulting.
FREQUENCY OF
SAY-ON-PAY
The Dodd-Frank Act also requires companies to allow shareholders
a non-binding vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes, i.e. every one, two or three years. Additionally, Dodd-Frank requires
companies to hold such votes on the frequency of say-on-pay votes at least once every six years.
We believe companies should submit say-on-pay votes to shareholders
every year. We believe that the time and financial burdens to a company with regard to an annual vote are relatively small and
incremental and are outweighed by the benefits to shareholders through more frequent accountability. Implementing biannual or triennial
votes on executive compensation limits shareholders’ ability to hold the board accountable for its compensation practices
through means other than voting against the compensation committee. Unless a company provides a compelling rationale or unique
circumstances for say-on-pay votes less frequent than annually, we will generally recommend that shareholders support annual votes
on compensation.
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VOTE ON GOLDEN
PARACHUTE ARRANGEMENTS
The Dodd-Frank Act also requires companies to provide shareholders
with a separate non-binding vote on approval of golden parachute compensation arrangements in connection with certain change-in-control
transactions. However, if the golden parachute arrangements have previously been subject to a say-on-pay vote which shareholders
approved, then this required vote is waived.
Glass Lewis believes the narrative and tabular disclosure of
golden parachute arrangements benefits all shareholders. Glass Lewis analyzes each golden parachute arrangement on a case-by-case
basis, taking into account, among other items: the ultimate value of the payments particularly compared to the value of the transaction,
the tenure and position of the executives in question, and the type of triggers involved (single vs. double).
EQUITY-BASED
COMPENSATION PLAN PROPOSALS
We believe that equity compensation awards are useful, when not
abused, for retaining employees and providing an incentive for them to act in a way that will improve company performance. Glass
Lewis evaluates equity-based compensation plans using a detailed model and analytical review.
Equity-based compensation programs have important differences
from cash compensation plans and bonus programs. Accordingly, our model and analysis takes into account factors such as plan administration,
the method and terms of exercise, repricing history, express or implied rights to reprice, and the presence of evergreen provisions.
Our analysis is primarily quantitative and focused on the plan’s
cost as compared with the business’s operating metrics. We run twenty different analyses, comparing the program with absolute
limits we believe are key to equity value creation and with a carefully chosen peer group. In general, our model seeks to determine
whether the proposed plan is either absolutely excessive or is more than one standard deviation away from the average plan for
the peer group on a range of criteria, including dilution to shareholders and the projected annual cost relative to the company’s
financial performance. Each of the twenty analyses (and their constituent parts) is weighted and the plan is scored in accordance
with that weight.
In our analysis, we compare the program’s expected annual
expense with the business’s operating metrics to help determine whether the plan is excessive in light of company performance.
We also compare the plan’s expected annual cost to the enterprise value of the firm rather than to market capitalization
because the employees, managers and directors of the firm contribute to the creation of enterprise value but not necessarily market
capitalization (the biggest difference is seen where cash represents the vast majority of market capitalization). Finally, we do
not rely exclusively on relative comparisons with averages because, in addition to creeping averages serving to inflate compensation,
we believe that some absolute limits are warranted.
We evaluate equity plans based on certain overarching principles:
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Companies should seek more shares only when needed; |
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Requested share amounts should be small enough that companies seek shareholder approval every three to four years (or more frequently); |
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If a plan is relatively expensive, it should not grant options solely to senior executives and board members; |
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Annual net share count and voting power dilution should be limited; |
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Annual cost of the plan (especially if not shown on the income statement) should be reasonable as a percentage of financial results and should be in line with the peer group; |
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The expected annual cost of the plan should be proportional to the business’s value; |
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The intrinsic value that option grantees received in the past should be reasonable compared with the business’s financial results; |
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Plans should deliver value on a per-employee basis when compared with programs at peer companies; |
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Plans should not permit re-pricing of stock options; |
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Plans should not contain excessively liberal administrative or payment terms; |
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Plans should not count shares in ways that understate the potential dilution, or cost, to common shareholders. This refers to “inverse” full-value award multipliers; |
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Selected performance metrics should be challenging and appropriate, and should be subject to relative performance measurements; and |
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Stock grants should be subject to minimum vesting and/or holding periods sufficient to ensure sustainable performance and promote retention. |
OPTION EXCHANGES
Glass Lewis views option repricing plans and option exchange
programs with great skepticism. Shareholders have substantial risk in owning stock and we believe that the employees, officers,
and directors who receive stock options should be similarly situated to align their interests with shareholder interests.
We are concerned that option grantees who believe they will be
“rescued” from underwater options will be more inclined to take unjustifiable risks. Moreover, a predictable pattern
of repricing or exchanges substantially alters a stock option’s value because options that will practically never expire
deeply out of the money are worth far more than options that carry a risk of expiration.
In short, repricings and option exchange programs change the
bargain between shareholders and employees after the bargain has been struck.
There is one circumstance in which a repricing or option exchange
program is acceptable: if macroeconomic or industry trends, rather than specific company issues, cause a stock’s value to
decline dramatically and the repricing is necessary to motivate and retain employees. In this circumstance, we think it fair to
conclude that option grantees may be suffering from a risk that was not foreseeable when the original “bargain” was
struck. In such a circumstance, we will recommend supporting a repricing only if the following conditions are true:
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Officers and board members cannot participate in the program; |
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The stock decline mirrors the market or industry price decline in terms of timing and approximates the decline in magnitude; |
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The exchange is
value-neutral or value-creative to shareholders using very conservative assumptions and with a recognition of the adverse
selection problems inherent in voluntary programs; and |
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Management and the board make a cogent case for needing to motivate and retain existing employees, such as being in a competitive employment market. |
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OPTION BACKDATING,
SPRING-LOADING AND BULLET-DODGING
Glass Lewis views option backdating, and the related practices
of spring-loading and bullet-dodging, as egregious actions that warrant holding the appropriate management and board members responsible.
These practices are similar to re-pricing options and eliminate much of the downside risk inherent in an option grant that is designed
to induce recipients to maximize shareholder return.
Backdating an option is the act of changing an option’s
grant date from the actual grant date to an earlier date when the market price of the underlying stock was lower, resulting in
a lower exercise price for the option. Since 2006, Glass Lewis has identified over 270 companies that have disclosed internal or
government investigations into their past stock-option grants.
Spring-loading is granting stock options while in possession
of material, positive information that has not been disclosed publicly. Bullet-dodging is delaying the grants of stock options
until after the release of material, negative information. This can allow option grants to be made at a lower price either before
the release of positive news or following the release of negative news, assuming the stock’s price will move up or down in
response to the information. This raises a concern similar to that of insider trading, or the trading on material non-public information.
The exercise price for an option is determined on the day of
grant, providing the recipient with the same market risk as an investor who bought shares on that date. However, where options
were backdated, the executive or the board (or the compensation committee) changed the grant date retroactively. The new date may
be at or near the lowest price for the year or period. This would be like allowing an investor to look back and select the lowest
price of the year at which to buy shares.
A 2006 study of option grants made between 1996 and 2005 at 8,000
companies found that option backdating can be an indication of poor internal controls. The study found that option backdating was
more likely to occur at companies without a majority independent board and with a long-serving CEO; both factors, the study concluded,
were associated with greater CEO influence on the company’s compensation and governance practices.52
Where a company
granted backdated options to an executive who is also a director, Glass Lewis will recommend voting against that executive/director,
regardless of who decided to make the award. In addition, Glass Lewis will recommend voting against those directors who either
approved or allowed the backdating. Glass Lewis feels that executives and directors who either benefited from backdated options
or authorized the practice have breached their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders.
Given the severe tax and legal liabilities to the company from
backdating, Glass Lewis will consider recommending voting against members of the audit committee who served when options were backdated,
a restatement occurs, material weaknesses in internal controls exist and disclosures indicate there was a lack of documentation.
