UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM N-CSR

              CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

                              INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number  811-10325

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

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

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

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

Date of fiscal year end:  SEPTEMBER 30

Date of reporting period: SEPTEMBER 30, 2015



Item 1. Report to Shareholders

  ANNUAL REPORT
S E P T E M B E R  3 0 ,  2 0 1 5

 

MARKET VECTORS®
INDUSTRY ETFs

 

Biotech ETF BBH
   
Environmental Services ETF EVX®
   
Gaming ETF BJK®
   
Pharmaceutical ETF PPH®
   
Retail ETF RTH®
   
Semiconductor ETF SMH®

 

800.826.2333

vaneck.com

 

 

MARKET VECTORS INDUSTRY ETFs    
President’s Letter   1
Management Discussion   3
Biotech ETF   3
Environmental Services ETF   4
Gaming ETF   4
Pharmaceutical ETF   4
Retail ETF   4
Semiconductor ETF   5
Performance Comparison    
Biotech ETF   7
Environmental Services ETF   9
Gaming ETF   11
Pharmaceutical ETF   13
Retail ETF   15
Semiconductor ETF   17
Explanation of Expenses   19
Schedule of Investments    
Biotech ETF   20
Environmental Services ETF   22
Gaming ETF   23
Pharmaceutical ETF   25
Retail ETF   26
Semiconductor ETF   27
Statements of Assets and Liabilities   28
Statements of Operations   30
Statements of Changes in Net Assets   32
Financial Highlights    
Biotech ETF   35
Environmental Services ETF   35
Gaming ETF   36
Pharmaceutical ETF   36
Retail ETF   37
Semiconductor ETF   37
Notes to Financial Statements   38
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   45
Tax Information   46
Board of Trustees and Officers   47
Approval of Investment Management Agreements   49

 

The information contained in the management discussion represents the opinions of Market Vectors ETF Trust and may differ from other persons. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings and the Funds’ performance, and the views of Market Vectors ETF Trust are as of September 30, 2015, and are subject to change.

 

MARKET VECTORS INDUSTRY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

We are pleased to present this annual report for the six industry exchange-traded funds (ETFs) of the Market Vectors ETF Trust for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2015.

 

The top performing fund in our suite of industry ETFs was the Market Vectors Retail ETF (NYSE Arca: RTH) which returned 18.63%, for the period under review. Much of its notable performance was attributable to its focus on the 25 largest U.S. listed retail companies.

 

Large-capitalization stocks were key drivers of RTH’s returns. The Fund benefited from the inclusion, and weightings in the portfolio, of the internet retailer Amazon (12.5% of Fund net assets), and home improvement retailers, Home Depot (8.2% of Fund assets), and Lowe’s (5.1% of Fund net assets). These particular stocks were either absent from or had minimal weightings in (compared with RTH) the portfolios of other similar ETFs.

 

In the case of retail companies, the Internet has proven to be transformative. While the traditional retail industry could quite validly be described as having been an “early adopter” of the Internet of Things (IoT), there are now an increasing number of different technologies available to be leveraged. These are apart from the increasing use by retailers of “big data” in merchandising decision-making, i.e., deciding what it is that customers are going to buy.

 

The efficiencies and opportunities offered by the IoT are potentially good news not only for retailers (both traditional and online), but also for the companies that make the cores of many of the devices used by the IoT, e.g., semiconductors. Since it invests in 25 of the largest U.S. listed, publicly traded semiconductor companies, some of these are to be found in another of our industry ETFs, the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (NYSE Arca: SMH). We believe SMH continues to provide interesting exposure to the expanding IoT space.

 

Semiconductors – Worldwide Market Billings: 3-Month Moving Averages ($bn)

 

 

Source: Semiconductor Industry Association. Not illustrative of an investment in the Fund. Historical information is not a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue.

 

We will, as always, continue to seek out and evaluate the most attractive opportunities for you as a shareholder. We encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions, and blogs available on our website (www.vaneck.com). And should you have any questions, please contact us at 1.800.826.2333 or visit www.vaneck.com.

1
 

MARKET VECTORS INDUSTRY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Thank you for participating in the Market Vectors ETF Trust. On the following pages, you will find the performance record of each of the funds for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015. You will also find their financial statements. We value your continuing confidence in us and look forward to helping you meet your investment goals in future.

 

 

 

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

 

October 22, 2015

 

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

 

All Fund assets referenced are total net assets as of September 30, 2015.
2
 

 

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

Three of the six Market Vectors Industry ETFs realized positive performance in the 12 months ended September 30, 2015. The Market Vectors Retail ETF posted an impressive total return of 18.63%, with the Market Vectors Biotech and Market Vectors Pharmaceutical ETFs also posting positive performance.

 

  October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015
Market Vectors Industry ETFs Total Return
 
     
   

 

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

 

Biotech

 

After October 14, 2014 (the day the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 223 points1 in a single day), biotech stocks rose fitfully, if steadily, through the first six-month period. Activity in both licensing agreements and mergers & acquisitions (M&As) was particularly brisk throughout 20142 and there were also some interesting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product approvals3 during the last quarter of the year. These included Gilead Sciences’ (16.0% of Fund net assets) new hepatitis C virus treatment Harvoni, and Amgen’s (11.8% of Fund net assets) Blincyto, a leukemia drug. In the first quarter of 2015, M&A activity continued apace with, toward the end of the period, the agreement by AbbVie (not held by Fund) to purchase Pharmacyclics (sold by end of period), for US$21 billion in cash and stock,4 of particular note. The second six months of the Fund’s financial year essentially saw biotech stocks treading water. However, both the market’s swoon at the end of August,5 and comments from both Hillary Clinton6 and Democrat lawmakers7 at the end of September, hit the Fund hard. Despite this, though, the Fund ended up 8.1% for the 12-month period as a whole.

 

U.S. companies contributed by far the most to total return, but there was also a small contribution from the Netherlands. Spain detracted from performance, but only minimally. Incyte (4.5% of Fund net assets), Pharmacyclics, subsequently acquired by AbbVie (not held by the Fund), and BioMarin Pharmaceutical (4.1% of Fund net assets) all made significant contributions to the Fund’s overall performance. Gilead Sciences, in particular, detracted from overall performance.

3
 

MARKET VECTORS INDUSTRY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Environmental Services

 

Historically, construction and home-building industries have benefitted environmental services companies. However, any upticks there may have been in either construction8 or home-building9 in the U.S. this year failed to result in positive performance in the environmental services industry. While U.S. stocks accounted for the majority of the Fund’s negative total return, positive contributions came from both the single French stock in the Fund, Veolia Environnement (sold by end of period), and the single Canadian stock, Progressive Waste Solutions (3.5% of Fund net assets).

 

Gaming

 

The Fund posted a disappointing decline of 27.91% for the 12-month period. Macau, the world’s biggest gaming hub, recorded a fall in gaming revenues in each of the 12 months of the period under review, with revenues in September—in the 16th straight monthly decline—down 33%.10 In addition to Beijing’s anti-corruption campaign, the southern Chinese territory has also been hit by the slowdown in economic growth in China.11 Gaming companies operating in Macau were some of the most significant detractors from the Fund’s overall performance. Companies in the gaming business in the U.K., Ireland, and Sweden made the only positive contributions to overall performance.

 

Pharmaceutical

 

As with biotech stocks, after October 14, 2014 (the day the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 223 points in a single day), pharmaceutical stocks rose erratically, if steadily, throughout the remainder of the fourth quarter of 2014. By the end of December, the FDA had approved some 4112 new molecular entities for the year, 17 of which offered a novel mechanism of action in treating a disease.13 This was 14 more than the 27 approved in 2013.14

 

Since the end of the year, news from the pharma market has featured strong M&A activity. In addition to the agreement by AbbVie (4.9% of Fund net assets) to purchase Pharmacyclics (not held by Fund), for US$21 billion in cash and stock,15 in March there was also a bidding war which resulted in Canada’s Valeant Pharmaceuticals (3.7% of Fund net assets) buying Salix Pharmaceuticals (sold by end of period) for US$10.1 billion in an all cash deal.16 Then, at the end of July, Jerusalem-based Teva Pharmaceutical (4.3% of Fund net assets) announced that it would acquire Allergan Generics (4.9% of Fund net assets) for $40.5 billion.17

 

Right at the end of the 12-month period, however, following the market’s swoon at the end of August,18 comments from both Hillary Clinton19 and Democrat lawmakers,20 not least the specific mention of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, hit the Fund hard. Consequently, the Fund ended its latest financial year only slightly up on the previous year. Canada and the U.S. were the two largest positive contributors to the Fund’s overall performance. Companies in both U.K. and Ireland were the largest detractors from the Fund’s overall performance.

 

Retail

 

The Fund returned a healthy 18.63% for the 12-month period under review. The first six months of the period brought with it commendably positive performance, anchored in part on total holiday retail sales, including sales for both November and December, which increased 4% to $616.1 billion21 and were the best since 2011.22 Following a fall in retail sales in both January and February,23 not least because of the cold weather gripping certain areas of the U.S., each month following (except April) through the end of the period under review, saw healthy retail sales.24 & 25

 

While stores involved in internet and catalog retail and specialty retail made by far the greatest contributions to total return, food and staples retailing also contributed healthy positive percentages to the Fund’s overall performance. The healthcare retail sector contributed the least to overall performance.

4
 

 

 

Semiconductor

 

Global semiconductor sales in 2014 hit a new high (for the second consecutive year) with record sales of $335.8 billion, up 9.9% on sales of $305.6 billion in 2013.26 Sales in the last quarter of 2014 amounted to $87.4 billion, 9.3% higher than the $79.9 billion recorded in the same quarter the previous year.27 Sales in the Americas increased 12.7% in 2014. The three largest categories of semiconductor by sales were logic, memory and micro-ICs respectively.28 Year-on-year global semiconductor sales in the first two quarters were ahead of those in the same periods in 2014.29 & 30 Thereafter, reflecting concerns about the global economy, month-on-month global semiconductor sales fell in July and August 2015.31 In August they were down 0.5% from July, and 3.0% from August 2014.32 Although contributing the most to the Fund’s total return, Taiwan’s positive performance over the period, together with that of both Singapore and the Netherlands, was just not enough to offset the negative performance of companies elsewhere, primarily in the U.S., and the Fund ended the 12-month period down 1.09%.

 

 

 

All Fund assets referenced are Total Net Assets as of September 30, 2015.
   
1 Zacks: Stock Market News for October 14, 2014, http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/150152/stock-market-news-for-october-14-2014
   
2 Zacks: 4 Biotech Stocks that Doubled in 2014, http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/158597/4-biotech-stocks-that-doubled-in-2014
   
3 U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Novel New Drugs 2014 Summary, http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DrugInnovation/UCM430299.pdf
   
4 Zacks: AbbVie to Buy Pharmacyclics: Biotech ETFs to Watch - ETF News And Commentary, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbvie-buy-pharmacyclics-biotech-etfs-184106656.html
   
5 CNN Money: After historic 1,000-point plunge, Dow dives 588 points at close, http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/24/investing/stocks-markets-selloff-china-crash-dow/
   
6 CNBC: Biotech falls on Clinton ‘price gouging’ comments, http://www.cnbc.com/2015/09/21/biotech-falls-on-clinton-price-gouging-comments.html
   
7 Financial Times: Valeant hit by political criticism of drug company pricing, http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6cf3be50-660c-11e5-a57f-21b88f7d973f.html#axzz3oMiymHW6
   
8 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System: Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization - G.17, http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/Current/
   
9 U.S. Census Bureau News: New Residential Construction in August 2015, https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf
   
10 Las Vegas Review-Journal: Macau gaming revenue down 33 percent in September, 16th straight monthly dip, http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/macau-gaming-revenue-down-33-percent-september-16th-straight-monthly-dip
   
11 Reuters: Macau’s gambling revenue tumbles 35.5 pct in August, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/01/macau-gambling-revenue-idUSENNF8R0S20150901
   
12 U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Novel New Drugs 2014 Summary, http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DrugInnovation/UCM430299.pdf
   
13 Chemical & Engineering News: The Year in New Drugs, http://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i5/Year-New-Drugs.html
   
14 DCAT CONNECT: Pharma Industry on Track to Outpace New Drug Approvals in 2014, http://connect.dcat.org/blogs/patricia-van-arnum/2014/08/26/pharma-industry-on-track-to-outpace-new-drug-approvals-in-2014#.VCGeHlcppMd
   
15 Zacks: AbbVie to Buy Pharmacyclics: Biotech ETFs to Watch - ETF News And Commentary, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbvie-buy-pharmacyclics-biotech-etfs-184106656.html
   
16 Reuters: Canada’s Valeant to buy Salix in $10.1 billion deal, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-valeantpharms-salixpharms-idUSKBN0LQ0V420150223
   
17 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd: Teva to Acquire Allergan Generics for $40.5 Billion Creating a Transformative Generics and Specialty Company Well Positioned to Win in Global Healthcare, http://www.tevapharm.com/news/?itemid={B182F7AD-88B6-4064-9D76-25178DF0C783}
   
18 CNN Money: After historic 1,000-point plunge, Dow dives 588 points at close, http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/24/investing/stocks-markets-selloff-china-crash-dow/
   
19 CNBC: Biotech falls on Clinton ‘price gouging’ comments, http://www.cnbc.com/2015/09/21/biotech-falls-on-clinton-price-gouging-comments.html
   
20 Financial Times: Valeant hit by political criticism of drug company pricing, http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6cf3be50-660c-11e5-a57f-21b88f7d973f.html#axzz3oMiymHW6
5
 

MARKET VECTORS INDUSTRY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

21 National Retail Federation: Retail Holiday Sales Increase 4 Percent, https://nrf.com/news/retail-holiday-sales-increase-4-percent
   
22 Ibid
   
23 The Wall Street Journal: U.S. Retail Sales Fall Amid Rough Weather, https://nrf.com/news/retail-sales-decreased-02-percent-february http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-retail-sales-down-0-6-in-february-1426163489?mod=djemCFO_h
   