These committee members failed in their responsibility to ensure the integrity of the company’s financial reports.
When a company has engaged in
spring-loading or bullet-dodging, Glass Lewis will consider recommending voting against the compensation committee members
where there has been a pattern of granting options at or near historic lows. Glass Lewis will also recommend voting against
executives serving on the board who benefited from the spring-loading or bullet-dodging.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
PLANS
Glass Lewis believes that non-employee directors should receive
reasonable and appropriate compensation for the time and effort they spend serving on the board and its committees. However, a
52 Lucian Bebchuk, Yaniv Grinstein and Urs Peyer. “LUCKY
CEOs.” November, 2006.
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balance is required. Fees should be competitive in order to retain
and attract qualified individuals, but excessive fees represent a financial cost to the company and potentially compromise the
objectivity and independence of non-employee directors. We will consider recommending supporting compensation plans that include
option grants or other equity-based awards that help to align the interests of outside directors with those of shareholders. However,
equity grants to directors should not be performance-based to ensure directors are not incentivized in the same manner as executives
but rather serve as a check on imprudent risk-taking in executive compensation plan design.
Glass Lewis uses a proprietary model and analyst review to evaluate
the costs of equity plans compared to the plans of peer companies with similar market capitalizations. We use the results of this
model to guide our voting recommendations on stock-based director compensation plans.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY (IRS 162(M) COMPLIANCE)
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code allows companies
to deduct compensation in excess of $1 million for the CEO and the next three most highly compensated executive officers, excluding
the CFO, if the compensation is performance-based and is paid under shareholder-approved plans. Companies therefore submit incentive
plans for shareholder approval to take of advantage of the tax deductibility afforded under 162(m) for certain types of compensation.
We believe the best practice for companies is to provide robust
disclosure to shareholders so that they can make fully-informed judgments about the reasonableness of the proposed compensation
plan. To allow for meaningful shareholder review, we prefer that disclosure should include specific performance metrics, a maximum
award pool, and a maximum award amount per employee. We also believe it is important to analyze the estimated grants to see if
they are reasonable and in line with the company’s peers.
We typically recommend voting against a 162(m) proposal where:
(i) a company fails to provide at least a list of performance targets; (ii) a company fails to provide one of either a total maximum
or an individual maximum; or (iii) the proposed plan is excessive when compared with the plans of the company’s peers.
The company’s record of aligning pay with performance (as
evaluated using our proprietary pay-for-performance model) also plays a role in our recommendation. Where a company has a record
of setting reasonable pay relative to business performance, we generally recommend voting in favor of a plan even if the plan caps
seem large relative to peers because we recognize the value in special pay arrangements for continued exceptional performance.
As with all other issues we review, our goal is to provide consistent
but contextual advice given the specifics of the company and ongoing performance. Overall, we recognize that it is generally not
in shareholders’ best interests to vote against such a plan and forgo the potential tax benefit since shareholder rejection
of such plans will not curtail the awards; it will only prevent the tax deduction associated with them.
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| V. | GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND THE SHAREHOLDER FRANCHISE |
ANTI-TAKEOVER
MEASURES
POISON
PILLS (SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLANS)
Glass Lewis believes that poison pill plans
are not generally in shareholders’ best interests. They can reduce management accountability by substantially limiting opportunities
for corporate takeovers. Rights plans can thus prevent shareholders from receiving a buy-out premium for their stock. Typically
we recommend that shareholders vote against these plans to protect their financial interests and ensure that they have an opportunity
to consider any offer for their shares, especially those at a premium.
We believe boards should be given wide latitude
in directing company activities and in charting the company’s course. However, on an issue such as this, where the link between
the shareholders’ financial interests and their right to consider and accept buyout offers is substantial, we believe that
shareholders should be allowed to vote on whether they support such a plan’s implementation. This issue is different from
other matters that are typically left to board discretion. Its potential impact on and relation to shareholders is direct and substantial.
It is also an issue in which management interests may be different from those of shareholders; thus, ensuring that shareholders
have a voice is the only way to safeguard their interests.
In certain circumstances, we will support
a poison pill that is limited in scope to accomplish a particular objective, such as the closing of an important merger, or a pill
that contains what we believe to be a reasonable qualifying offer clause. We will consider supporting a poison pill plan if the
qualifying offer clause includes each of the following attributes:
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The form of offer is not required to be an all-cash transaction; |
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The offer is not required to remain open for more than 90 business days; |
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The offeror is permitted to amend the offer, reduce the offer, or otherwise change the terms; |
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There is no fairness opinion requirement; and |
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There is a low to no premium requirement. |
Where these requirements are met, we typically
feel comfortable that shareholders will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on any legitimate offer.
NOL
POISON PILLS
Similarly, Glass Lewis may consider
supporting a limited poison pill in the unique event that a company seeks shareholder approval of a rights plan for the
express purpose of preserving Net Operating Losses (NOLs). While companies with NOLs can generally carry these losses forward
to offset future taxable income, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code limits companies’ ability to use NOLs in the
event of a “change of ownership.”53 In this case, a company may adopt or amend a poison pill
(“NOL pill”) in order to prevent an inadvertent change of ownership by multiple investors purchasing small
53 Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code
refers to a “change of ownership” of more than 50 percentage points by one or more 5% shareholders within a three-year
period. The statute is intended to deter the “trafficking” of net operating losses.
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chunks of stock at the same time, and thereby
preserve the ability to carry the NOLs forward. Often such NOL pills have trigger thresholds much lower than the common 15% or
20% thresholds, with some NOL pill triggers as low as 5%.
Glass Lewis evaluates NOL pills on a strictly
case-by-case basis taking into consideration, among other factors, the value of the NOLs to the company, the likelihood of a change
of ownership based on the size of the holding and the nature of the larger shareholders, the trigger threshold and whether the
term of the plan is limited in duration (i.e., whether it contains a reasonable “sunset” provision) or is subject to
periodic board review and/or shareholder ratification. However, we will recommend that shareholders vote against a proposal to
adopt or amend a pill to include NOL protective provisions if the company has adopted a more narrowly tailored means of preventing
a change in control to preserve its NOLs. For example, a company may limit share transfers in its charter to prevent a change of
ownership from occurring.
Furthermore, we believe that shareholders
should be offered the opportunity to vote on any adoption or renewal of a NOL pill regardless of any potential tax benefit that
it offers a company. As such, we will consider recommending voting against those members of the board who served at the time when
an NOL pill was adopted without shareholder approval within the prior twelve months and where the NOL pill is not subject to shareholder
ratification.
FAIR
PRICE PROVISIONS
Fair price provisions, which are rare, require
that certain minimum price and procedural requirements be observed by any party that acquires more than a specified percentage
of a corporation’s common stock. The provision is intended to protect minority shareholder value when an acquirer seeks to
accomplish a merger or other transaction which would eliminate or change the interests of the minority stockholders. The provision
is generally applied against the acquirer unless the takeover is approved by a majority of ”continuing directors” and
holders of a majority, in some cases a supermajority as high as 80%, of the combined voting power of all stock entitled to vote
to alter, amend, or repeal the above provisions.
The effect of a fair price provision is
to require approval of any merger or business combination with an “interested stockholder” by 51% of the voting stock
of the company, excluding the shares held by the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is generally considered to be
a holder of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding stock, but the trigger can vary.
Generally, provisions are put in place for
the ostensible purpose of preventing a back-end merger where the interested stockholder would be able to pay a lower price for
the remaining shares of the company than he or she paid to gain control. The effect of a fair price provision on shareholders,
however, is to limit their ability to gain a premium for their shares through a partial tender offer or open market acquisition
which typically raise the share price, often significantly. A fair price provision discourages such transactions because of the
potential costs of seeking shareholder approval and because of the restrictions on purchase price for completing a merger or other
transaction at a later time.
Glass Lewis believes that fair price
provisions, while sometimes protecting shareholders from abuse in a takeover situation, more often act as an impediment to
takeovers, potentially limiting gains to shareholders from a variety of transactions that could significantly increase share
price. In some cases, even the independent directors of the board cannot make exceptions when such exceptions may be in the
best interests of shareholders. Given the existence of state law protections for minority shareholders such as Section 203 of
the Delaware Corporations Code, we believe it is in the best interests of shareholders to remove fair price provisions.
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REINCORPORATION
In general, Glass Lewis believes that the
board is in the best position to determine the appropriate jurisdiction of incorporation for the company. When examining a management
proposal to reincorporate to a different state or country, we review the relevant financial benefits, generally related to improved
corporate tax treatment, as well as changes in corporate governance provisions, especially those relating to shareholder rights,
resulting from the change in domicile. Where the financial benefits are de minimis and there is a decrease in shareholder rights,
we will recommend voting against the transaction.
However, costly, shareholder-initiated reincorporations
are typically not the best route to achieve the furtherance of shareholder rights. We believe shareholders are generally better
served by proposing specific shareholder resolutions addressing pertinent issues which may be implemented at a lower cost, and
perhaps even with board approval. However, when shareholders propose a shift into a jurisdiction with enhanced shareholder rights,
Glass Lewis examines the significant ways would the company benefit from shifting jurisdictions including the following:
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Is the board sufficiently independent? |
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Does the company have anti-takeover protections such as a poison pill or classified board in place? |
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Has the board been previously unresponsive to shareholders (such as failing to implement a shareholder proposal that received majority shareholder support)? |
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Do shareholders have the right to call special meetings of shareholders? |
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Are there other material governance issues at the company? |
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Has the company’s performance matched or exceeded its peers in the past one and three years? |
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How has the company ranked in Glass Lewis’ pay-for-performance analysis during the last three years? |
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Does the company have an independent chairman? |
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We note, however, that we will only support
shareholder proposals to change a company’s place of incorporation in exceptional circumstances.
EXCLUSIVE
FORUM PROVISIONS
Glass Lewis believes that charter or bylaw
provisions limiting a shareholder’s choice of legal venue are not in the best interests of shareholders. Such clauses may
effectively discourage the use of shareholder derivative claims by increasing their associated costs and making them more difficult
to pursue. As such, shareholders should be wary about approving any limitation on their legal recourse including limiting themselves
to a single jurisdiction (e.g. Delaware) without compelling evidence that it will benefit shareholders.
For this reason, we recommend that shareholders
vote against any bylaw or charter amendment seeking to adopt an exclusive forum provision unless the company: (i) provides a compelling
argument on why the provision would directly benefit shareholders; (ii) provides evidence of abuse of legal process in other, non-favored
jurisdictions; and (ii) maintains a strong record of good corporate governance practices.
Moreover, in the event a board seeks shareholder
approval of a forum selection clause pursuant to a bundled bylaw amendment rather than as a separate proposal, we will weigh the
importance of
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the other bundled provisions when determining
the vote recommendation on the proposal. We will nonetheless recommend voting against the chairman of the governance committee
for bundling disparate proposals into a single proposal (refer to our discussion of nominating and governance committee performance
in Section I of the guidelines).
AUTHORIZED
SHARES
Glass Lewis believes that adequate capital
stock is important to a company’s operation. When analyzing a request for additional shares, we typically review four common
reasons why a company might need additional capital stock:
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Stock Split – We typically consider three metrics when evaluating whether we think a stock split is likely or necessary: The historical stock pre-split price, if any; the current price relative to the company’s most common trading price over the past 52 weeks; and some absolute limits on stock price that, in our view, either always make a stock split appropriate if desired by management or would almost never be a reasonable price at which to split a stock. |
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Shareholder Defenses – Additional authorized shares could be used to bolster takeover defenses such as a poison pill. Proxy filings often discuss the usefulness of additional shares in defending against or discouraging a hostile takeover as a reason for a requested increase. Glass Lewis is typically against such defenses and will oppose actions intended to bolster such defenses. |
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Financing for Acquisitions – We look at whether the company has a history of using stock for acquisitions and attempt to determine what levels of stock have typically been required to accomplish such transactions. Likewise, we look to see whether this is discussed as a reason for additional shares in the proxy. |
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Financing for Operations – We review the company’s cash position and its ability to secure financing through borrowing or other means. We look at the company’s history of capitalization and whether the company has had to use stock in the recent past as a means of raising capital. |
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Issuing additional shares can dilute existing
holders in limited circumstances. Further, the availability of additional shares, where the board has discretion to implement a
poison pill, can often serve as a deterrent to interested suitors. Accordingly, where we find that the company has not detailed
a plan for use of the proposed shares, or where the number of shares far exceeds those needed to accomplish a detailed plan, we
typically recommend against the authorization of additional shares. Similar concerns may also lead us to recommend against a proposal
to conduct a reverse stock split if the board does not state that it will reduce the number of authorized common shares in a ratio
proportionate to the split.
While we think that having adequate shares
to allow management to make quick decisions and effectively operate the business is critical, we prefer that, for significant transactions,
management come to shareholders to justify their use of additional shares rather than providing a blank check in the form of a
large pool of unallocated shares available for any purpose.
ADVANCE
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
We typically recommend that shareholders
vote against proposals that would require advance notice of shareholder proposals or of director nominees.
These proposals typically attempt to require
a certain amount of notice before shareholders are allowed to place proposals on the ballot. Notice requirements typically range
between three to six months prior to the annual meeting. Advance notice requirements typically make it impossible for a shareholder
who misses the deadline to present a shareholder proposal or a director nominee that might be in the best interests of the company
and its shareholders.
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We believe shareholders should be able to
review and vote on all proposals and director nominees. Shareholders can always vote against proposals that appear with little
prior notice. Shareholders, as owners of a business, are capable of identifying issues on which they have sufficient information
and ignoring issues on which they have insufficient information. Setting arbitrary notice restrictions limits the opportunity for
shareholders to raise issues that may come up after the window closes.
VOTING
STRUCTURE
CUMULATIVE
VOTING
Cumulative voting increases the ability
of minority shareholders to elect a director by allowing shareholders to cast as many shares of the stock they own multiplied by
the number of directors to be elected. As companies generally have multiple nominees up for election, cumulative voting allows
shareholders to cast all of their votes for a single nominee, or a smaller number of nominees than up for election, thereby raising
the likelihood of electing one or more of their preferred nominees to the board. It can be important when a board is controlled
by insiders or affiliates and where the company’s ownership structure includes one or more shareholders who control a majority-voting
block of company stock.
Glass Lewis believes that cumulative voting
generally acts as a safeguard for shareholders by ensuring that those who hold a significant minority of shares can elect a candidate
of their choosing to the board. This allows the creation of boards that are responsive to the interests of all shareholders rather
than just a small group of large holders.
However, academic literature indicates that
where a highly independent board is in place and the company has a shareholder-friendly governance structure, shareholders may
be better off without cumulative voting. The analysis underlying this literature indicates that shareholder returns at firms with
good governance structures are lower and that boards can become factionalized and prone to evaluating the needs of special interests
over the general interests of shareholders collectively.
We review cumulative voting proposals on
a case-by-case basis, factoring in the independence of the board and the status of the company’s governance structure. But
we typically find these proposals on ballots at companies where independence is lacking and where the appropriate checks and balances
favoring shareholders are not in place. In those instances we typically recommend in favor of cumulative voting.
Where a company has adopted a true majority
vote standard (i.e., where a director must receive a majority of votes cast to be elected, as opposed to a modified policy indicated
by a resignation policy only), Glass Lewis will recommend voting against cumulative voting proposals due to the incompatibility
of the two election methods. For companies that have not adopted a true majority voting standard but have adopted some form of
majority voting, Glass Lewis will also generally recommend voting against cumulative voting proposals if the company has not adopted
antitakeover protections and has been responsive to shareholders.