24 National Retail Foundation: Retail Insight Center, Seasonally Adjusted Monthly Retail Sales, http://research.nrffoundation.com/Default.aspx?pg=45#.VhaH5Zf5EXg
   
25 National Retail Foundation: National Retail Federation Forecasts Holiday Sales to Increase 3.7%, https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/national-retail-federation-forecasts-holiday-sales-increase-37
   
26 Semiconductor Industry Association: Global Semiconductor Industry Posts Record Sales in 2014, http://www.semiconductors.org/news/2015/02/02/global_sales_report_2014/global_semiconductor_industry_posts_record_sales_in_2014/
   
27 Ibid.
   
28 Ibid.
   
29 Semiconductor Industry Association: First Quarter Semiconductor Sales Up 6 Percent Compared to Last year, http://www.semiconductors.org/news/2015/05/04/global_sales_report_2015/first_quarter_semiconductor_sales_up_6_percent_compared_to_last_year/
   
30 Semiconductor Industry Association: Mid-Year Global Semiconductor Sales Ahead of Last Year’s Pace by 4 Percent, http://www.semiconductors.org/news/2015/08/03/global_sales_report_2015/mid_year_global_semiconductor_sales_ahead_of_last_years_ pace_by_4_percent/
   
31 USA Today: Tech’s biggest disasters sting investors, http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2015/09/30/tech-stocks-biggest-disasters/73100110/
   
32 Semiconductor Industry Association: Global Semiconductor Sales Decrease Slightly in August, http://www.semiconductors.org/news/2015/10/05/global_sales_report_2015/global_semiconductor_sales_decrease_slightly_in_august/
6
 

BIOTECH ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MVBBHTR2
One Year   8.01%   8.13%   8.31%
Life* (annualized)   36.63%   36.64%   36.88%
Life* (cumulative)   225.44%   225.53%   227.67%
* since 12/20/11

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Biotech ETF was 12/20/11.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (12/20/11) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (12/21/11), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 0.40% / Net Expense Ratio 0.35%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

7
 

BIOTECH ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 Market Vectors® US Listed Biotech 25 Index (MVBBHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and the most liquid common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from biotechnology, which includes companies engaged primarily in research and development as well as production, marketing and sales of drugs based on genetic analysis and diagnostic equipment (excluding pharmacies).

 

Market Vectors US Listed Biotech 25 Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property of Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. Market Vectors Biotech ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH and Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for BBH is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   December 21, 2011* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   3    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   4    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   537    56.6%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   366    38.6%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   4    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   6    0.7%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   3    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   2    0.2%
Less Than -5.0%   17    1.8%
    949    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
8
 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  AXENV2
One Year   (8.80)%   (8.18)%   (7.94)%
Five Year   6.24%   6.39%   6.91%
Life* (annualized)   5.36%   5.44%   5.97%
Life* (cumulative)   59.77%   60.86%   68.25%
* since 10/10/06

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Environmental Services ETF was 10/10/06.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (10/10/06) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (10/16/06), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 1.15% / Net Expense Ratio 0.55%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

9
 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index (AXENV) is a modified equal dollar-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies that engage in business activities that may benefit from the global increase in demand for consumer waste disposal, removal and storage of industrial by-products, and the management of associated resources.

 

NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index (the “Index”) is a trademark of NYSE or its affiliates, and is licensed for use by Van Eck Associates Corporation. NYSE neither sponsors nor endorses the Fund and makes no representation as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the Index or results to be obtained by any person from using the Index in connection with trading of the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for EVX is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   September 30, 2010 through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   6    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   21    1.7%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   41    3.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   67    5.3%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   354    28.1%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   572    45.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   123    9.8%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   42    3.3%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   20    1.6%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   6    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   1    0.1%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    1259    100.0%
10
 

GAMING ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MVBJKTR2
One Year   (28.46)%   (27.91)%   (27.72)%
Five Year   4.13%   4.17%   4.59%
Life* (annualized)   (1.38)%   (1.30)%   (0.53)%
Life* (cumulative)   (10.14)%   (9.56)%   (4.03)%
* since 1/22/08
Index data prior to September 24, 2012 reflects that of the S-Network Global Gaming Index (WAGRT). From September 24, 2012, forward, the index data reflects that of the Fund’s underlying index, Market Vectors Global Gaming Index (MVBJKTR). Index history which includes periods prior to September 24, 2012 reflects a blend of the performance of WAGRT and MVAFKTR and is not intended for third party use.

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Gaming ETF was 1/22/08.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (1/22/08) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (1/24/08), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 1.00% / Net Expense Ratio 0.66%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

11
 

GAMING ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 Market Vectors® Global Gaming Index (MVBJKTR) is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and most liquid companies in the global gaming industry that generate at least 50% of their revenues from casinos and hotels, sports betting (including internet gambling and racetracks) and lottery services as well as gaming services, gaming technology and gaming equipment.

 

Market Vectors Global Gaming Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property of Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. Market Vectors Gaming ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH and Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Gaming ETF (BJK)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to Show the frequency at which the closing price for BJK is at a premium or discount to Its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   September 30, 2010 through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   4    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   27    2.1%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   379    30.1%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   660    52.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   181    14.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   7    0.6%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    1259    100.0%
12
 

PHARMACEUTICAL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MVPPHTR2
One Year   0.85%   0.96%   0.96%
Life* (annualized)   18.90%   18.61%   18.52%
Life* (cumulative)   92.41%   90.66%   90.08%
* since 12/20/11

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF was 12/20/11.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (12/20/11) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (12/21/11), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 0.41% / Net Expense Ratio 0.36%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

13
 

PHARMACEUTICAL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 Market Vectors® US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index (MVPPHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and the most liquid common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from pharmaceuticals, which includes companies engaged primarily in research and development as well as production, marketing and sales of pharmaceuticals.

 

Market Vectors US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property of Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. Market Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH and Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for PPH is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   December 21, 2011* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   3    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   6    0.7%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   514    54.2%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   400    42.2%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   4    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   3    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   5    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   4    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   5    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    949    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
14
 

RETAIL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MVRTHTR2
One Year   18.37%   18.63%   18.44%
Life* (annualized)   21.06%   20.73%   20.51%
Life* (cumulative)   106.00%   103.88%   102.45%
* since 12/20/11

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Retail ETF was 12/20/11.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (12/20/11) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (12/21/11), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 0.42% / Net Expense Ratio 0.35%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

15
 

RETAIL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 Market Vectors® US Listed Retail 25 Index (MVRTHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and the most liquid common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from retail, which includes companies engaged primarily in retail distribution; wholesalers; online, direct mail and TV retailers; multi-line retailers; specialty retailers, such as apparel, automotive, computer and electronics, drug, home improvement and home furnishing retailers; and food and other staples retailers.

 

Market Vectors US Listed Retail 25 Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property of Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. Market Vectors Retail ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH and Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Retail ETF (RTH)

Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for RTH is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   December 21, 2011* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   519    54.7%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   421    44.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   3    0.3%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    949    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
16
 

SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MVSMHTR2
One Year   (1.25)%   (1.09)%   (1.22)%
Life* (annualized)   15.83%   15.97%   15.82%
Life* (cumulative)   74.32%   75.11%   74.22%
* since 12/20/11

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF was 12/20/11.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (12/20/11) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (12/21/11), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 0.41% / Net Expense Ratio 0.35%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

17
 

SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 Market Vectors® US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index (MVSMHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and the most liquid common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from semiconductors, which includes the production of semiconductors and semiconductor equipment.

 

Market Vectors US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property of Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser), which has contracted with Solactive AG to maintain and calculate the Index. Solactive AG uses its best efforts to ensure that the Index is calculated correctly. Irrespective of its obligations towards Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, Solactive AG has no obligation to point out errors in the Index to third parties. Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (the “Fund”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH and Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for SMH is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   December 21, 2011* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   5    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   461    48.6%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   478    50.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   1    0.1%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    949    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
18
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

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

 

The disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015.

 

Actual Expenses

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

 

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

 

   Beginning  Ending  Annualized  Expenses Paid
   Account  Account  Expense  During the Period*
   Value  Value  Ratio  April 1, 2015-
   April 1, 2015  September 30, 2015  During Period  September 30, 2015
Biotech ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $883.00    0.35%   $1.65 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,023.31    0.35%   $1.78 
Environmental Services ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $911.90    0.55%   $2.64 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.31    0.55%   $2.79 
Gaming ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $810.50    0.66%   $3.00 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.76    0.66%   $3.35 
Pharmaceutical ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $907.40    0.36%   $1.72 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,023.26    0.36%   $1.83 
Retail ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $950.30    0.35%   $1.71 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,023.31    0.35%   $1.78 
Semiconductor ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $902.80    0.35%   $1.67 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,023.31    0.35%   $1.78 

 

*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended September 30, 2015) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
**   Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses
19
 

BIOTECH ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%     
Ireland: 1.9%     
 207,748   Alkermes Plc (USD) *  $12,188,575 
Netherlands: 2.3%     
 587,373   Qiagen NV (USD) *   15,154,223 
Spain: 1.8%       
 382,170   Grifols SA (ADR)   11,617,968 
United States: 94.1%     
 190,015   Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *   29,716,446 
 150,849   Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *   12,122,226 
 555,241   Amgen, Inc.   76,800,935 
 953,738   Baxalta, Inc.   30,052,284 
 165,319   Biogen Idec, Inc. *   48,241,737 
 251,304   BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. *   26,467,337 
 60,770   Bluebird Bio, Inc. *   5,198,874 
 679,226   Celgene Corp. *   73,471,876 
 154,204   Cepheid, Inc. *   6,970,021 
 116,754   Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. *   7,416,214 
 1,060,349   Gilead Sciences, Inc.   104,115,668 
 165,889   Illumina, Inc. *   29,166,604 
 263,842   Incyte Corp. *   29,109,688 
 40,558   Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. * †   6,726,950 
 265,194   Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *   10,719,142 
 425,275   Medivation, Inc. *   18,074,188 
 33,409   Puma Biotechnology, Inc. *   2,517,702 
 266,888   Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc *   18,567,398 
 68,764   Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *   31,984,887 
 174,292   Seattle Genetics, Inc. *   6,720,700 
 103,921   United Therapeutics Corp. *   13,638,592 
 251,151   Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *   26,154,865 
         613,954,334 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $722,257,690)
   652,915,100 
      
Principal
Amount
         
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 1.0%
     
Repurchase Agreements: 1.0%     
$1,534,482   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with BNP Paribas Securities Corp., 0.11%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,534,487; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.25% to 7.50%, due 8/1/16 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,565,174 including accrued interest)   1,534,482 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
             
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)     
$ 1,534,482    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 0.12%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,534,487; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.00%, due 5/15/18 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,565,172 including accrued interest)  $1,534,482 
  1,534,482    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 0.10%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,534,486; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.25%, due 11/15/15 to 7/15/37, valued at $1,565,172 including accrued interest)   1,534,482 
  1,534,482    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 0.14%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,534,488; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 4.50%, due 10/9/19 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,565,172 including accrued interest)   1,534,482 
  323,035    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, 0.09%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $323,036; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.09% to 3.63%, due 1/31/16 to 2/15/44, valued at $329,497 including accrued interest)   323,035
Total Short-Term Investments Held as
Collateral for Securities Loaned
     
(Cost: $6,460,963)   6,460,963 
Total Investments: 101.1%
(Cost: $728,718,653)
   659,376,063 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.1)%   (7,397,671)
NET ASSETS: 100.0% $651,978,392


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20
 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $6,634,400.

 

Summary of Investments by
Sector Excluding Collateral for
Securities Loaned (unaudited)
  % of Investments     Value  
Biotechnology    79.8%   $521,101,607 
Health Care    12.3     80,076,452 
Life Sciences Tools & Services    7.9     51,737,041 
     100.0%   $652,915,100 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $652,915,100   $     $   $652,915,100 
Repurchase Agreements       6,460,963          6,460,963 
Total  $652,915,100   $6,460,963     $   $659,376,063 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21
 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
       
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%      
Canada: 3.5%     
 19,378   Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd. (USD)  $511,967 
United States: 96.6%      
 18,232   ABM Industries, Inc.   497,916 
 33,692   Calgon Carbon Corp.   524,921 
 10,065   Cantel Medical Corp.   570,686 
 34,576   Ceco Environmental Corp.   283,177 
 11,200   Clarcor, Inc.   534,016 
 11,219   Clean Harbors, Inc. *   493,299 
 28,182   Covanta Holding Corp.   491,776 
 45,930   Darling International, Inc. *   516,253 
 17,916   Donaldson Company, Inc.   503,081 
 48,725   Layne Christensen Co. *   316,713 
 51,894   Newpark Resources, Inc. *   265,697 
 43,745   Rentech Inc *   244,972 
 36,301   Republic Services, Inc.   1,495,601 
 21,381   Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.   289,499 
 10,676   Stericycle, Inc. *   1,487,274 
 8,370   Steris Corp. †   543,799 
 9,615   Tennant Co.   540,171 
 12,183   Tenneco, Inc. *   545,433 
 21,142   Tetra Tech, Inc.   513,962 
 11,223   US Ecology, Inc.   489,884 
 30,378   Waste Connections, Inc.   1,475,763 
 29,605   Waste Management, Inc.   1,474,625 
         14,098,518 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $14,575,128)
  14,610,485 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
             
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $33,123)
     
  33,123    Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund  $33,123 
Total Investments Before Collateral for
Securities Loaned: 100.4%
     
(Cost: $14,608,251)   14,643,608 
      
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 3.8%
     
(Cost: $559,245)     
Repurchase Agreement: 3.8%     
$ 559,245    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc., 0.13%,
due 10/1/15, proceeds $559,247; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 3.00% to 4.50%, due 10/20/41 to 5/20/45, valued at $570,430 including accrued interest)
   559,245 
Total Investments: 104.2%
(Cost: $15,167,496)
   15,202,853 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (4.2)%   (609,963)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $14,592,890 


 

 

USD United States Dollar
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $543,799.