Where a company has not adopted a
majority voting standard and is facing both a shareholder proposal to adopt majority voting and a shareholder proposal to
adopt cumulative voting, Glass Lewis will support only the majority voting proposal. When a company has both majority voting
and cumulative voting in place, there is a higher likelihood of one or more directors not being elected as a result of not
receiving a majority vote. This is because shareholders exercising the right to cumulate their votes could unintentionally
cause the failed election of one or more directors for whom shareholders do not cumulate votes.
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SUPERMAJORITY
VOTE REQUIREMENTS
Glass Lewis believes that supermajority
vote requirements impede shareholder action on ballot items critical to shareholder interests. An example is in the takeover context,
where supermajority vote requirements can strongly limit the voice of shareholders in making decisions on such crucial matters
as selling the business. This in turn degrades share value and can limit the possibility of buyout premiums to shareholders. Moreover,
we believe that a supermajority vote requirement can enable a small group of shareholders to overrule the will of the majority
shareholders. We believe that a simple majority is appropriate to approve all matters presented to shareholders.
TRANSACTION
OF OTHER BUSINESS
We typically recommend that shareholders
not give their proxy to management to vote on any other business items that may properly come before an annual or special meeting.
In our opinion, granting unfettered discretion is unwise.
ANTI-GREENMAIL
PROPOSALS
Glass Lewis will support proposals to adopt
a provision preventing the payment of greenmail, which would serve to prevent companies from buying back company stock at significant
premiums from a certain shareholder. Since a large or majority shareholder could attempt to compel a board into purchasing its
shares at a large premium, the anti-greenmail provision would generally require that a majority of shareholders other than the
majority shareholder approve the buyback.
MUTUAL
FUNDS: INVESTMENT POLICIES AND ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Glass Lewis believes that decisions about
a fund’s structure and/or a fund’s relationship with its investment advisor or sub-advisors are generally best left
to management and the members of the board, absent a showing of egregious or illegal conduct that might threaten shareholder value.
As such, we focus our analyses of such proposals on the following main areas:
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The terms of any amended advisory or sub-advisory agreement; |
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Any changes in the fee structure paid to the investment advisor; and |
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Any material changes to the fund’s investment objective or strategy. |
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We generally support amendments to a fund’s
investment advisory agreement absent a material change that is not in the best interests of shareholders. A significant increase
in the fees paid to an investment advisor would be reason for us to consider recommending voting against a proposed amendment to
an investment advisory agreement. However, in certain cases, we are more inclined to support an increase in advisory fees if such
increases result from being performance-based rather than asset-based. Furthermore, we generally support sub-advisory agreements
between a fund’s advisor and sub-advisor, primarily because the fees received by the sub-advisor are paid by the advisor,
and not by the fund.
In matters pertaining to a fund’s
investment objective or strategy, we believe shareholders are best served when a fund’s objective or strategy closely resembles
the investment discipline shareholders understood and selected when they initially bought into the fund. As such, we generally
recommend voting against amendments to a fund’s investment objective or strategy when the proposed changes would leave shareholders
with stakes in a fund that is noticeably different than when originally contemplated, and which could therefore potentially negatively
impact some investors’ diversification strategies.
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REAL
ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
The complex organizational, operational,
tax and compliance requirements of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) provide for a unique shareholder evaluation.
In simple terms, a REIT must have a minimum of 100 shareholders (the “100 Shareholder Test”) and no more than 50% of
the value of its shares can be held by five or fewer individuals (the “5/50 Test”). At least 75% of a REITs’
assets must be in real estate, it must derive 75% of its gross income from rents or mortgage interest, and it must pay out 90%
of its taxable earnings as dividends. In addition, as a publicly traded security listed on a stock exchange, a REIT must comply
with the same general listing requirements as a publicly traded equity.
In order to comply with such requirements,
REITs typically include percentage ownership limitations in their organizational documents, usually in the range of 5% to 10% of
the REITs outstanding shares. Given the complexities of REITs as an asset class, Glass Lewis applies a highly nuanced approach
in our evaluation of REIT proposals, especially regarding changes in authorized share capital, including preferred stock.
PREFERRED
STOCK ISSUANCES AT REITS
Glass Lewis is generally against the authorization
of preferred shares that allows the board to determine the preferences, limitations and rights of the preferred shares (known as
“blank-check preferred stock”). We believe that granting such broad discretion should be of concern to common shareholders,
since blank-check preferred stock could be used as an antitakeover device or in some other fashion that adversely affects the voting
power or financial interests of common shareholders. However, given the requirement that a REIT must distribute 90% of its net
income annually, it is inhibited from retaining capital to make investments in its business. As such, we recognize that equity
financing likely plays a key role in a REIT’s growth and creation of shareholder value. Moreover, shareholder concern regarding
the use of preferred stock as an anti-takeover mechanism may be allayed by the fact that most REITs maintain ownership limitations
in their certificates of incorporation. For these reasons, along with the fact that REITs typically do not engage in private placements
of preferred stock (which result in the rights of common shareholders being adversely impacted), we may support requests to authorize
shares of blank-check preferred stock at REITs.
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES
Business Development Companies (“BDCs”)
were created by the U.S. Congress in 1980; they are regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are taxed as regulated
investment companies (“RICs”) under the Internal Revenue Code. BDCs typically operate as publicly traded private equity
firms that invest in early stage to mature private companies as well as small public companies. BDCs realize operating income when
their investments are sold off, and therefore maintain complex organizational, operational, tax and compliance requirements that
are similar to those of REITs—the most evident of which is that BDCs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable earnings
as dividends.
AUTHORIZATION
TO SELL SHARES AT A PRICE BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
Considering that BDCs are required to
distribute nearly all their earnings to shareholders, they sometimes need to offer additional shares of common stock in the
public markets to finance operations and acquisitions. However, shareholder approval is required in order for a BDC to sell
shares of common stock at a price below Net Asset Value (“NAV”). Glass Lewis evaluates these proposals using a
case-by-case approach, but will recommend supporting such requests if the following conditions are met:
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The authorization to allow share issuances below NAV has an expiration date of one year or less from the date that shareholders approve the underlying proposal (i.e. the meeting date); |
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The proposed discount below NAV is minimal (ideally no greater than 20%); |
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The board specifies that the issuance will have a minimal or modest dilutive effect (ideally no greater than 25% of the company’s then-outstanding common stock prior to the issuance); and |
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A majority of the company’s independent directors who do not have a financial interest in the issuance approve the sale. |
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In short, we believe BDCs should demonstrate
a responsible approach to issuing shares below NAV, by proactively addressing shareholder concerns regarding the potential dilution
of the requested share issuance, and explaining if and how the company’s past below-NAV share issuances have benefitted the
company.
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| VI. | COMPENSATION,
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE SHAREHOLDER INITIATIVES OVERVIEW |
Glass Lewis typically prefers to leave decisions
regarding day-to-day management and policy decisions, including those related to social, environmental or political issues, to
management and the board, except when there is a clear link between the proposal and value enhancement or risk mitigation. We feel
strongly that shareholders should not attempt to micromanage the company, its businesses or its executives through the shareholder
initiative process. Rather, we believe shareholders should use their influence to push for governance structures that protect shareholders
and promote director accountability. Shareholders should then put in place a board they can trust to make informed decisions that
are in the best interests of the business and its owners, and then hold directors accountable for management and policy decisions
through board elections. However, we recognize that support of appropriately crafted shareholder initiatives may at times serve
to promote or protect shareholder value.
To this end, Glass Lewis evaluates shareholder
proposals on a case-by-case basis. We generally recommend supporting shareholder proposals calling for the elimination of, as well
as to require shareholder approval of, antitakeover devices such as poison pills and classified boards. We generally recommend
supporting proposals likely to increase and/or protect shareholder value and also those that promote the furtherance of shareholder
rights. In addition, we also generally recommend supporting proposals that promote director accountability and those that seek
to improve compensation practices, especially those promoting a closer link between compensation and performance.
For a detailed review of our policies
concerning compensation, environmental, social and governance shareholder initiatives, please refer to our comprehensive Proxy
Paper Guidelines for Shareholder Initiatives.
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DISCLAIMER
This document sets forth the proxy voting
policy and guidelines of Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC. The policies included herein have been developed based on Glass Lewis’
experience with proxy voting and corporate governance issues and are not tailored to any specific person. Moreover, these guidelines
are not intended to be exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues. The information included herein is reviewed periodically
and updated or revised as necessary. Glass Lewis is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken on the basis of this information.
This document may not be reproduced or distributed in any manner without the written permission of Glass Lewis.
Copyright © 2014 Glass, Lewis &
Co., LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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SAN FRANCISCO
Headquarters
Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC
One Sansome Street
Suite 3300
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: +1 415-678-4110
Tel: +1 888-800-7001
Fax: +1 415-357-0200
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
NEW YORK
Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC
48 Wall Street
15th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10005
Tel: +1 212-797-3777
Fax: +1 212-980-4716
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AUSTRALIA
CGI Glass Lewis Pty Limited
Suite 8.01, Level 8,
261 George St
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: +61 2 9299 9266
Fax: +61 2 9299 1866
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IRELAND
Glass Lewis Europe, Ltd.
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Phone: +353 61 292 800
Fax: +353 61 292 899
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
PROXY
PAPERTM
GUIDELINES
2014 PROXY SEASON
AN OVERVIEW OF THE GLASS LEWIS
APPROACH TO PROXY ADVICE
INTERNATIONAL
COPYRIGHT 2014 GLASS LEWIS, & CO., LLC
CONTENTS
| I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
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1 |
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Board
Composition |
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1 |
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Slate
Elections |
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2 |
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Board
Committee Composition |
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2 |
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Review
of Risk Management Controls |
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2 |
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Classified
Boards |
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2 |
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| II. FINANCIAL REPORTING |
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3 |
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Accounts
and Reports |
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3 |
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Income
Allocation (Distribution of Dividend) |
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3 |
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Appointment
of Auditors and Authority to Set Fees |
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3 |
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| III. COMPENSATION |
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4 |
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Compensation
Report/Compensation Policy |
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4 |
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Long
Term Incentive Plans |
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4 |
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Performance-Based
Equity Compensation |
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4 |
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Director
Compensation |
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5 |
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Retirement
Benefits for Directors |
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Limits
on Executive Compensation |
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5 |
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| IV. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE |
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6 |
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Amendments
to the Articles of Association |
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Anti-Takeover
Measures |
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Poison
Pills (Shareholder Rights Plans) |
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6 |
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Supermajority
Vote Requirements |
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6 |
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Increase
in Authorized Shares |
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6 |
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Issuance
of Shares |
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7 |
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Repurchase
of Shares |
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7 |
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| V. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK |
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8 |
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Boards are put in place to represent shareholders
and protect their interests. Glass Lewis seeks boards with a proven record of protecting shareholders and delivering value over
the medium- and long-term. In our view, boards working to protect and enhance the best interests of shareholders typically include
some independent directors (the percentage will vary by local market practice and regulations), boast a record of positive performance,
have directors with diverse backgrounds, and appoint directors with a breadth and depth of experience.
BOARD COMPOSITION
When companies disclose sufficient relevant
information, we look at each individual on the board and examine his or her relationships with the company, the company’s
executives and with other board members. The purpose of this inquiry is to determine whether pre-existing personal, familial or
financial relationships are likely to impact the decisions of that board member. Where the company does not disclose the names
and backgrounds of director nominees with sufficient time in advance of the shareholder meeting to evaluate their independence
and performance, we will consider recommending abstaining on the directors’ election.
We vote in favor of governance structures
that will drive positive performance and enhance shareholder value. The most crucial test of a board’s commitment to the
company and to its shareholders is the performance of the board and its members. The performance of directors in their capacity
as board members and as executives of the company, when applicable, and in their roles at other companies where they serve is critical
to this evaluation.
We believe a director is independent if
he or she has no material financial, familial or other current relationships with the company, its executives or other board members
except for service on the board and standard fees paid for that service. Relationships that have existed within the three-five
years prior to the inquiry are usually considered to be “current” for purposes of this test.
In our view, a director is affiliated if
he or she has a material financial, familial or other relationship with the company or its executives, but is not an employee of
the company. This includes directors whose employers have a material financial relationship with the Company. This also includes
a director who owns or controls 10-20% or more of the company’s voting stock.
We define an inside director as one who
simultaneously serves as a director and as an employee of the company. This category may include a chairman of the board who acts
as an employee of the company or is paid as an employee of the company.
Although we typically vote for the election
of directors, we will recommend voting against directors for the following reasons:
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A director who attends less than 75% of the board and applicable committee meetings. |
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A director who is also the CEO of a company where a serious restatement has occurred after the CEO certified the pre-restatement financial statements. |
We also feel that the following conflicts of interest may hinder
a director’s performance and will therefore recommend voting against a:
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CFO who presently sits on the board. |
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Director who presently sits on an excessive number of boards. |
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Director, or a director whose immediate family member, provides material professional services to the company at any time during the past five years. |
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Director, or a director whose immediate family member, engages in airplane, real estate or other similar deals, including perquisite type grants from the company. |
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Director with an interlocking directorship. |
SLATE ELECTIONS
In some countries, companies elect their
board members as a slate, whereby shareholders are unable to vote on the election of each individual director, but rather are limited
to voting for or against the board as a whole. If significant issues exist concerning one or more of the nominees or in markets
where directors are generally elected individually, we will recommend voting against the entire slate of directors.
BOARD COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
We believe that independent directors should
serve on a company’s audit, compensation, nominating and governance committees. We will support boards with such a structure
and encourage change where this is not the case.
REVIEW OF RISK MANAGEMENT CONTROLS
We believe companies, particularly financial
firms, should have a dedicated risk committee, or a committee of the board charged with risk oversight, as well as a chief risk
officer who reports directly to that committee, not to the CEO or another executive. In cases where a company has disclosed a sizable
loss or writedown, and where a reasonable analysis indicates that the company’s board-level risk committee should be held
accountable for poor oversight, we would recommend that shareholders vote against such committee members on that basis. In addition,
in cases where a company maintains a significant level of financial risk exposure but fails to disclose any explicit form of board-level
risk oversight (committee or otherwise), we will consider recommending to vote against the chairman of the board on that basis.
CLASSIFIED BOARDS
Glass Lewis favors the repeal of staggered
boards in favor of the annual election of directors. We believe that staggered boards are less accountable to shareholders than
annually elected boards. Furthermore, we feel that the annual election of directors encourages board members to focus on protecting
the interests of shareholders.
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ACCOUNTS AND REPORTS
Many countries require companies to submit
the annual financial statements, director reports and independent auditors’ reports to shareholders at a general meeting.
Shareholder approval of such a proposal does not discharge the board or management. We will usually recommend voting in favor of
these proposals except when there are concerns about the integrity of the statements/reports. However, should the audited financial
statements, auditor’s report and/or annual report not be published at the writing of our report, we will recommend that shareholders
abstain from voting on this proposal.
INCOME ALLOCATION (DISTRIBUTION OF DIVIDEND)
In many countries, companies must submit
the allocation of income for shareholder approval. We will generally recommend voting for such a proposal. However, we will give
particular scrutiny to cases where the company’s dividend payout ratio is exceptionally low or excessively high relative
to its peers and the company has not provided a satisfactory explanation.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS AND AUTHORITY TO SET
FEES
We believe that role of the auditor is crucial
in protecting shareholder value. Like directors, auditors should be free from conflicts of interest and should assiduously avoid
situations that require them to make choices between their own interests and the interests of the shareholders.