 

Summary of Investments by
Sector Excluding Collateral for
Securities Loaned (unaudited)  
  % of Investments  Value  
Consumer Discretionary   3.7%  $545,433 
Consumer Staples   3.5    516,253 
Energy   1.8    265,697 
Health Care   7.6    1,114,485 
Industrials   75.9    11,109,225 
Materials   7.3    1,059,392 
Money Market Fund   0.2    33,123 
    100.0%  $14,643,608 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $14,610,485   $     $   $14,610,485 
Money Market Fund   33,123              33,123 
Repurchase Agreement       559,245          559,245 
Total  $14,643,608   $559,245     $   $15,202,853 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22
 

GAMING ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
 
COMMON STOCKS: 97.6%       
Australia: 15.3%      
 138,522   Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. #  $842,912 
 99,009   Crown Ltd. #   692,862 
 156,244   Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. #   534,897 
 205,582   TABCORP Holdings Ltd. #   677,149 
 342,621   Tatts Group Ltd. #   909,489 
         3,657,309 
Canada: 2.3%     
 20,594   Amaya, Inc. *   373,724 
 19,284   Intertain Group Ltd. *   165,123 
         538,847 
China / Hong Kong: 20.2%      
 593,240   Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. #   1,519,457 
 37,672   Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)   518,367 
 115,400   Melco International Development Ltd. #   141,867 
 222,900   MGM China Holdings Ltd. #   259,661 
 567,600   Sands China Ltd. #   1,724,063 
 467,000   SJM Holdings Ltd. #   332,486 
 290,800   Wynn Macau Ltd. #   332,707 
         4,828,608 
Greece: 1.7%     
 44,211   OPAP SA #   400,331 
Ireland: 4.4%     
 9,040   Paddy Power Plc #   1,044,931 
Japan: 4.2%     
 13,579   Sankyo Co. Ltd. #   483,895 
 53,200   Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc. #   520,031 
         1,003,926 
Malaysia: 4.3%     
 175,017   Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd #   122,658 
 800,898   Genting Malaysia Bhd #   756,790 
 227,640   Magnum Bhd #   132,636 
         1,012,084 
New Zealand: 1.1%      
 112,735   Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. #   270,203 
Singapore: 3.2%      
 1,503,100   Genting Singapore Plc #   768,389 
South Africa: 1.2%      
 159,391   Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd. #   279,700 
South Korea: 5.1%      
 26,796   Kangwon Land, Inc. #   957,726 
 13,089   Paradise Co. Ltd. #   249,157 
         1,206,883 
Sweden: 1.9%     
 26,959   Betsson AB #   453,204 
United Kingdom: 12.5%      
 15,847   Betfair Group Plc #   799,722 
 182,483   Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc #   307,833 
 208,948   Ladbrokes Plc † #   303,926 
 59,331   Playtech Ltd. #   745,997 
 155,472   William Hill Plc #   827,992 
         2,985,470 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
United States: 20.2%     
 18,332   Boyd Gaming Corp. *  $298,812 
 2,764   Churchill Downs, Inc.   369,851 
 25,398   International Game Technology Plc   389,351 
 43,447   Las Vegas Sands Corp.   1,649,683 
 31,517   MGM Mirage *   581,489 
 11,541   Penn National Gaming, Inc. *   193,658 
 10,193   Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. *   344,931 
 10,327   Scientific Games Corp. * †   107,917 
 16,779   Wynn Resorts Ltd.   891,300 
         4,826,992 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $34,537,091)
   23,276,877 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS: 2.4%
(Cost: $758,223)
     
United States: 2.4%     
 19,229   Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   571,101 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $33,761)
     
 33,761   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund   33,761 
Total Investments Before Collateral for
Securities Loaned: 100.1%
    
(Cost: $35,329,075)   23,881,739 
      
Principal         
Amount         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 1.6%     
(Cost: $384,494)     
Repurchase Agreement: 1.6%     
$384,494   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, 0.09%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $384,495; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.09% to 3.63%, due 1/31/16 to 2/15/44, valued at $392,185 including accrued interest)   384,494 
Total Investments: 101.7%
(Cost: $35,713,569)
   24,266,233 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.7)%   (407,071)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $23,859,162


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23
 

GAMING ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015 (continued)

 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $375,599.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $17,392,671 which represents 72.9% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by
Sector Excluding Collateral for
Securities Loaned (unaudited)
  % of Investments    Value  
Casino Hotels   47.4%  $11,320,503 
Casino Services   13.2    3,148,737 
Casinos & Gaming   14.7    3,501,882 
Computer Software   3.1    745,997 
Diversified Operations   1.2    274,503 
Gambling (Non-Hotel)   13.9    3,322,718 
Internet Gambling   1.3    307,833 
Lottery Services   4.3    1,032,147 
Racetracks   0.8    193,658 
Money Market Fund   0.1    33,761 
    100.0%  $23,881,739 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $3,657,309     $   $3,657,309 
Canada   538,847              538,847 
China / Hong Kong   518,367    4,310,241          4,828,608 
Greece       400,331          400,331 
Ireland       1,044,931          1,044,931 
Japan       1,003,926          1,003,926 
Malaysia       1,012,084          1,012,084 
New Zealand       270,203          270,203 
Singapore       768,389          768,389 
South Africa       279,700          279,700 
South Korea       1,206,883          1,206,883 
Sweden       453,204          453,204 
United Kingdom       2,985,470          2,985,470 
United States   4,826,992              4,826,992 
Real Estate Investment Trusts*   571,101              571,101 
Money Market Fund   33,761              33,761 
Repurchase Agreement       384,494          384,494 
Total  $6,489,068   $17,777,165     $   $24,266,233 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24
 

PHARMACEUTICAL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Denmark: 5.1%     
 298,556   Novo-Nordisk AS (ADR)  $16,193,677 
France: 5.1%     
 335,208   Sanofi SA (ADR)   15,912,324 
Ireland: 9.6%     
 68,847   Endo International Plc (USD) *   4,769,720 
 18,850   Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc (USD) *   2,503,468 
 58,576   Perrigo Co. Plc (USD)   9,212,248 
 66,309   Shire Plc (ADR)   13,608,596 
        30,094,032 
Israel: 4.3%     
 240,199   Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR)   13,561,636 
Switzerland: 7.9%     
 270,329   Novartis AG (ADR)   24,848,642 
United Kingdom: 9.8%     
 462,680   AstraZeneca Plc (ADR)   14,722,478 
 417,979   GlaxoSmithKline Plc (ADR)   16,071,293 
        30,793,771 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
United States: 58.2%     
 346,769   Abbott Laboratories  $13,947,049 
 281,077   AbbVie, Inc.   15,293,400 
 35,010   Akorn, Inc. *   997,960 
 56,479   Allergan Plc *   15,351,557 
 78,522   AmerisourceBergen Corp.   7,458,805 
 258,331   Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   15,293,195 
 184,867   Eli Lilly & Co.   15,471,519 
 249,238   Johnson & Johnson   23,266,367 
 38,248   Mallinckrodt Plc *   2,445,577 
 77,734   McKesson Corp.   14,383,122 
 320,749   Merck and Co., Inc.   15,841,793 
 155,639   Mylan NV *   6,266,026 
 555,101   Pfizer, Inc.   17,435,722 
 65,795   Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. *   11,736,512 
 185,856   Zoetis, Inc.   7,653,550 
         182,842,154 
Total Common Stocks: 100.0%
(Cost: $354,135,221)
   314,246,236 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.0%   50,987 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $314,297,223 


 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
* Non-income producing

 

Summary of Investments      
by Sector (unaudited)       % of Investments  Value  
Health Care   15.4%  $48,408,555 
Health Care Equipment   4.4    13,947,049 
Pharmaceuticals   80.2    251,890,632 
    100.0%  $314,246,236 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $314,246,236   $   $     $314,246,236 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25
 

RETAIL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
       
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%      
China / Hong Kong: 3.8%      
 298,133   JD.com Inc (ADR) *  $7,769,346 
United States: 96.2%      
 49,677   Amazon.com, Inc. *   25,429,160 
 56,214   AmerisourceBergen Corp.   5,339,768 
 5,763   AutoZone, Inc. *   4,171,432 
 40,705   Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. *   2,320,999 
 68,916   Best Buy Co., Inc.   2,558,162 
 77,478   Cardinal Health, Inc.   5,951,860 
 73,941   Costco Wholesale Corp.   10,689,650 
 136,455   CVS Caremark Corp.   13,165,179 
 78,580   Dollar General Corp.   5,692,335 
 143,962   Home Depot, Inc.   16,626,171 
 44,737   Kohl’s Corp.   2,071,771 
 265,532   Kroger Co.   9,577,739 
 69,693   L Brands, Inc.   6,281,430 
 151,639   Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   10,450,960 
 97,091   MACY’S, Inc.   4,982,710 
 48,200   McKesson Corp.   8,918,446 
 107,462   Ross Stores, Inc.   5,208,683 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
 
United States: (continued)      
 154,521   Sysco Corp.  $6,021,683 
 120,468   Target Corp.   9,476,013 
 89,487   The Gap, Inc.   2,550,380 
 130,808   TJX Cos., Inc.   9,342,307 
 128,903   Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.   10,711,839 
 236,463   Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   15,332,261 
 104,977   Whole Foods Market, Inc.   3,322,522 
         196,193,460 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $212,042,992)
  203,962,806 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $28,516)
     
 28,516   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund   28,516 
Total Investments: 100.0%
(Cost: $212,071,508)
  203,991,322 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.0)%  (82,790)
NET ASSETS: 100.0% $203,908,532 


 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing

 

Summary of Investments      
by Sector (unaudited)       % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   56.4%  $114,931,859 
Consumer Staples   33.7    68,820,873 
Health Care   9.9    20,210,074 
Money Market Fund   0.0    28,516 
    100.0%  $203,991,322 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $203,962,806   $   $     $203,962,806 
Money Market Fund   28,516             28,516 
Total  $203,991,322   $   $     $203,991,322 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26
 

SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%      
Bermuda: 0.7%     
 143,985   Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (USD)  $1,303,064 
Netherlands: 9.3%      
 104,955   ASML Holding NV (USD)   9,233,941 
 96,790   NXP Semiconductors NV (USD) *   8,427,505 
         17,661,446 
Singapore: 4.4%      
 67,638   Avago Technologies Ltd. (USD)   8,455,426 
Taiwan: 12.7%     
 1,170,008   Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (ADR)   24,277,666 
United Kingdom: 4.4%      
 191,987   ARM Holdings Plc (ADR)   8,303,438 
United States: 68.6%      
 105,659   Altera Corp.   5,291,403 
 94,653   Analog Devices, Inc.   5,339,376 
 441,544   Applied Materials, Inc.   6,486,281 
 165,724   Broadcom Corp.   8,523,185 
 1,137,080   Intel Corp.   34,271,591 
 32,676   KLA-Tencor Corp.   1,633,800 
 50,712   Lam Research Corp.   3,313,015 
 70,078   Linear Technology Corp.   2,827,647 
 84,475   Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.   2,821,465 
 70,660   Microchip Technology, Inc. †   3,044,739 
 449,523   Micron Technology, Inc. *   6,733,855 
 165,189   NVIDIA Corp.   4,071,909 
 155,717   ON Semiconductor Corp. *   1,463,740 
 367,258   Qualcomm, Inc.   19,732,772 
 70,358   SanDisk Corp.   3,822,550 
 77,343   Skyworks Solutions, Inc.   6,513,054 
 58,652   Teradyne, Inc.   1,056,323 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
United States: (continued)     
  200,751    Texas Instruments, Inc.  $9,941,190 
  97,561    Xilinx, Inc.   4,136,586 
           131,024,481 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $209,620,708)
   191,025,521 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $215,733)
     
  215,733    Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund   215,733 
Total Investments Before Collateral for
Securities Loaned: 100.2%
     
(Cost: $209,836,441)    191,241,254 
      
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL
FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 0.0%
     
(Cost: $662)     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.0%     
  $662    Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, 0.09%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $662; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.09% to 3.63%, due 1/31/16 to 2/15/44, valued at $675 including accrued interest)   662 
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $209,837,103)
   191,241,916 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%   (318,770)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $190,923,146 


 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $474.