We generally support management’s
recommendation regarding the selection of an auditor and support granting the board the authority to fix auditor fees except in
cases where we believe the independence of an incumbent auditor or the integrity of the audit has been compromised.
However, we recommend voting against ratification
of the auditor and/or authorizing the board to set auditor fees for the following reasons:
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When audit fees added to audit-related fees total less than one-half of total fees. |
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When there have been any recent restatements or late filings by the company where the auditor bears some responsibility for the restatement or late filing (e.g., a restatement due to a reporting error). |
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When the company has aggressive accounting policies. |
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When the company has poor disclosure or lack of transparency in financial statements. |
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When there are other relationships or issues of concern with the auditor that might suggest a conflict between the interest of the auditor and the interests of shareholders. |
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When the company is changing auditors as a result of a disagreement between the company and the auditor on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures. |
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3 |
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COMPENSATION REPORT/COMPENSATION POLICY
We closely review companies’ remuneration
practices and disclosure as outlined in company filings to evaluate management-submitted advisory compensation report and policy
vote proposals. In evaluating these proposals, which can be binding or non-binding depending on the country, we examine how well
the company has disclosed information pertinent to its compensation programs, the extent to which overall compensation is tied
to performance, the performance metrics selected by the company and the levels of remuneration in comparison to company performance
and that of its peers.
We will usually recommend voting against approval of the compensation
report or policy when the following occur:
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Gross disconnect between pay and performance; |
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Performance goals and metrics are inappropriate or insufficiently challenging; |
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Lack of disclosure regarding performance metrics and goals as well as the extent to which the performance metrics, targets and goals are implemented to enhance company performance and encourage prudent risk-taking; |
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Excessive discretion afforded to or exercised by management or the compensation committee to deviate from defined performance metrics and goals in making awards; |
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Ex gratia or other non-contractual payments have been made and the reasons for making the payments have not been fully explained or the explanation is unconvincing; |
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Guaranteed bonuses are established; |
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There is no clawback policy; or |
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Egregious or excessive bonuses, equity awards or severance payments. |
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Glass Lewis recognizes the value of equity-based
incentive programs. When used appropriately, they can provide a vehicle for linking an employee’s pay to a company’s
performance, thereby aligning their interests with those of shareholders. Tying a portion of an employee’s compensation to
the performance of the Company provides an incentive to maximize share value. In addition, equity-based compensation is an effective
way to attract, retain and motivate key employees.
In order to allow for meaningful shareholder
review, we believe that incentive programs should generally include: (i) specific and appropriate performance goals; (ii) a maximum
award pool; and (iii) a maximum award amount per employee. In addition, the payments made should be reasonable relative to the
performance of the business and total compensation to those covered by the plan should be in line with compensation paid by the
Company’s peers.
PERFORMANCE-BASED EQUITY COMPENSATION
Glass Lewis believes in performance-based
equity compensation plans for senior executives. We feel that executives should be compensated with equity when their performance
and that of the company warrants such rewards. While we do not believe that equity-based compensation plans for all employees need
to be based on overall company performance, we do support such limitations for grants to senior executives (although even some
equity-based compensation of senior executives
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4 |
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without performance criteria is acceptable,
such as in the case of moderate incentive grants made in an initial offer of employment).
Boards often argue that such a proposal
would hinder them in attracting talent. We believe that boards can develop a consistent, reliable approach, as boards of many companies
have, that would still attract executives who believe in their ability to guide the company to achieve its targets. We generally
recommend that shareholders vote in favor of performance-based option requirements.
There should be no retesting of performance
conditions for all share- and option- based incentive schemes. We will generally recommend that shareholders vote against performance-based
equity compensation plans that allow for re-testing.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Glass Lewis believes that non-employee directors
should receive appropriate types and levels of compensation for the time and effort they spend serving on the board and its committees.
Director fees should be reasonable in order to retain and attract qualified individuals. In particular, we support compensation
plans that include non performance-based equity awards, which help to align the interests of outside directors with those of shareholders.
Glass Lewis compares the costs of these
plans to the plans of peer companies with similar market capitalizations in the same country to help inform its judgment on this
issue.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR DIRECTORS
We will typically recommend voting against
proposals to grant retirement benefits to non-executive directors. Such extended payments can impair the objectivity and independence
of these board members. Directors should receive adequate compensation for their board service through initial and annual fees.
LIMITS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
As a general rule, Glass Lewis believes
that shareholders should not be involved in setting executive compensation. Such matters should be left to the board’s compensation
committee. We view the election of directors, and specifically those who sit on the compensation committee, as the appropriate
mechanism for shareholders to express their disapproval or support of board policy on this issue. Further, we believe that companies
whose pay-for-performance is in line with their peers should be granted the flexibility to compensate their executives in a manner
that drives growth and profit.
However, Glass Lewis favors performance-based
compensation as an effective means of motivating executives to act in the best interests of shareholders. Performance-based compensation
may be limited if a chief executive’s pay is capped at a low level rather than flexibly tied to the performance of the company.
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5 |
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AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
We will evaluate proposed amendments to
a company’s articles of association on a case-by-case basis. We are opposed to the practice of bundling several amendments
under a single proposal because it prevents shareholders from evaluating each amendment on its own merits. In such cases, we will
analyze each change individually and will recommend voting for the proposal only when we believe that the amendments on balance
are in the best interests of shareholders.
ANTI-TAKEOVER MEASURES
POISON PILLS (SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLANS)
Glass Lewis believes that poison pill plans
generally are not in the best interests of shareholders. Specifically, they can reduce management accountability by substantially
limiting opportunities for corporate takeovers. Rights plans can thus prevent shareholders from receiving a buy-out premium for
their stock.
We believe that boards should be given wide
latitude in directing the activities of the company and charting the company’s course. However, on an issue such as this
where the link between the financial interests of shareholders and their right to consider and accept buyout offers is so substantial,
we believe that shareholders should be allowed to vote on whether or not they support such a plan’s implementation.
In certain limited circumstances, we will
support a limited poison pill to accomplish a particular objective, such as the closing of an important merger, or a pill that
contains what we believe to be a reasonable ‘qualifying offer’ clause.
SUPERMAJORITY VOTE REQUIREMENTS
Glass Lewis favors a simple majority voting
structure. Supermajority vote requirements act as impediments to shareholder action on ballot items that are critical to our interests.
One key example is in the takeover context where supermajority vote requirements can strongly limit shareholders’ input in
making decisions on such crucial matters as selling the business.
INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED SHARES
Glass Lewis believes that having adequate
capital stock available for issuance is important to the operation of a company. We will generally support proposals when a company
could reasonably use the requested shares for financing, stock splits and stock dividends. While we think that having adequate
shares to allow management to make quick decisions and effectively operate the business is critical, we prefer that, for significant
transactions, management come to shareholders to justify their use of additional shares rather than providing a blank check in
the form of large pools of unallocated shares available for any purpose.
In general, we will support proposals to
increase authorized shares up to 100% of the number of shares currently authorized unless, after the increase the company would
be left with less than 30% of its authorized shares outstanding.
|
6 |
|
ISSUANCE OF SHARES
Issuing additional shares can dilute existing
holders in some circumstances. Further, the availability of additional shares, where the board has discretion to implement a poison
pill, can often serve as a deterrent to interested suitors. Accordingly, where we find that the company has not disclosed a detailed
plan for use of the proposed shares, or where the number of shares requested are excessive, we typically recommend against the
issuance. In the case of a private placement, we will also consider whether the company is offering a discount to its share price.
In general, we will support proposals to
issue shares (with pre-emption rights) when the requested increase is the lesser of (i) the unissued ordinary share capital; or
(ii) a sum equal to one-third of the issued ordinary share capital. This authority should not exceed five years. In some countries,
if the proposal contains a figure greater than one-third, the company should explain the nature of the additional amounts.
We will also generally support proposals
to suspend pre-emption rights for a maximum of 5-20% of the issued ordinary share capital of the company, depending on the country
in which the company is located. This authority should not exceed five years, or less for some countries.
REPURCHASE OF SHARES
We will recommend voting in favor of a proposal
to repurchase shares when the plan includes the following provisions: (i) a maximum number of shares which may be purchased (typically
not more than 15% of the issued share capital); and (ii) a maximum price which may be paid for each share (as a percentage of the
market price).
|
7 |
|
| V. | ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK |
We believe companies should actively evaluate
risks to long-term shareholder value stemming from exposure to environmental and social risks and should incorporate this information
into their overall business risk profile. In addition, we believe companies should consider their exposure to changes in environmental
or social regulation with respect to their operations as well as related legal and reputational risks. Companies should disclose
to shareholders both the nature and magnitude of such risks as well as steps they have taken or will take to mitigate those risks.
When we identify situations where shareholder
value is at risk, we may recommend voting in favor of a reasonable and well-targeted proposal if we believe supporting the proposal
will promote disclosure of and/or mitigate significant risk exposure. In limited cases where a company has failed to adequately
mitigate risks stemming from environmental or social practices, we will recommend shareholders vote against: (i) ratification of
board and/or management acts; (ii) approving a company’s accounts and reports and/or; (iii) directors (in egregious cases).
|
8 |
|
DISCLAIMER
This document sets forth the proxy voting
policy and guidelines of Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC. The policies included herein have been developed based on Glass Lewis’
experience with proxy voting and corporate governance issues and are not tailored to any specific person. Moreover, these guidelines
are not intended to be exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues. The information included herein is reviewed periodically
and updated or revised as necessary. Glass Lewis is not responsible for any actions taken or not taken on the basis of this information.
This document may not be reproduced or distributed in any manner without the written permission of Glass Lewis.
Copyright © 2014 Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
|
9 |
|
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
SAN FRANCISCO
Headquarters
Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC
One Sansome Street
Suite 3300
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: +1 415-678-4110
Tel: +1 888-800-7001
Fax: +1 415-357-0200
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
NEW YORK
Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC
48 Wall Street
15th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10005
Tel: +1 212-797-3777
Fax: +1 212-980-4716
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
AUSTRALIA
CGI Glass Lewis Pty Limited
Suite 8.01, Level 8,
261 George St
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Tel: +61 2 9299 9266
Fax: +61 2 9299 1866
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
IRELAND
Glass Lewis Europe, Ltd.
15 Henry Street
Limerick, Ireland
Phone: +353 61 292 800
Fax: +353 61 292 899
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
| (a) |
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.47 |
| (b) |
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Trust.47 |
| (c) |
Not applicable. |
| (d)(1) |
Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to Market Vectors—Gold Miners ETF).1 |
| (d)(2) |
Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to all portfolios except for Market Vectors—Gold Miners ETF).3 |
| (d)(3) |
Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to certain municipal portfolios).25 |
| (d)(4) |
Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF f/k/a Market Vectors China ETF).51 |
| (d)(5) |
Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC MSCI All China ETF). 49 |
| (e)(1) |
Form of Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Securities Corporation.2 |
| (e)(2) |
Form of Participant Agreement.1 |
| (f) |
Not applicable. |
| (g) |
Form of Custodian Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York.1 |
| (h)(1) |
Form of Fund Accounting Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York.1 |
| (h)(2) |
Form of Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York.1 |
| (h)(3) |
Form of Sub-License Agreement between the Trust and the Van Eck Associates Corp.1 |
| (i)(1) |
Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors—Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors—Steel ETF).3 |
| (i)(2) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors—Russia ETF).4 |
| (i)(3) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Global Agribusiness ETF and Market Vectors— Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF f/k/a Global Nuclear Energy ETF).5 |
| (i)(4) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers Intermediate Municipal ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers Long Municipal ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers 1-5 Year Municipal ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers Non-Investment Grade Municipal ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers California Municipal ETF and Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers New York Municipal ETF).6 |
| (i)(5) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Coal ETF and Market Vectors—Gaming ETF).7 |
| (i)(6) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Massachusetts Municipal Index ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers AMT-Free New Jersey Municipal Index ETF, Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Ohio Municipal Index ETF and Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Pennsylvania Municipal Index ETF).8 |
| (i)(7) |
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Hard Assets ETF and Market Vectors—Solar Energy ETF).9 |
| (i)(8) |
Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP with respect to Market Vectors—Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors—Emerging Eurasia Index ETF, Market Vectors—Global Frontier Index ETF and Market Vectors—Gulf States Index ETF).10 |
| (i)(9) |
Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors—Lehman Brothers High-Yield Municipal Index ETF).11 |
| (i)(10) |
Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF).12 |
| (i)(11) |
Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Vietnam ETF).13 |
| (i)(12) |
Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Pre-Refunded Municipal Index ETF).14 |
| (i)(13) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF).21 |
| (i)(14) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Kuwait Index ETF).21 |
| (i)(15) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF).22 |
| (i)(16) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF f/k/a Market Vectors China ETF).18 |
| (i)(17) |
Opinion and Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF).17 |
| (i)(18) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF).19 |
| (i)(19) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Poland ETF).20 |
| (i)(20) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF).23 |
| (i)(21) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF).24 |
| (i)(22) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors GDP – International Equity ETF and Market Vectors GDP – Emerging Markets Equity ETF).9 |
| (i)(23) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Investment Grade Floating Rate Bond ETF).24 |
| (i)(24) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF).26 |
| (i)(25) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Emerging Markets Aggregate Bond ETF f/k/a Market Vectors LatAm Aggregate Bond ETF).29 |
| (i)(26) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors High Yield Floating Rate ETF).50 |
| (i)(27) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Fixed Income II ETF).50 |
| (i)(28) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Colombia ETF).27 |
| (i)(29) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors CM Commodity Index ETF).50 |
| (i)(30) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF).28 |
| (i)(31) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF).28 |
| (i)(32) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors CEF Municipal Income ETF).30 |
| (i)(33) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors GDP – Emerging Markets Small-Cap Equity ETF).50 |
| (i)(34) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors European Currency High Yield Bond ETF).34 |
| (i)(35) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors European Sovereign Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(36) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Asia ex-Japan Aggregate Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(37) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Mortgage REIT Income ETF).31 |
| (i)(38) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors International High Yield Bond ETF).38 |
| (i)(39) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors BDC Income ETF).45 |
| (i)(40) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Mongolia ETF).50 |
| (i)(41) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Nigeria ETF).50 |
| (i)(42) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Greater China Corporate Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(43) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Greater China High Yield Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(44) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Renminbi Bond ETF).33 |
| (i)(45) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Biotech ETF, Market Vectors Bank and Brokerage ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF, Market Vectors Retail ETF and Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF).35 |
| (i)(46) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF).37 |
| (i)(47) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Yuan Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(48) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF).36 |
| (i)(49) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Wide Moat ETF).40 |
| (i)(50) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF).39 |
| (i)(51) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Global High Yield Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(52) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF).39 |
| (i)(53) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Global Chemicals ETF).50 |
| (i)(54) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF).42 |
| (i)(55) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Saudi Arabia ETF).50 |
| (i)(56) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Saudi Arabia Small-Cap ETF).50 |
| (i)(57) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Short High-Yield Municipal Index ETF).47 |
| (i)(58) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Emerging Markets Aggregate Bond ETF).29 |
| (i)(59) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Non-Agency RMBS ETF).50 |
| (i)(60) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Defaulted & Distressed Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(61) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Treasury-Hedged High Yield Bond ETF).44 |
| (i)(62) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Israel ETF).46 |
| (i)(63) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Puerto Rico Municipal Index ETF).50 |
| (i)(64) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Emerging Markets Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF).50 |
| (i)(65) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors China A Small-Cap ETF). 50 |
| (i)(66) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors China A Consumer Demand ETF). 50 |
| (i)(67) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors China A Quality ETF). 50 |
| (i)(68) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors China A Quality Dividend ETF). 50 |
| (i)(69) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors MSCI International Quality ETF and Market Vectors MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF).48 |
| (i)(70) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF and Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF).48 |
| (i)(71) |
Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors All China ETF).49 |
| (i)(72) |
Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF).51 |