 

Summary of Investments      
by Sector Excluding      
Collateral for Securities      
Loaned (unaudited)          % of Investments  Value 
Information Technology   12.3%  $23,555,322 
Semiconductor Equipment   11.4    21,723,360 
Semiconductors   76.2    145,746,839 
Money Market Fund   0.1    215,733 
    100.0%  $191,241,254 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $191,025,521   $     $   $191,025,521 
Money Market Fund   215,733              215,733 
Repurchase Agreement       662          662 
Total  $191,241,254   $662     $   $191,241,916 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2015

 

   Biotech
ETF
   Environmental
Services
ETF
   Gaming
ETF
 
Assets:               
Investments, at value (1) (2)  $652,915,100   $14,643,608   $23,881,739 
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)   6,460,963    559,245    384,494 
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)           124,128 
Receivables:               
Investment securities sold       29,721    217 
Shares sold   635    2,884,446     
Due from Adviser       18,177    14,505 
Dividends   98,497    23,759    100,201 
Prepaid expenses   10,178    201    355 
Total assets   659,485,373    18,159,157    24,505,639 
                
Liabilities:               
Payables:               
Investment securities purchased       883,966    218 
Collateral for securities loaned   6,460,963    559,245    384,494 
Line of credit   754,759        118,050 
Shares redeemed       2,051,862     
Due to Adviser   133,950         
Due to custodian   6,447        35,216 
Deferred Trustee fees   22,956    1,736    4,535 
Accrued expenses   127,906    69,458    103,964 
Total liabilities   7,506,981    3,566,267    646,477 
NET ASSETS  $651,978,392   $14,592,890   $23,859,162 
Shares outstanding   5,696,503    250,000    800,000 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $114.45   $58.37   $29.82 
                
Net assets consist of:               
Aggregate paid in capital  $724,651,772   $29,600,620   $37,635,314 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (69,342,590)   35,357    (11,448,891)
Undistributed net investment income   1,271,279    132,857    869,489 
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)   (4,602,069)   (15,175,944)   (3,196,750)
   $651,978,392   $14,592,890   $23,859,162 
(1) Value of securities on loan  $6,634,400   $543,799   $375,599 
(2) Cost of investments  $722,257,690   $14,608,251   $35,329,075 
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned  $6,460,963   $559,245   $384,494 
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency  $   $   $124,583 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28
 

 

 

Pharmaceutical   Retail   Semiconductor   
ETF   ETF   ETF   
            
$314,246,236   $203,991,322   $191,241,254   
         662   
            
               
            
     469    2,681   
            
 887,095    152,290    24,164   
 4,796    2,673    5,387   
 315,138,127    204,146,754    191,274,148   
               
            
         662   
 666,793    108,233       
 87        2,393   
 59,452    20,071    20,059   
 2,818    29,764    213,628   
 14,698    2,912    17,272   
 97,056    77,242    96,988   
 840,904    238,222    351,002   
$314,297,223   $203,908,532   $190,923,146   
 4,988,138    2,771,531    3,820,937   
$63.01   $73.57   $49.97   
               
$352,767,875   $210,034,796   $205,743,121   
 (39,888,985)   (8,080,186)   (18,595,187)  
 1,423,738    2,973,265    4,823,602   
 (5,405)   (1,019,343)   (1,048,390)  
$314,297,223   $203,908,532   $190,923,146   
$   $   $474   
$354,135,221   $212,071,508   $209,836,441   
$   $   $662   
$   $   $   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended September 30, 2015

 

   Biotech
ETF
   Environmental
Services
ETF
   Gaming
ETF
 
Income:               
Dividends  $2,701,473   $227,689   $1,214,920 
Securities lending income   1,228,497    44,257    10,306 
Foreign taxes withheld   (31,689)   (1,542)   (25,179)
Total income   3,898,281    270,404    1,200,047 
                
Expenses:               
Management fees   2,554,771    79,554    167,643 
Professional fees   101,885    67,279    72,877 
Insurance   9,474    325    922 
Trustees’ fees and expenses   29,847    1,749    2,718 
Reports to shareholders   92,902    16,393    19,925 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee   3,869        18,453 
Custodian fees   19,750    2,883    28,912 
Registration fees   8,238    4,220    5,055 
Transfer agent fees   1,730    2,384    2,364 
Fund accounting fees   38,561    1,101    6,721 
Interest   11,451    434    1,723 
Other   23,968    5,878    7,184 
Total expenses   2,896,446    182,200    334,497 
Waiver of management fees   (330,219)   (79,554)   (114,837)
Expenses assumed by the Adviser       (14,702)    
Net expenses   2,566,227    87,944    219,660 
Net investment income   1,332,054    182,460    980,387 
                
Net realized gain (loss) on:               
Investments   4,028,576    (1,501,678)   (1,318,818)
In-kind redemptions   186,143,157    1,162,004    1,183,529 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities           (4,517)
Net realized gain (loss)   190,171,733    (339,674)   (139,806)
                
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:               
Investments   (154,774,310)   (1,128,708)   (11,556,971)
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities           738 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (154,774,310)   (1,128,708)   (11,556,233)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $36,729,477   $(1,285,922)  $(10,715,652)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30
 

 

 

Pharmaceutical   Retail   Semiconductor   
ETF   ETF   ETF   
               
$8,238,522   $4,066,040   $9,715,807   
 3,075    1,300    44,371   
 (347,506)       (371,156)  
 7,894,091    4,067,340    9,389,022   
               
 1,293,791    769,283    1,392,964   
 90,265    79,490    95,372   
 5,729    1,147    6,358   
 17,133    5,974    13,483   
 45,665    26,805    45,459   
 3,976    3,980    3,981   
 9,096    5,132    9,667   
 8,292    5,607    7,940   
 1,733    1,732    1,731   
 14,718    9,801    19,145   
 19,497    2,964    7,803   
 15,605    6,643    12,659   
 1,525,500    918,558    1,616,562   
 (212,209)   (146,310)   (215,794)  
            
 1,313,291    772,248    1,400,768   
 6,580,800    3,295,092    7,988,254   
               
 6,564,648    (1,004,858)   (985,862)  
 64,028,153    25,312,123    (40,424,797)  
            
 70,592,801    24,307,265    (41,410,659)  
               
 (75,458,283)   (8,434,125)   (3,130,916)  
            
 (75,458,283)   (8,434,125)   (3,130,916)  
$1,715,318   $19,168,232   $(36,553,321)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

   Biotech ETF   Environmental Services ETF 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
 
Operations:                    
Net investment income (loss)  $1,332,054   $(139,447)  $182,460   $255,685 
Net realized gain (loss)   190,171,733    99,761,734    (339,674)   335,675 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (154,774,310)   7,699,123    (1,128,708)   397,203 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   36,729,477    107,321,410    (1,285,922)   988,563 
                     
Dividends to shareholders:                    
Dividends from net investment income       (16,340)   (263,000)   (225,000)
                     
Share transactions:**                    
Proceeds from sale of shares   515,674,327    214,333,599    12,572,433    16,414,508 
Cost of shares redeemed   (439,848,484)   (216,305,046)   (12,572,433)   (19,765,651)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions   75,825,843    (1,971,447)       (3,351,143)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   112,555,320    105,333,623    (1,548,922)   (2,587,580)
Net Assets, beginning of period   539,423,072    434,089,449    16,141,812    18,729,392 
Net Assets, end of period†  $651,978,392   $539,423,072   $14,592,890   $16,141,812 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)  $1,271,279   $(60,775)  $132,857   $214,245 
                     
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                    
Shares sold   4,100,000    2,250,000    200,000    250,000 
Shares redeemed   (3,500,000)   (2,400,000)   (200,000)   (300,000)
Net increase (decrease)   600,000    (150,000)       (50,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32
 

 

 

Gaming ETF   Pharmaceutical ETF   
For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
   
                    
$980,387   $1,926,213   $6,580,800   $5,694,728   
 (139,806)   11,837,737    70,592,801    61,446,159   
 (11,556,233)   (18,082,672)   (75,458,283)   23,818,451   
 (10,715,652)   (4,318,722)   1,715,318    90,959,338   
                    
 (1,789,800)   (802,900)   (6,396,063)   (5,483,238)  
                    
 5,948,582    31,039,908    276,929,722    267,920,405   
 (12,968,022)   (39,516,731)   (363,840,122)   (188,775,424)  
 (7,019,440)   (8,476,823)   (86,910,400)   79,144,981   
 (19,524,892)   (13,598,445)   (91,591,145)   164,621,081   
 43,384,054    56,982,499    405,888,368    241,267,287   
$23,859,162   $43,384,054   $314,297,223   $405,888,368   
$869,489   $1,732,005   $1,423,738   $1,239,001   
                    
 150,000    600,000    4,000,000    4,550,000   
 (350,000)   (800,000)   (5,400,000)   (3,200,000)  
 (200,000)   (200,000)   (1,400,000)   1,350,000   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Retail ETF    Semiconductor ETF 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
 
Operations:                    
Net investment income  $3,295,092   $502,509   $7,988,254   $5,600,833 
Net realized gain (loss)   24,307,265    8,198,452    (41,410,659)   87,768,373 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (8,434,125)   (1,892,838)   (3,130,916)   (6,723,231)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   19,168,232    6,808,123    (36,553,321)   86,645,975 
                     
Dividends to shareholders:                    
Dividends from net investment income   (690,116)   (408,291)   (6,554,432)   (4,956,298)
                     
Share transactions:**                    
Proceeds from sale of shares   332,584,044    119,681,910    7,511,380,699    2,914,362,903 
Cost of shares redeemed   (213,877,277)   (102,053,895)   (7,692,308,773)   (2,843,110,213)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions   118,706,767    17,628,015    (180,928,074)   71,252,690 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   137,184,883    24,027,847    (224,035,827)   152,942,367 
Net Assets, beginning of period   66,723,649    42,695,802    414,958,973    262,016,606 
Net Assets, end of period†  $203,908,532   $66,723,649   $190,923,146   $414,958,973 
† Including undistributed net investment income  $2,973,265   $368,223   $4,823,602   $4,246,099 
                  
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                 
Shares sold   4,600,000    2,000,000    140,850,000    62,550,000 
Shares redeemed   (2,900,000)   (1,700,000)   (145,150,000)   (61,000,000)
Net increase (decrease)   1,700,000    300,000    (4,300,000)   1,550,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Biotech ETF #
               For the Period
December 20,
2011(a) through
   For the Year Ended September 30,   September 30,
   2015   2014   2013   2012
Net asset value, beginning of period  $105.84   $82.74   $54.07     $35.28 
Income from investment operations:                      
Net investment income (loss)   0.24    (0.03)   0.01      0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   8.37    23.13    28.85      18.78 
Total from investment operations   8.61    23.10    28.86      18.79 
Less:                      
Dividends from net investment income       (e)   (0.02)      
Distributions from net realized capital gains           (0.17)      
Total dividends and distributions           (0.19)      
Net asset value, end of period  $114.45   $105.84   $82.74     $54.07 
Total return (b)   8.13%   27.92%   53.55%     53.26%(d)
                       
                       
Ratios/Supplemental Data                      
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$651,978 $539,423 $434,089   $132,278 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.40%   0.41%   0.41%     0.44%(c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.18%   (0.03)%   0.01%     0.03%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate   12%   11%   0%     12%(d)

 

   Environmental Services ETF 
               For the
Period
January 1,
        
   For the Year Ended September 30,   2012 through
September 30,
  For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
   2015   2014   2013   2012  2011   2010 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $64.57   $62.43   $49.65     $46.61   $51.54   $42.68 
Income from investment operations:                                
Net investment income   0.73    1.00    0.91      0.50    0.62    0.50 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (5.88)   1.89    12.66      2.54    (4.93)   8.86 
Total from investment operations   (5.15)   2.89    13.57      3.04    (4.31)   9.36 
Less:                                
Dividends from net investment income   (1.05)   (0.75)   (0.79)         (0.62)   (0.50)
Net asset value, end of period  $58.37   $64.57   $62.43     $49.65   $46.61   $51.54 
Total return (b)   (8.18)%   4.62%   27.67%     6.52%(d)   (8.36)%   21.93%
                                 
                                 
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$14,593 $16,142 $18,729   $19,860 $23,305 $30,927 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.15%   0.92%   1.01%     1.01%(c)   0.83%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%     0.55%(c)   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%     0.55%(c)   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.15%   1.32%   1.60%     1.23%(c)   1.08%   1.12%
Portfolio turnover rate   19%   13%   5%     4%(d)   1%   6%

 

 
(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) Annualized
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share
# On February 14, 2012, the Fund effected a 3 for 1 share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Gaming ETF 
               For the
Period
January 1,
        
   For the Year Ended September 30,   2012 through
September 30
,
  For the Year
Ended December 31,
 
   2015   2014   2013   2012  2011   2010 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $43.38   $47.49   $34.22     $30.23   $31.48   $23.60 
Income from investment operations:                                
Net investment income   1.12(e)   1.76    1.10      0.80    0.75    0.72 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (12.80)   (5.35)   13.55      3.19    (1.34)   7.99 
Total from investment operations   (11.68)   (3.59)   14.65      3.99    (0.59)   8.71 
Less:                                
Dividends from net investment income   (1.88)   (0.52)   (1.38)         (0.63)   (0.81)
Distributions from net realized capital gains                     (0.03)   (0.02)
Total dividends and distributions   (1.88)   (0.52)   (1.38)         (0.66)   (0.83)
Net asset value, end of period  $29.82   $43.38   $47.49     $34.22   $30.23   $31.48 
Total return (b)   (27.91)%   (7.76)%   44.14%     13.20%(d)   (1.87)%   36.97%
                                 
                                 
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $23,859   $43,384   $56,982     $59,894   $96,729   $129,062 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.00%   0.73%   0.83%     0.78%(c)   0.66%   0.65%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.66%   0.65%   0.65%     0.66%(c)   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%     0.65%(c)   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.92%   2.73%   2.73%     2.29%(c)   1.91%   2.53%
Portfolio turnover rate   27%   35%   16%     18%(d)   19%   11%

 

   Pharmaceutical ETF #
               For the Period
December 20,
2011(a) through
   For the Year Ended September 30,   September 30,
   2015   2014   2013   2012
Net asset value, beginning of period  $63.54   $47.89   $41.03     $35.96 
Income from investment operations:                      
Net investment income   1.31    1.02    1.08      1.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (0.62)   15.66    7.78      3.95 
Total from investment operations   0.69    16.68    8.86      5.07 
Less:                      
Dividends from net investment income   (1.22)   (1.03)   (2.00)      
Net asset value, end of period  $63.01   $63.54   $47.89     $41.03 
Total return (b)   0.96%   35.19%   22.44%     14.10%(d)
                       
                       
Ratios/Supplemental Data                      
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$314,297 $405,888 $241,267   $173,897 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.41%   0.42%   0.43%     0.41%(c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.36%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.78%   1.85%   2.30%     2.74%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate   12%   14%   3%     1%(d)

 

 
(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) Annualized
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.
# On February 14, 2012, the Fund effected a 2 for 1 share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36
 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Retail ETF #
               For the Period
December 20,
2011(a) through
   For the Year Ended September 30,   September 30,
   2015   2014   2013   2012
Net asset value, beginning of period  $62.27   $55.34   $44.88     $37.32 
Income from investment operations:                      
Net investment income   1.12(e)   0.60    0.27      0.95 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   10.47    6.94    11.04      6.63 
Total from investment operations   11.59    7.54    11.31      7.58 
Less:                      
Dividends from net investment income   (0.29)   (0.61)   (0.85)     (0.02)
Net asset value, end of period  $73.57   $62.27   $55.34     $44.88 
Total return (b)   18.63%   13.65%   25.69%     20.32%(d)
                       
                       
Ratios/Supplemental Data                      
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$203,909 $66,724 $42,696   $21,163 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.42%   0.63%   0.69%     0.55%(c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.49%   1.23%   1.84%     1.40%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate   5%   3%   3%     2%(d)

 

   Semiconductor ETF #
               For the Period
December 20,
2011(a) through
   For the Year Ended September 30,   September 30,
   2015   2014   2013   2012
Net asset value, beginning of period  $51.10   $39.88   $31.66     $29.95 
Income from investment operations:                      
Net investment income   1.08(e)   0.62    0.72      0.56 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (1.58)   11.26    8.20      1.15 
Total from investment operations   (0.50)   11.88    8.92      1.71 
Less:                      
Dividends from net investment income   (0.63)   (0.66)   (0.70)      
Net asset value, end of period  $49.97   $51.10   $39.88     $31.66 
Total return (b)   (1.09)%   30.13%   28.70%     5.71%(d)
                       
                       
Ratios/Supplemental Data                      
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$190,923 $414,959 $262,017   $282,397 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.41%   0.41%   0.43%     0.40%(c)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.35%   0.35%   0.35%     0.35%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.01%   1.68%   1.81%     1.87%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate   18%   9%   4%     2%(d)

 

 
(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) Annualized
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.
# On February 14, 2012, the Fund effected a 3 for 1 share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Note 1—Fund Organization—Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund, and as of September 30, 2015, offers fifty-eight investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following investment portfolios: Biotech ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Gaming ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF and Semiconductor ETF (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). Each Fund was created to provide investors with the opportunity to purchase a security representing a proportionate undivided interest in a portfolio of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in substantially the same weighting, in an index published by the NYSE Euronext or Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”).

 

The Funds’ commencement of operations dates and their respective indices are presented below:

 

Fund   Commencement
of Operations
  Index
         
Biotech ETF   December 20, 2011   Market Vectors® US Listed Biotech 25 Index*
Environmental Services ETF**   October 10, 2006   NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index
Gaming ETF**   January 22, 2008   Market Vectors® Global Gaming Index*
Pharmaceutical ETF   December 20, 2011   Market Vectors® US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index*
Retail ETF   December 20, 2011   Market Vectors® US Listed Retail 25 Index*
Semiconductor ETF   December 20, 2011   Market Vectors® US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index*

 

* Published by Market Vectors Index Solutions GmbH  
** Effective January 1, 2012, the Fund changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to September 30.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A. Security Valuation—The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges or traded on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (described below). Certain foreign securities, whose values may be affected by market direction or events occurring before the Funds’ pricing time (4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) but after the last close of the securities’ primary market, are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board of Trustees, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant ADR’s and futures contracts. The Funds may also fair value securities in other situations, such as, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. Short-term obligations with more than sixty days remaining to maturity are valued at market value. Short-term obligations with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Securities for which quotations are not available are stated at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee of the Adviser appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Pricing Committee provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services,
38
 

 

 

  quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value, including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
   
  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.

 

B. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
C. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund (except for dividends from net investment income on the Pharmaceutical ETF, which are declared and paid quarterly). Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. income tax regulations, which may differ from such amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
   
D. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
E. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and
39
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
F. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities lending agent, takes possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, such securities must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the terms of the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. If the value of the underlying securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest, the Funds will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next business day. If the request for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Funds maintain their right to sell the underlying securities at market value and may claim any resulting loss against the seller. Repurchase agreements held as of September 30, 2015 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
G. Use of Derivative Instruments—The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures, swaps and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts (often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives) or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivative contracts may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date, or to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount. Derivative instruments may involve a high degree of financial risk. The use of derivative instruments also involves the risk of loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments also include the risk of default by the counterparty, the risk that the investment may not be liquid and the risk that a small movement in the price of the underlying security or benchmark may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavorable or favorable, in the price of the derivative instruments. The Funds held no derivative instruments during the year ended September 30, 2015.
   
H. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of setoff in those agreements allows the Funds to set off any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. The Funds may pledge or receive cash and/or securities as collateral for derivative instruments, securities lending and repurchase agreements. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds present securities lending and repurchase agreement assets and liabilities on a gross basis in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral held at September 30, 2015 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Also, refer to related disclosures in Note 2F (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Transactions in certain securities may take longer than the customary settlement cycle to be completed. The counterparty is required to collateralize such trades with cash in excess of the market value of the transaction, which is held at the custodian and marked to market daily. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date/rate. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of 0.35% of each Fund’s average daily net assets (except for Environmental Services ETF and Gaming ETF). The management fee rates for Environmental Services ETF and Gaming ETF are 0.50% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, at least until February 1, 2016, to voluntarily waive or limit its fees and to assume as its own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by the Funds so that each Fund’s total annual operating expenses does not exceed the

40
 

 

 

expense limitations (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, offering costs, taxes and extraordinary expenses) listed in the table below.

 

The current expense limitations and the amounts waived/assumed by the Adviser for the year ended September 30, 2015, are as follows:

 

Fund  Expense
Limitations
  Waiver of
Management Fees
  Expenses Assumed
by the Adviser
Biotech ETF   0.35%   $330,219   $ 
Environmental Services ETF   0.55    79,554    14,702 
Gaming ETF   0.65    114,837     
Pharmaceutical ETF   0.35    212,209     
Retail ETF   0.35    146,310     
Semiconductor ETF   0.35    215,794     

 

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

 

Note 4—Investments—For the year ended September 30, 2015, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

Fund  Cost of Investments
Purchased
           Proceeds from
Investments Sold
 
Biotech ETF  $260,629,958   $82,435,970  
Environmental Services ETF   4,763,462    3,019,591  
Gaming ETF   9,164,264    10,697,122  
Pharmaceutical ETF   99,694,174    44,328,109  
Retail ETF   28,692,904    10,574,272  
Semiconductor ETF   75,594,376    73,808,119  

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of September 30, 2015, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost of investments owned, net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), gross unrealized appreciation, and gross unrealized depreciation of investments were as follows:

 

Fund  Cost of Investments  Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Biotech ETF  $728,718,653    $7,928,087   $(77,270,677)   $(69,342,590)
Environmental Services ETF   15,189,450    1,701,530    (1,688,127)   13,403 
Gaming ETF   36,540,157    2,293,886    (14,567,810)   (12,273,924)
Pharmaceutical ETF   354,140,626    2,415,260    (42,309,650)   (39,894,390)
Retail ETF   212,071,508    7,819,501    (15,899,687)   (8,080,186)
Semiconductor ETF   209,463,868    281,350    (18,503,302)   (18,221,952)

 

At September 30, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

Fund  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Accumulated
Capital
Losses
  Other
Temporary Differences
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Total
Biotech ETF  $1,294,236    $—   $(4,602,069)  $(22,957)  $(69,342,590)  $(72,673,380)
Environmental Services ETF  132,036      —    (15,151,434)   (1,735)  13,403   (15,007,730)
Gaming ETF  844,816      —    (2,340,952)   (4,537)  (12,275,479)  (13,776,152)
Pharmaceutical ETF  1,438,437      —        (14,699)  (39,894,390)  (38,470,652)
Retail ETF  2,976,177      —    (1,019,343)   (2,912)  (8,080,186)  (6,126,264)
Semiconductor ETF  4,466,754      —    (1,047,505)   (17,272)  (18,221,952)  (14,819,975)
41
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was as follows:

 

   September 30, 2015  September 30, 2014
Fund  Ordinary
Income
  Ordinary
Income
Biotech ETF  $   $16,340 
Environmental Services ETF   263,000    225,000 
Gaming ETF   1,789,800    802,900 
Pharmaceutical ETF   6,396,063    5,483,238 
Retail ETF   690,116    408,291 
Semiconductor ETF   6,554,432    4,956,298 

 

At September 30, 2015, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

  Post-Effective–
No Expiration
Short-Term
  Post-Effective–
No Expiration
Long-Term
  Amount Expiring
in the Year Ended September 30,
 
Fund  Capital Losses  Capital Losses  2018    2017    2016  
Biotech ETF   $1,053,288    $3,548,781   $   $   $ 
Environmental Services ETF   534,238    5,581,983    479,375    6,445,705    2,110,133 
Gaming ETF   2,252,454    88,498             
Retail ETF   963,801    55,542             
Semiconductor ETF   663,985    383,520             

 

During the year ended September 30, 2015, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to foreign currency gains and losses, net operating losses, deemed distribution on shareholder redemptions and tax treatment of in-kind redemptions, the Funds’ incurred differences that affected undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss), accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

Fund  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated Net
Investment Income (Loss)
  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
  Increase (Decrease)
in Aggregate
Paid in Capital
Biotech ETF  $   $(186,132,147)  $186,132,147 
Environmental Services ETF   (848)   (1,160,079)   1,160,927 
Gaming ETF   (53,103)   (952,133)   1,005,236 
Pharmaceutical ETF       (70,586,983)   70,586,983 
Retail ETF   66    (25,311,345)   25,311,279 
Semiconductor ETF   (856,319)   40,766,690    (39,910,371)

 

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

 

The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of September 30, 2015, there were an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Shares are issued and redeemed by the Funds only in Creation Units, consisting of 50,000 shares, or multiples thereof. The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index plus a small amount of cash. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Trust had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follows:

42
 

 

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Biotech ETF  $456,375,825   $555,745,243 
Environmental Services ETF   1,740,113    3,540,054 
Gaming ETF   5,272,791    11,486,733 
Pharmaceutical ETF   259,587,570    401,035,688 
Retail ETF   317,554,573    214,395,928 
Semiconductor ETF   7,511,031,798    7,691,722,323 

 

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

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risk—The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, as indicated in the name of each Fund. The Adviser uses a “passive” or index approach to achieve each Fund’s investment objective by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Fund’s index. Each of the Funds is classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. The Funds may purchase securities on foreign exchanges. Securities of foreign issuers involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include devaluation of currencies, currency controls, less reliable information about issuers, different securities transaction clearance and settlement practices, future adverse political and economic developments and local/regional conflicts. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging market countries. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

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

 

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

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at September 30, 2015 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

43
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

Note 10—Share Split—On January 27, 2012, the Board of Trustees of the Market Vectors ETF Trust approved a split of the shares for Biotech ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, and Retail ETF. The share splits took place for shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 10, 2012, and were paid on February 13, 2012. Each Fund’s shares began trading on a split-adjusted basis on February 14, 2012. Biotech ETF and Retail ETF split its shares three-for-one. Pharmaceutical ETF split its shares two-for-one.

 

Note 11—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

Fund  Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
September 30, 2015
Biotech ETF   160   $1,557,165    1.52%  $754,759 
Environmental Services ETF   12    372,374    1.51     
Gaming ETF   127    157,111    1.52    118,050 
Pharmaceutical ETF   326    1,387,089    1.52    666,793 
Retail ETF   193    365,350    1.52    108,233 
Semiconductor ETF   213    841,199    1.52     

 

Note 12—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended September 30, 2015, there were no offsets to custodian fees.

 

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

 

The following dividend from net investment income was declared and paid subsequent to September 30, 2015:

 

Fund  Ex-Date  Record Date  Payable Date  Per Share
Pharmaceutical ETF   10/1/15   10/5/15  10/7/15  $0.284 
44
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Market Vectors ETF Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of Biotech ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Gaming ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF and Semiconductor ETF (six of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) (the “Funds”) as of September 30, 2015, and the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Biotech ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Gaming ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF and Semiconductor ETF (six of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) at September 30, 2015, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

New York, New York
November 24, 2015

45
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

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

 

Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for calendar year 2015 income tax purposes will be sent to them in early 2016. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

 

The Fund listed below intends to pass through foreign tax credits in the maximum amounts shown. The gross foreign source income earned during the period ended September 30, 2015 by the Fund was as shown below.

 

Fund  Foreign Tax Credits                 Gross Foreign Source Income  
Gaming ETF  $25,179   $949,196 

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction

 

The Funds listed below had the following percentage of ordinary income dividends paid that qualified for the Corporate Received Deduction for fiscal-year 2015.

 

Environmental Services ETF   81.19%
Gaming ETF   13.16%
Pharmaceutical ETF   66.93%
Retail ETF   100.00%
Semiconductor ETF   77.26%
46
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex3
Overseen
  Other Directorships Held
By Trustee During Past Five Years
                 
Independent Trustees:                
                 
David H. Chow,
1957*
  Chairman Trustee   Since 2008
Since 2006
  Founder and CEO, DanCourt Management LLC (financial/strategy consulting firm and Registered Investment Adviser), March 1999 to present.   58   Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, 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; Advisory Board member, MainStay Fund Complex4, June 2015 to present.
                     
R. Alastair Short,
1953*
  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.
                     
Peter J. Sidebottom,
1962*
  Trustee   Since 2012   Partner, PWC/Strategy & Financial Services Advisory, February 2015 to present; Founder and Board Member, AspenWoods Risk Solutions, September 2013 to present; Independent consultant, June 2013 to February 2015; Partner, Bain & Company (management consulting firm), April 2012 to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Committee Member, TD Ameritrade (on-line brokerage firm), February 2009 to January 2012.   58   Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to present; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012; Board Member, NJ-CAN, July 2014 to present.
                     
Richard D. Stamberger, 1959*   Trustee   Since 2006   Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company).   69   Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                     
Interested Trustee:                
                 
Jan F. van Eck, 19635   Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer   Trustee
(Since 2006);
President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2009)
  Director, President 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 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay Funds, MainStay VP Funds Trust, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Master Fund, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Fund and MainStay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
47
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

Officer’s Name,
Address1 and
Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of Office2
and Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five Years
             
Officers:            
             
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer   Since 2008   Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President   Since 2006   Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Simon Chen,
1971
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2012   Greater China Director of the Adviser (Since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011).
             
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer (Since 2009)   Vice President of Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.      
             