| (j)(1) |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (with respect to
Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index
ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF,
Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market Vectors Latin
America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF,
Market Vectors Vietnam ETF and Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF).51 |
| (j)(2) |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF).51 |
| (k) |
Not applicable. |
| (l) |
Not applicable. |
| (m) |
Not applicable. |
| (n) |
Not applicable. |
| (o) |
Not applicable. |
| (p)(1) |
Code of Ethics of Van Eck Associates Corporation and Van Eck Securities Corporation.43 |
| 1 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 28, 2006. |
| 2 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 11, 2006. |
| 3 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 6, 2006. |
| 4 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 9, 2007. |
| 5 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 30, 2007. |
| 6 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 2, 2007. |
| 7 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 31, 2007. |
| 8 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 15, 2008. |
| 9 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 21, 2008. |
| 10 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 8, 2008. |
| 11 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 8, 2008. |
| 12 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 25, 2008. |
| 13 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 23, 2008. |
| 14 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2009. |
| 15 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 6, 2009. |
| 16 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 21, 2009. |
| 17 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 8, 2009. |
| 18 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 4, 2009. |
| 19 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 9, 2009. |
| 20 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 20, 2009. |
| 21 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 16, 2010. |
| 22 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 29, 2010. |
| 23 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 5, 2010. |
| 24 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 28, 2010. |
| 25 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 27, 2010. |
| 26 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 20, 2010. |
| 27 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 4, 2011. |
| 28 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 1, 2011. |
| 29 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 10, 2011. |
| 30 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 7, 2011. |
| 31 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 15, 2011. |
| 32 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 24, 2011. |
| 33 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 11, 2011. |
| 34 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 26, 2011. |
| 35 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 31, 2011. |
| 36 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 8, 2012. |
| 37 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 14, 2012. |
| 38 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 29, 2012. |
| 39 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 3, 2012. |
| 40 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 13, 2012. |
| 41 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 17, 2012. |
| 42 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 5, 2012. |
| 43 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 24, 2013. |
| 44 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 1, 2013. |
| 45 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 7, 2013. |
| 46 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 24, 2013. |
| 47 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 20, 2013. |
| 48 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 17, 2014. |
| 49 |
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 14, 2014. |
| 50 |
To be filed by Amendment. |
| 51 |
Filed herewith. |
| Item 29. |
Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
Pursuant to Section
10.2 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, all persons that are or have been a Trustee or officer of the Trust (collectively,
the “Covered Persons”) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and
against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in which he or
she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid
or incurred by him in the settlement thereof. No indemnification will be provided to a Covered Person who shall have been adjudicated
by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such
Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of his office.
Article XII of the
Trust’s Bylaws, to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law in effect from time to time, the Trust shall indemnify and,
without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable
expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former trustee or officer of
the Trust and who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (b) any individual who,
while a director of the Trust and at the request of the Trust, serves or has served as a trustee, officer, partner or trustee of
another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise
and who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The Trust may, with the approval of
its Board of Trustees, provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Trust
in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Trust or a predecessor of the Trust;
provided that no provision of Article XII shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any trustee or officer of
the Trust against liability to the Trust or its stockholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
The Trust has agreed
to indemnify and hold harmless the Trustees against any and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Trustee in any
proceeding arising out of or in connection with the Trustee’s service to the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by the
Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Fund and Title 12, Part V, Chapter 38 of the Delaware
Code, and applicable law.
| Item 31. |
Business and Other Connections
of Investment Manager |
See “Management”
in the Statement of Additional Information. Information as to the directors and officers of the Adviser is included in its Form
ADV filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
| Item 32. |
Principal Underwriters |
| (a) | Van Eck Securities Corporation is the Trust’s principal underwriter. Van Eck Securities Corporation
also acts as a principal underwriter, depositor, or investment manager for the following other investment companies: each series
of Van Eck Funds and Van Eck VIP Trust. |
| (b) | The following is a list of the officers, directors and partners of Van Eck Securities Corporation: |
Name and Principal
Business Address |
|
Positions and Offices
with Underwriter |
|
Positions and Offices with
Trust |
Jan F. van Eck
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 |
|
Director and President |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee |
Name and Principal
Business Address | |
Positions and Offices
with Underwriter | |
Positions
and Offices with
Trust |
Bruce J. Smith
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Director, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Controller | |
Senior Vice President |
| | |
| |
|
Susan Marino
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Senior Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
Harvey Hirsch
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Senior Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
John J. Crimmins
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President | |
Vice President, Treasurer, Chief
Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer |
| | |
| |
|
Susan C. Lashley
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President | |
Vice President |
| | |
| |
|
Jonathan R. Simon
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President, Chief Legal
Officer and
Secretary | |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
| | |
| |
|
John Wolfe
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
Laura I. Martinez
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary | |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
| | |
| |
|
Wu-Kwan Kit
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Assistant Vice President and
Assistant Secretary | |
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
| | |
| |
|
Allison Lovett
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
Patrick Lulley
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
William A. Best III
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Senior Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
Janet Squitieri
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Vice President, Global
Head of Compliance and Chief Compliance Officer | |
Chief Compliance Officer |
| | |
| |
|
Bryan S. Paisley
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Assistant Vice President | |
N/A |
| | |
| |
|
Joseph J. McBrien
335 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017 | |
Director | |
N/A |
| Item 33. |
Location of Accounts and
Records |
All accounts, books
and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder will be maintained at the
offices of The Bank of New York Mellon, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
| Item 34. |
Management Services |
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the requirements
for effectiveness under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York and State of New York on the 30th day of April
2014.
| |
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
By: |
/s/ Jan F. van Eck |
| |
|
|
Name: Jan F. van Eck |
| |
|
|
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacities and
on the date indicated.
| /s/ David H. Chow* |
|
Trustee |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| David H. Chow |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ R. Alastair Short* |
|
Trustee |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| R. Alastair Short |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ Peter J. Sidebottom* |
|
Trustee |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| Peter J. Sidebottom |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ Richard D. Stamberger* |
|
Trustee |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| Richard D. Stamberger |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ Jan F. van Eck |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| Jan F. van Eck |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ John J. Crimmins* |
|
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer |
|
April 30, 2014 |
| John J. Crimmins |
|
|
|
|
| *By: |
/s/ Jonathan R. Simon |
| |
Jonathan R. Simon |
| |
Attorney in Fact |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| (d)(4) |
Form of Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement between China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Van Eck Associates Corporation (with respect to Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF f/k/a Market Vectors China ETF). |
| |
|
| (i)(72) |
Consent of Dechert LLP (with respect to Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF, Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF and Market Vectors Vietnam ETF). |
| |
|
| (j)(1) |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (with
respect to Market Vectors Africa Index ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETF, Market Vectors
Egypt Index ETF, Market Vectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Gulf States Index ETF, Market Vectors India Small-Cap
Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Israel ETF, Market
Vectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF, Market Vectors Poland ETF, Market Vectors Russia ETF, Market Vectors Russia
Small-Cap ETF, Market Vectors Vietnam ETF and Market Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF). |
| |
|
| (j)(2) |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (with respect
to Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors Coal ETF, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors Gold
Miners ETF, Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors Natural Resources ETF, Market Vectors Oil Services ETF, Market
Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF, Market Vectors Steel ETF, Market Vectors Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF and Market Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF).
|
| |
|