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President   Since 2012   Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of the Adviser (since July 2008); Regional Director (Spain, Portugal, South America and Africa) of Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Ltd. (May 2001 – July 2008).
             
Lars Hamich,
1968
  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 Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”) (since June 2011); Managing Director of STOXX Limited (until 2008).
             
Wu-Kwan Kit,
1981
  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,
1955
  Vice President   Since 2006   Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  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,
1983
  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).
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since June 2014   Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser (Since June 2010); Vice President of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (April 1999 to January 2010).
             
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  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,
1955
  Senior Vice President   Since 2006   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Janet Squitieri,
1961
  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 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
48
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on December 4, 2014 (the “December Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “December Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (the “New December Fund”). In addition, at a meeting held on March 2, 2015 (the “March Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved investment management agreements (the “March Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors China Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Germany Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF, Market Vectors Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors India Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Italy Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Russia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Africa Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Spain Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and Market Vectors United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (the “New March Funds”). In addition, at a meeting held on September 3, 2015 (the “September Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved an investment management agreement (the “September Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Generic Drugs ETF (and collectively, with the New December Fund and the New March Funds, the “Funds”). The December Investment Management Agreement, the March Investment Management Agreement and the September Investment Management Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Investment Management Agreements.”

 

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

 

In advance of the relevant meeting, the Trustees received materials from the Adviser, including expense information for other funds. The Adviser provided the Trustees with information regarding, among other things, the various aspects of each Fund’s proposed investment program, fee arrangements and service provider arrangements. The Independent Trustees’ consideration of each Investment Management Agreement was based, in part, on information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the December Meeting, March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) regarding the management of the Funds, information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others proposed to be involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms and scope of services that the Adviser would provide under each Investment Management Agreement, including the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of at least one year following the effective date of each Fund’s respective registration statement.

 

The Trustees considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreements, that the Adviser would receive from serving as adviser to each Fund, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to each Fund and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor to each Fund. The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability of each of the Funds to the Adviser because the Funds had not yet commenced operations. In addition, because the Funds had not yet commenced operations, the Trustees could not consider the historical performance or the quality of services previously provided to each of the Funds by the Adviser, although they concluded that the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Adviser were appropriate based on the Trustees’ knowledge of the Adviser and its personnel and the operations of the other series of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the December Meeting, the March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

49
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

 

* * *

 

At a meeting held on June 9, 2015 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreements between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Biotech ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Gaming ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Global Spin-Off ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, Semiconductor ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (collectively, the “Funds”).

 

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

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 15, 2015. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance (for those Funds which had begun operations) and expenses of the Funds and the Funds’ peer funds (other index-based exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Funds and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds. In reviewing performance information for the Funds against their peer groups, the Trustees considered that each Fund generally invests in a different group of issuers than the funds in its designated peer group. In addition, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for each Fund that was not provided by Lipper. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreements was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and the May 15, 2015 meeting regarding the management of the Funds and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreements, including, where applicable, the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

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

50
 

 

 

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

 

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

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than fees under the Investment Management Agreements, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Funds, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to the Funds and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor for the Funds.

 

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

 

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

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 15, 2015 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

 

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

51
 

 

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

 

Additional information about the Trust’s Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 1.800.826.2333, or by visiting www.vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1.202.942.8090. The Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are also available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Investment Adviser:

Van Eck Associates Corporation

 

Distributor:

Van Eck Securities Corporation

666 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

vaneck.com

 

Account Assistance:

1.800.826.2333

www.vaneck.com

 

MVINDUSAR

 
 

ANNUAL REPORT

S E P T E M B E R  3 0 ,  2 0 1 5

 

MARKET VECTORS®

STRATEGIC EQUITY ETFs

 

Global Spin-Off ETF SPUN
   
Morningstar International Moat ETF MOTI
   
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF MOAT®

 

800.826.2333
vaneck.com

 
 

 

MARKET VECTORS STRATEGIC EQUITY ETFs    
  President’s Letter   1
  Management Discussion   3
  Performance Comparison    
    Global Spin-Off ETF   4
    Morningstar International Moat ETF   6
    Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   8
  Explanation of Expenses   10
  Schedule of Investments    
    Global Spin-Off ETF   11
    Morningstar International Moat ETF   14
    Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   16
  Statements of Assets and Liabilities   18
  Statements of Operations   19
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets   20
  Financial Highlights    
    Global Spin-Off ETF   21
    Morningstar International Moat ETF   21
    Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   22
  Notes to Financial Statements   23
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   30
  Tax Information   31
  Board of Trustees and Officers   32
  Approval of Investment Management Agreements   34

 

The information contained in the management discussion represents the opinions of Market Vectors ETF Trust and may differ from other persons. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings and the Funds’ performance, and the views of Market Vectors ETF Trust are as of September 30, 2015, and are subject to change.

 
 

MARKET VECTORS STRATEGIC EQUITY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

In the last six months, two additional ETFs have joined Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (NYSE Arca: MOAT), as such, we are pleased to present this report for the three Strategic Equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs) of the Market Vectors ETF Trust for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2015.

 

Sustainable Competitive Advantages

 

As I mentioned in my last letter, MOAT seeks to track companies Morningstar believes possess sustainable competitive advantages and exhibit attractive valuations. We continue to believe that investors looking to make long-term allocations to broad asset classes, such as U.S. equity or international markets, may find that this strategic approach offers an attractive way to enhance exposure to core asset classes.

 

In the context of a long-term allocation to the U.S. equity market, the Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM 1 the index MOAT seeks to replicate—continues to feature an impressive batting average measured against the S&P 500® Index,2 particularly over long-term holding periods. As of September 30, illustrating the success of Morningstar’s process of identifying attractively priced companies with sustainable competitive advantages, the Wide Moat Focus Index had outperformed the S&P 500 Index 62% of the time if held for a year.

 

Batting Average Shows the Percent of Time Morningstar Wide Moat Focus Index
Outperformed the S&P 500 Index

 

Monthly Frequency: 3/2007 – 9/2015

 

 

 

  Total Periods 103 98 92 68 44  
  Total Outperformed 50 57 57 59 40  
  Batting Average 49% 58% 62% 87% 91%  

 

Source: Morningstar, FactSet. Batting Average is measured by dividing the number of periods a portfolio or investment strategy outperforms a benchmark by the total number of periods.

 

Not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. Past performance is no guarantee of future results; current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Index performance is not illustrative of fund performance. Investors cannot invest directly in an Index.

 

International Companies with a Competitive Advantage and an Established Event Driven Strategy

 

Building on the success of Morningstar’s process of identifying attractively priced companies in the U.S. with sustainable competitive advantages, we decided to create a fund that would, instead, focus on such companies elsewhere around the world.

 

Launched on July 13, Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (NYSE Arca: MOTI) joins MOAT in providing exposure to Morningstar’s research on companies with sustainable competitive advantages: “moats”. However, rather than focusing solely on the U.S., the Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus Index,SM 3 which MOTI seeks to replicate, targets a select group of companies in developed and emerging markets outside the United States that Morningstar equity analysts believe have long-term sustainable competitive advantages and are attractively priced at each quarterly rebalance. The index contains 50 stocks weighted equally each quarter.

1
 

MARKET VECTORS STRATEGIC EQUITY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Launched on June 9, just over a month before MOTI, Market Vector Global Spin-Off ETF (NYSE Arca: SPUN) offers global exposure to companies spun off from their parents. Employing an established event-driven strategy, SPUN seeks to benefit from the long-term potential of corporate spin-offs to unlock shareholder value.

 

Spin-offs are generally the result of large companies divesting smaller subsidiaries in a way that may not trigger traditional Wall Street analyst coverage. Historically, this has resulted in short-term valuation disconnects.

 

The index that SPUN seeks to replicate is the Horizon Kinetics Global Spin-Off Index.4 It is distinguished from others in the market both by its global developed markets exposure and its unique eligibility methodology. Unlike other similar indices, spin-offs are eligible to enter the index early in their life cycle and remain in the index for five years following their addition. The index is rebalanced quarterly, at which point constituents are weighted equally.

 

Please stay in touch with us through our website (www.vaneck.com) on which we offer videos, email subscriptions, blogs and educational literature. Should you have any questions, please contact us at 1.800.826.2333 or visit www.vaneck.com.

 

Thank you for participating in the Market Vectors ETF Trust. On the following pages, you will find the performance record of each of the funds for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2015. You will also find their financial statements. We value your continuing confidence in us and look forward to helping you meet your investment goals in the future.

 

 

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

 

October 22, 2015

 

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

 

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

 

1 Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MWMFTR) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index that is intended to offer exposure to companies that have sustainable competitive advantages according to Morningstar analysts.
   
2 S&P 500® Index consists of 500 widely held common stocks covering the leading industries in the U.S. economy.
   
3 Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM (MGEUMFUN) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index intended to offer exposure to 50 attractively priced companies outside the U.S. with sustainable competitive advantages according to Morningstar’s equity research team.
   
4 Horizon Kinetics Global Spin-Off Index (GSPIN) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index intended to track the performance of listed, publicly held spin-offs that are domiciled and trade in the U.S. or developed markets of Western Europe and Asia.
2
 

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

Among the Market Vectors Strategic Equity ETFs, only Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) traded for the 12-month period. Neither Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI), nor Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF (SPUN) traded for the full period, having been launched on July 13, 2015 and June 9, 2015, respectively.

 

Morningstar Wide Moat

 

For the 12-month period, Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF returned -9.41%* and underperformed the S&P 500® Index1 by 6.76%. The primary driver of underperformance was the Fund’s concentration in the energy sector. Within the energy sector, the Fund’s separate exposures to the two sub-sectors of energy equipment and services, and oil, gas and consumable fuels detracted approximately equally from Fund performance. Consumer discretionary companies also detracted from the Fund’s performance. Top contributing sectors for the period included consumer staples and health care. Within consumer staples, household products and tobacco companies provided the largest positive contributions to return.

 

Morningstar International Moat

 

Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF traded for less than three months and has returned -12.23%. During this period, Australia, Canada, and India were the largest detractors from performance. The financials and materials sectors were the two largest negative contributors to the Fund’s total returns.

 

Global Spin-Off

 

Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF traded for less than four months and has posted a return of -14.16%. During this period, U.S. companies were, by far, the largest detractors from the Fund’s total returns. The financials and energy sectors were the two largest negative contributors to the Fund’s performance.

 

 

* Returns based on NAV. The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information for the Funds reflects temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had the Funds incurred all expenses, investment returns would have been reduced. Investment return and value of the shares of the Funds will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted.
   
  Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index.
   
1 S&P 500® Index consists of 500 widely held common stocks covering the industrial, utility, financial, and transportation sectors.
3
 

GLOBAL SPIN-OFF ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  GSPIN2  
Life* (cumulative)   (13.80)%   (14.16)%  (14.12)%
* since 6/9/15              

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF was 6/9/15.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (6/9/15) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (6/10/15), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 6.24% / Net Expense Ratio 0.55%

 

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 February 1, 2017. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 Horizon Kinetics Global Spin-Off Index (GSPIN) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index intended to track the performance of listed, publicly-held spin-offs that are domiciled and trade in the U.S. or developed markets of Western Europe and Asia.

 

Horizon Kinetics Global Spin-Off Index was created and is maintained by Horizon Kinetics LLC. Horizon Kinetics LLC does not sponsor, endorse, issue, sell, or promote the Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF and bears no liability with respect to that ETF or any security.

4
 

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF (SPUN)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for SPUN is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   June 10, 2015* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   1    1.3%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   1    1.3%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   2    2.5%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   6    7.6%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   10    12.7%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   20    25.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   22    27.8%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   10    12.7%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   3    3.8%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   3    3.8%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   1    1.3%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    79    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
5
 

MORNINGSTAR INTERNATIONAL MOAT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MGEUMFUN2
Life* (cumulative)   (12.26)%   (12.23)%   (12.13)%
* since 7/13/15               

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF was 7/13/15.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (7/13/15) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (7/14/15), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 2.49% / Net Expense Ratio 0.56%

 

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 February 1, 2017. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM (MGEUMFUN) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index intended to offer exposure to companies that Morningstar, Inc. determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors (“wide and narrow moat companies”).

 

The Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM was created and is maintained by Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar, Inc. does not sponsor, endorse, issue, sell, or promote the Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF and bears no liability with respect to that ETF or any security. Morningstar® is a registered trademark of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM is a service mark of Morningstar, Inc.

6
 

 

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for MOTI is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   July 14, 2015* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   1    1.8%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   3    5.4%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   4    7.1%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   5    8.9%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   21    37.4%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   16    28.6%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   2    3.6%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   3    5.4%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   1    1.8%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    56    100.0%

 

 
*First day of secondary market trading.
7
 

MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.  

 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  MWMFTR2
One Year    (9.62)%    (9.41)%    (8.90)%
Life* (annualized)  10.84%  10.88%  11.39%
Life* (cumulative)  42.42%  42.58%  44.87%
* since 4/24/12         

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF was 4/24/12.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (4/24/12) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (4/25/12), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting marketvectorsetfs.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 0.50% / Net Expense Ratio 0.49%

 

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 February 1, 2016. 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.

 

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

 

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

8
 

 

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MWMFTR) is a rules-based, equal-weighted index intended to offer exposure to companies that Morningstar, Inc. determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors (“wide moat companies”).

 

The Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM was created and is maintained by Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar, Inc. does not sponsor, endorse, issue, sell, or promote the Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and bears no liability with respect to that ETF or any security. Morningstar® is a registered trademark of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM is a service mark of Morningstar, Inc.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for MOAT is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   April 25, 2012* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   2    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   658    76.1%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   201    23.3%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   3    0.4%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    864    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
9
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

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

 

The disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015.

 

Actual Expenses

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

 

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

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
April 1, 2015
  Ending
Account
Value
September 30, 2015
  Annualized
Expense
Ratio
During Period
  Expenses Paid
During the Period
Global Spin-Off ETF#                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $858.40    0.55%  $1.58 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,013.78    0.55%  $1.71 
Morningstar International Moat ETF##                       
Actual  $1,000.00   $877.70    0.56%  $1.14 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,009.61    0.56%  $1.22 
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF*                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $922.20    0.50%  $2.41 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.56    0.50%  $2.54 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended September 30, 2015) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
# Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the period from June 9, 2015 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days since commencement of operations divided by the number of days in the fiscal year.
## Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the period from July 13, 2015 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2015) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days since commencement of operations divided by the number of days in the fiscal year.
** Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2015, or for the period from commencement of operations to September 30, 2015.
10
 

GLOBAL SPIN-OFF ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 86.3%      
Australia: 5.8%      
 2,929   DuluxGroup Ltd. #  $11,071 
 10,224   Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. #   35,002 
 21,517   Orora Ltd. #   35,134 
 29,006   South32 Ltd. * #   28,051 
 8,146   Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. #   37,765 
         147,023 
China / Hong Kong: 2.6%      
 4,500   Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd. #   32,968 
 156,000   Global Brands Group Holding Ltd. * #   32,294 
         65,262 
Finland: 2.6%      
 3,532   Caverion Corp. #   35,280 
 3,279   Valmet OYJ #   31,749 
         67,029 
France: 1.6%      
 520   Edenred #   8,506 
 571   Groupe Fnac SA * #   32,629 
         41,135 
Germany: 1.4%     
 674   OSRAM Licht AG #   34,883 
Ireland: 2.4%    
 564   Allegion Plc (USD)   32,520 
 617   Prothena Corp. Plc (USD) *   27,975 
         60,495 
Italy: 0.5%      
 1,150   World Duty Free SpA * #   13,138 
Luxembourg: 1.1%      
 1,068   Aperam SA * #   28,850 
New Zealand: 1.3%      
 19,113   Chorus Ltd. * #   32,726 
Norway: 1.1%    
 7,833   Aker Solutions ASA # Reg S   27,055 
Singapore: 0.4%     
 9,800   Frasers Centrepoint Ltd. #   10,238 
Spain: 1.2%    
 5,237   Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentacion SA * #   31,670 
Switzerland: 1.2%      
 177   Autoneum Holding AG * #   32,119 
United Kingdom: 3.3%      
 2,267   Alent Plc #   16,685 
 2,822   Concentric AB (SEK) #   32,731 
 9,828   Indivior Plc #   33,801 
         83,217 
United States: 59.8%      
 556   AbbVie, Inc.   30,252 
 1,052   ADT Corp.   31,455 
 920   Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.   31,584 
 444   AMC Networks, Inc. *   32,487 
 1,457   Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. *   24,478 
 1,681   Barnes and Noble Education, Inc. *   21,365 
 604   Baxalta, Inc.   19,032 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
United States: (continued)      
 398   BWX Technologies, Inc.  $10,491 
 49   Cable One Inc *   20,552 
 8,554   California Resources Corp.   22,240 
 655   CDK Global, Inc.   31,296 
 2,448   Chemours Co.   15,839 
 1,017   Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc.   18,601 
 933   CST Brands, Inc.   31,405 
 506   Energizer Holdings, Inc.   19,587 
 1,280   Engility Holdings, Inc.   32,998 
 672   Enova International, Inc. *   6,868 
 690   Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. *   31,305 
 703   Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.   33,371 
 1,188   FTD Cos, Inc. *   35,402 
 1,600   Gannett Co., Inc.   23,568 
 996   Halyard Health, Inc. *   28,326 
 265   Howard Hughes Corp. *   30,406 
 306   Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.   32,788 
 538   Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.   31,113 
 1,057   Keysight Technologies, Inc. *   32,598 
 867   KLX, Inc. *   30,987 
 1,954   Knowles Corp. *   36,012 
 1,337   Lands’ End, Inc. *   36,112 
 631   Liberty Broadband Corp. *   32,459 
 1,278   Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. *   28,333 
 1,265   Lumentum Holdings, Inc. *   21,442 
 398   Mallinckrodt Plc *   25,448 
 716   Marathon Petroleum Corp.   33,172 
 456   Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.   31,072 
 620   Murphy USA, Inc. *   34,069 
 2,405   Navient Corp.   27,032 
 2,052   New Media Investment Group, Inc.   31,724 
 2,537   News Corp.   32,017 
 1,950   NorthStar Asset Management Group, Inc.   28,002 
 1,922   NOW, Inc. *   28,446 
 793   ONE Gas, Inc.   35,947 
 638   PayPal Holdings, Inc. *   19,803 
 437   Phillips 66   33,579 
 568   Post Holdings, Inc. *   33,569 
 700   QEP Resources, Inc.   8,771 
 821   Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.   5,024 
 752   Science Applications International Corp.   30,238 
 837   Starz *   31,254 
 1,664   Time, Inc.   31,699 
 2,303   TimkenSteel Corp.   23,306 
 675   TopBuild Corp. *   20,905 
 758   Vista Outdoor, Inc. *   33,678 
 3,811   WPX Energy, Inc. *   25,229 
 948   Xura, Inc. *   21,216 
 1,011   Xylem, Inc.   33,211 
         1,523,163 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $2,406,546)
   2,198,003 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

11
 

GLOBAL SPIN-OFF ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS: 13.6%      
United States: 12.5%      
 656   Care Capital Properties, Inc.  $21,602 
 1,829   CareTrust REIT, Inc.   20,759 
 1,513   Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. *   27,083 
 1,052   Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   31,244 
 2,279   New Residential Investment Corp.   29,855 
 2,676   New Senior Investment Group, Inc.   27,991 
 2,162   Rouse Properties, Inc.   33,684 
 1,338   Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust   31,884 
 1,586   Urban Edge Properties   34,242 
 2,706   WP GLIMCHER, Inc.   31,552 
 1,716   Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   29,961 
         319,857 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Virgin Islands (US): 1.1%      
 2,017   Altisource Residential Corp.  $28,077 
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts
(Cost: $387,235)
   347,934 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 1.0%
(Cost: $24,494)
     
 24,494   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund   24,494 
Total Investments: 100.9%
(Cost: $2,818,275)
   2,570,431 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.9)%    (23,558)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $2,546,873 


 

 

SEK Swedish Krona
USD United States Dollar
* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $614,345 which represents 24.1% of net assets.
Reg S Security was purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

 

Summary of Investments        
by Sector (unaudited)        % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   26.6%  $ 684,588 
Consumer Staples   4.8     122,591 
Energy   6.5     168,647 
Financials   20.0     515,032 
Health Care   6.4     164,834 
Industrials   18.1     465,007 
Information Technology   7.5     192,605 
Materials   6.4     163,960 
Telecommunication Services   1.3     32,726 
Utilities   1.4     35,947 
Money Market Fund   1.0     24,494 
    100.0%  $ 2,570,431 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

12
 

 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Australia  $    $ 147,023    $    $ 147,023 
China / Hong Kong         65,262             65,262 
Finland         67,029             67,029 
France         41,135             41,135 
Germany         34,883             34,883 
Ireland    60,495                  60,495 
Italy         13,138             13,138 
Luxembourg         28,850             28,850 
New Zealand         32,726             32,726 
Norway         27,055             27,055 
Singapore         10,238             10,238 
Spain         31,670             31,670 
Switzerland         32,119             32,119 
United Kingdom         83,217             83,217 
United States    1,523,163                  1,523,163 
Real Estate Investment Trusts*    347,934                  347,934 
Money Market Fund    24,494                  24,494 
Total  $ 1,956,086    $ 614,345      $    $ 2,570,431 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the period ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

13
 

MORNINGSTAR INTERNATIONAL MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 94.1%      
Australia: 12.2%      
 31,710   Brambles Ltd. #  $217,940 
 4,133   Commonwealth Bank of Australia #   212,247 
 34,693   IOOF Holdings Ltd. #   209,468 
 45,890   Platinum Asset Management Ltd. #   219,356 
 23,682   QBE Insurance Group Ltd. #   215,775 
 417,232   Sigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd. #   219,588 
         1,294,374 
Canada: 14.0%     
 4,254   Bank of Montreal   230,929 
 3,111   Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce   222,483 
 15,813   Comeco Corp.   191,898 
 8,695   Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.   177,895 
 10,586   Power Corp. of Canada   218,479 
 9,347   Power Financial Corp.   213,335 
 5,660   Toronto-Dominion Bank   222,060 
         1,477,079 
Chile: 4.1%     
 4,773,871   Banco Santander   215,815 
 184,153   Empresa Nacional de Electricidad SA   216,250 
         432,065 
China / Hong Kong: 16.1%      
 550,000   Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. #   208,887 
 476,000   Bank of China Ltd. #   205,267 
 68,000   BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. #   200,551 
 314,000   China Construction Bank Corp. #   209,542 
 160,000   China State Construction International
Holdings Ltd. #
   229,606 
 366,000   Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China Ltd. #
   211,440 
 17,000   Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd #   221,736 
 39,000   Wharf Holdings Ltd. #   220,054 
         1,707,083 
France: 9.5%     
 6,985   Carrefour SA #   206,797 
 16,832   Credit Agricole SA #   193,583 
 11,278   Edenred #   184,483 
 1,351   Kering #   220,923 
 3,538   Schneider Electric SE #   197,921 
         1,003,707 
India: 8.7%     
 69,612   Ambuja Cements Ltd. #   218,714 
 55,974   ICICI Bank Ltd. #   231,334 
 47,102   ITC Ltd. #   236,182 
 63,915   State Bank of India #   231,858 
         918,088 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Luxembourg: 2.0%      
 3,410   Millicom International Cellular SA (SEK) #  $212,818 
Mexico: 1.9%     
 38,400   Grupo Televisa SAB   199,854 
Netherlands: 1.9%      
 8,571   Koninklijke Philips NV #   201,441 
Singapore: 5.9%      
 110,200   CapitaLand Ltd. #   208,250 
 34,450   Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd. #   213,496 
 15,900   United Overseas Bank Ltd. #   207,776 
         629,522 
Spain: 2.0%     
 24,860   Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA #   209,996 
Sweden: 2.0%     
 14,605   Svenska Handelsbanken AB #   209,079 
Switzerland: 1.8%      
 3,729   LafargeHolcim Ltd. #   194,974 
United Kingdom: 12.0%      
 10,374   Burberry Group Plc #   215,323 
 60,861   Centrica Plc #   211,712 
 27,950   HSBC Holdings Plc #   211,126 
 5,374   Johnson Matthey Plc #   199,509 
 188,352   Lloyds Banking Group Plc #   214,715 
 5,577   Unilever NV (LDR) #   223,324 
         1,275,709 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $11,095,620)
   9,965,789 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS: 6.2%      
Australia: 2.0%     
 52,849   Goodman Group #   218,561 
Singapore: 4.2%      
 233,500   CapitaLand Commercial Trust Ltd. #   220,637 
 165,100   CapitaLand Mall Trust #   220,945 
         441,582 
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts
(Cost: $726,251)
   660,143 
Total Investments: 100.3%
(Cost: $11,821,871)
   10,625,932 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.3)%    (34,540)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $10,591,392 


 

 

LDR Local Depositary Receipt
SEK Swedish Krona
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $8,516,934 which represents 80.4% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

14
 

 

 

Summary of Investments        
by Sector (unaudited)        % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   6.0%  $ 636,100 
Consumer Staples   6.3     666,303 
Energy   1.8     191,898 
Financials   60.7     6,448,780 
Health Care   2.1     219,588 
Industrials   9.7     1,031,391 
Materials   7.4     791,092 
Telecommunication Services   2.0     212,818 
Utilities   4.0     427,962 
    100.0%  $ 10,625,932 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Australia  $    $ 1,294,374     $    $ 1,294,374 
Canada    1,477,079                  1,477,079 
Chile    432,065                  432,065 
China / Hong Kong         1,707,083             1,707,083 
France         1,003,707             1,003,707 
India         918,088             918,088 
Luxembourg         212,818             212,818 
Mexico    199,854                  199,854 
Netherlands         201,441             201,441 
Singapore         629,522             629,522 
Spain         209,996             209,996 
Sweden         209,079             209,079 
Switzerland         194,974             194,974 
United Kingdom         1,275,709             1,275,709 
Real Estate Investment Trusts*         660,143             660,143 
Total  $ 2,108,998    $ 8,516,934     $    $ 10,625,932 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the period ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

15
 

MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%      
Capital Goods: 9.8%      
 812,481   Emerson Electric Co.  $35,887,286 
 411,504   United Technologies Corp.   36,619,741 
         72,507,027 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 4.8%      
 296,050   Polaris Industries, Inc.   35,487,513 
Diversified Financials: 9.9%      
 289,429   Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.   37,741,542 
 953,016   Franklin Resources, Inc.   35,509,376 
         73,250,918 
Household & Personal Products: 5.4%      
 551,936   The Procter and Gamble Co.   39,706,276 
Materials: 4.7%     
 405,368   Monsanto Co.   34,594,105 
Media: 20.2%     
 1,409,270   Discovery Communications, Inc. * †   36,683,298 
 539,105   Time Warner, Inc.   37,063,469 
 1,427,363   Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.   38,510,254 
 370,881   Walt Disney Co.   37,904,038 
         150,161,059 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 4.8%      
 727,838   Merck and Co., Inc.   35,947,919 
Semiconductor: 4.8%      
 2,444,798   Applied Materials, Inc.   35,914,083 
Software & Services: 5.1%      
 2,073,318   The Western Union Co.   38,066,118 
Technology: 4.9%  
 818,817   Autodesk, Inc.   36,142,582 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 5.0%      
 695,812   Qualcomm, Inc.   37,385,979 
Transportation: 15.0%      
 1,359,100   CSX Corp.   36,559,790 
 478,800   Norfolk Southern Corp.   36,580,320 
 434,694   Union Pacific Corp.   38,431,297 
         111,571,407 
Utilities: 5.3%     
 1,175,633   ITC Holdings Corp.   39,195,604 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $800,172,904)
   739,930,590 
Principal        
Amount      Value 
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL
FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 0.6%
Repurchase Agreements: 0.6%
$1,130,211   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with BNP Paribas Securities Corp., 0.11%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,130,214; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.25% to 7.50%, due 8/1/16 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,152,817 including accrued interest)  $1,130,211 
 1,130,211   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 0.12%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,130,215; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.00%, due 5/15/18 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,152,815 including accrued interest)   1,130,211 
 1,130,211   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 0.10%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,130,214; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.25%, due 11/15/15 to 7/15/37, valued at $1,152,816 including accrued interest)   1,130,211 
 1,130,211   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 0.14%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $1,130,215; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 4.50%, due 10/9/19 to 10/1/45, valued at $1,152,815 including accrued interest)   1,130,211 
 237,928   Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/15 with Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, 0.09%, due 10/1/15, proceeds $237,929; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.09% to 3.63%, due 1/31/16 to 2/15/44, valued at $242,687 including accrued interest)   237,928 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned       
(Cost: $4,758,772)    4,758,772 
Total Investments: 100.3%
(Cost: $804,931,676)
   744,689,362 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.3)%    (2,325,831)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $742,363,531 


 

 

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $4,587,605.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

16
 

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector Excluding       
Collateral for Securities Loaned (unaudited)     % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary    25.1%  $185,648,572 
Consumer Staples    5.4    39,706,276 
Financials    9.9    73,250,918 
Health Care    4.8    35,947,919 
Industrials    24.9    184,078,434 
Information Technology    19.9    147,508,762 
Materials    4.7    34,594,105 
Utilities    5.3    39,195,604 
     100.0%  $739,930,590 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks*  $739,930,590    $      $    $739,930,590 
Repurchase Agreements        4,758,772            4,758,772 
Total  $739,930,590    $4,758,772      $    $744,689,362 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for security type and industry sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

17
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2015

 

    Global
Spin-Off
ETF
    Morningstar
International
Moat ETF
    Morningstar
Wide Moat
ETF
Assets:               
Investments, at value (1) (2)  $2,570,431   $10,625,932   $739,930,590 
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)           4,758,772 
Cash           2,149,602 
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)   621    6,056     
Receivables:               
Investment securities sold   497,795    5,987     
Shares sold   389        32 
Due from Adviser   8,108    11,539     
Dividends   3,408    43,882    646,696 
Prepaid expenses   104        10,956 
Total assets   3,080,856    10,693,396    747,496,648 
                
Liabilities:               
Payables:               
Investment securities purchased   503,587    6,016     
Collateral for securities loaned           4,758,772 
Shares redeemed            
Due to Adviser           243,224 
Due to custodian       55,184     
Deferred Trustee fees           19,818 
Accrued expenses   30,396    40,804    111,303 
Total liabilities   533,983    102,004    5,133,117 
NET ASSETS  $2,546,873   $10,591,392   $742,363,531 
Shares outstanding   150,000    400,000    26,550,000 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $16.98   $26.48   $27.96 
                
Net assets consist of:               
Aggregate paid in capital  $2,826,978   $12,090,894   $935,151,755 
Net unrealized depreciation   (247,853)   (1,196,479)   (60,242,314)
Undistributed net investment income   7,096    54,293    12,363,462 
Accumulated net realized loss   (39,348)   (357,316)   (144,909,372)
   $2,546,873   $10,591,392   $742,363,531 
(1) Value of securities on loan  $   $   $4,587,605 
(2) Cost of investments  $2,818,275   $11,821,871   $800,172,904 
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned  $   $   $4,758,772 
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency  $606   $6,034   $ 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

18
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended September 30, 2015

 

   Global
Spin-Off
ETF(a)
   Morningstar
International
Moat ETF(b)
   Morningstar
Wide Moat
ETF
 
                
Income:               
Dividends  $10,439   $88,177   $21,324,617 
Securities lending income           52,606 
Foreign taxes withheld       (5,414)   (90,364)
Total income   10,439    82,763    21,286,859 
                
Expenses:               
Management fees   2,912    10,805    4,030,669 
Professional fees   12,726    24,146    117,095 
Insurance   7        12,750 
Trustees’ fees and expenses   140    24    32,091 
Reports to shareholders   5,596    7,669    92,376 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee   819    1,500    2,128 
Custodian fees   9,183    6,000    23,987 
Registration fees   2,729    2,441    25,034 
Transfer agent fees   328    150    1,880 
Fund accounting fees   1,751    916    47,021 
Interest           24,161 
Other   273    300    43,650 
Total expenses   36,464    53,951    4,452,842 
Waiver of management fees   (2,912)   (10,805)   (39,730)
Expenses assumed by the Adviser   (30,345)   (31,045)    
Net expenses   3,207    12,101    4,413,112 
Net investment income   7,232    70,662    16,873,747 
                
Net realized gain (loss) on:               
Investments   (39,348)   (357,316)   (126,099,813)
In-kind redemption           87,726,557 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities   (136)   (16,369)    
Net realized loss   (39,484)   (373,685)   (38,373,256)
                
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:               
Investments   (247,844)   (1,195,941)   (58,131,508)
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities   (9)   (538)    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (247,853)   (1,196,479)   (58,131,508)
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $(280,105)  $(1,499,502)  $(79,631,017)

 

 

(a) For the period June 9, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015.
(b) For the period July 13, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

19
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Global
Spin-Off ETF
    Morningstar
International
Moat ETF
    Morningstar
Wide Moat ETF
 
   For the Period
June 9, 2015*
through
September 30,
2015
    For the Period
July 13, 2015*
through
September 30,
2015
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2014
 
Operations:                       
Net investment income  $7,232    $70,662    $16,873,747    $10,392,816 
Net realized gain (loss)   (39,484)    (373,685)    (38,373,256)    86,785,912 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (247,853)    (1,196,479)    (58,131,508)    (5,881,068)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (280,105)    (1,499,502)    (79,631,017)    91,297,660 
                        
Dividends to shareholders:                       
Dividends from net investment income             (13,000,000)    (4,225,050)
                        
Share transactions:**                       
Proceeds from sale of shares   2,826,978     12,090,894     159,367,725     415,642,323 
Cost of shares redeemed             (177,988,761)    (13,494,178)
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions   2,826,978     12,090,894     (18,621,036)    402,148,145 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets.   2,546,873     10,591,392     (111,252,053)    489,220,755 
Net Assets, beginning of period             853,615,584     364,394,829 
Net Assets, end of period†  $2,546,873    $10,591,392    $742,363,531    $853,615,584 
† Including undistributed net investment income  $7,096    $54,293    $12,363,462    $8,489,715 
                        
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                       
Shares sold   150,000     400,000     5,100,000     14,300,000 
Shares redeemed             (5,850,000)    (450,000)
Net increase (decrease)   150,000     400,000     (750,000)    13,850,000 

 

* Commencement of operations

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Global
Spin-Off ETF
 
   For the Period
June 9, 2015(a)
through
September 30,
2015
 
Net asset value, beginning of period     $19.78   
Income from investment operations:         
Net investment income     0.05   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (2.85)  
Total from investment operations     (2.80)  
Net asset value, end of period     $16.98   
Total return (b)    (14.16)%(c)  
          
          
Ratios/Supplemental Data         
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $2,547   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets     6.24%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets     0.55%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets     0.55%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     1.24%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate     30%(c)  
          
   Morningstar
International
Moat ETF
 
   For the Period
July 13, 2015(a)
through
September 30,
2015
 
Net asset value, beginning of period     $30.17   
Income from investment operations:         
Net investment income     0.18   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (3.87)  
Total from investment operations     (3.69)  
Net asset value, end of period     $26.48   
Total return (b)    (12.23)%(c)  
          
Ratios/Supplemental Data         
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $10,591   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets     2.49%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets     0.56%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets     0.56%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     3.27%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate     54%(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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

     Morningstar Wide Moat ETF
    

For the Year Ended September 30,

   For the Period
April 24,
2012(a) through
September 30,
     2015      2014      2013      2012  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $31.27    $27.09    $21.54    $20.15 
Income from investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.57    0.37    0.23    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3.46)   4.04    5.46    1.31 
Total from investment operations   (2.89)   4.41    5.69    1.39 
Less:                    
Dividends from net investment income   (0.42)   (0.23)   (0.14)    
Net asset value, end of period   $27.96    $31.27    $27.09    $21.54 
Total return (b)   (9.41)%   16.35%   26.54%   6.90%(c)
                     
Ratios/Supplemental Data                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $742,364   $853,616   $364,395   $66,782 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%   0.51%   1.04%(d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%(d)
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.88%   1.63%   1.48%   1.62%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   14%   15%   1%   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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Note 1—Fund Organization—Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund, and as of September 30, 2015, offers fifty-eight investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following investment portfolios: Global Spin-Off ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF and Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). Each Fund’s investment objective is to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of its index. Each Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of its index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the index.

 

The Funds’ commencement of operations dates and their respective indices are presented below:

 

    Commencement    
Fund   of Operations        Index
Global Spin-Off ETF   June 9, 2015   Horizon Kinetics Global Spin-Off Index (1)
Morningstar International Moat ETF   July 13, 2015   Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus Index SM(2)
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   April 24, 2012   Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus Index SM(2)

 

(1) Published by Horizon Kinetics, LLC
(2) Published by Morningstar, Inc.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A. Security Valuation—The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges or traded on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (described below). Certain foreign securities, whose values may be affected by market direction or events occurring before the Funds’ pricing time (4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) but after the last close of the securities’ primary market, are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board of Trustees, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant ADR’s and futures contracts. The Funds may also fair value securities in other situations, such as, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. Short-term obligations with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Securities for which quotations are not available are stated at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Pricing Committee provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value, including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
23
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
B. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
C. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. income tax regulations, which may differ from such amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
   
D. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
E. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
F. Use of Derivative Instruments—The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures, swaps and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts (often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives) or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivative contracts may involve future commitments to purchase or sell
24
 

 

 

  financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date, or to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount. Derivative instruments may involve a high degree of financial risk. The use of derivative instruments also involves the risk of loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments also include the risk of default by the counterparty, the risk that the investment may not be liquid and the risk that a small movement in the price of the underlying security or benchmark may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavorable or favorable, in the price of the derivative instruments. The Funds held no derivative instruments during the year ended September 30, 2015.
   
G. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities lending agent, takes possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, such securities must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the terms of the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. If the value of the underlying securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest, the Funds will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next business day. If the request for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Funds maintain their right to sell the underlying securities at market value and may claim any resulting loss against the seller. Repurchase agreements held as of September 30, 2015 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
H. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of setoff in those agreements allows the Funds to set off any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. The Funds may pledge or receive cash and/or securities as collateral for derivative instruments, securities lending and repurchase agreements. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds present securities lending and repurchase agreement assets and liabilities on a gross basis in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral held at September 30, 2015 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Also, refer to related disclosures in Note 2G (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Transactions in certain securities may take longer than the customary settlement cycle to be completed. The counterparty is required to collateralize such trades with cash in excess of the market value of the transaction, which is held at the custodian and marked to market daily. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date/rate. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, at least until February 1, 2017, (for Morningstar Wide Moat ETF until February 1, 2016) to voluntarily waive or limit its fees and to assume as its own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by the Funds so that each Fund’s total annual operating expenses does not exceed the expense caps (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) listed in the table below.

25
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The current management fee rate, expense limitations and the amounts waived/assumed by the Adviser for the year ended September 30, 2015, are as follows:

 

   Management  Expense  Waiver of  Expenses Assumed
Fund  Fee Rate  Limitations  Management Fees  by the Adviser
Global Spin-Off ETF*   0.50%   0.55%  $  2,912    $30,345 
Morningstar International Moat ETF**   0.50    0.56    10,805    31,045 
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   0.45    0.49    39,730     

 

* For the period June 9, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015.
** For the period July 13, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015.

 

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

 

Note 4—Investments—For the year ended September 30, 2015, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

   Cost of Investments  Proceeds from
Fund  Purchased  Investments Sold
Global Spin-Off ETF  $661,795   $623,645 
Morningstar International Moat ETF   10,577,550    5,709,853 
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   121,971,184    817,827,000 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of September 30, 2015, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost of investments owned, net unrealized depreciation, gross unrealized appreciation, and gross unrealized depreciation of investments were as follows:

 

            Net Unrealized
      Gross Unrealized  Gross Unrealized  Appreciation
Fund  Cost of Investments  Appreciation  Depreciation  (Depreciation)
Global Spin-Off ETF  $2,818,315   $16,511   $(264,395)  $(247,884)
Morningstar International Moat ETF   11,830,775    9,115    (1,213,958)   (1,204,843)
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   804,931,676    1,377,730    (61,620,044)   (60,242,314)

 

At September 30, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

   Undistributed  Undistributed  Accumulated  Qualified  Other  Unrealized   
   Ordinary  Long-Term  Capital  Late Year  Temporary  Appreciation   
Fund  Income  Capital Gains  Losses  Losses  Difference  (Depreciation)  Total
Global Spin-Off ETF  $7,097     $     $(39,308)    $     $     $(247,894)    $(280,105)
Morningstar International Moat ETF   54,312        (348,431)           (1,205,383)   (1,499,502)
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   12,383,280        (144,909,372)       (19,818)   (60,242,314)   (192,788,224)

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 was as follows:

 

   2015 Dividends  2014 Dividends
Fund  Ordinary Income  Ordinary Income
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF  $13,000,000   $4,225,050 

 

Global Spin-Off ETF and Morningstar International Moat ETF commenced operations on June 9, 2015 and July 13, 2015, respectively, and had no distributions during the period ended September 30, 2015.

26
 

 

 

At September 30, 2015, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

   Post-Effective-  Post-Effective-
   No Expiration  No Expiration
   Short-Term  Long-Term
Fund  Capital Losses  Capital Losses
Global Spin-Off ETF  $39,308   $ 
Morningstar International Moat ETF   348,431     
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   121,644,701    23,264,671 

 

During the year ended September 30, 2015, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, foreign currency gains and losses and tax treatment of in-kind redemptions, the Funds’ incurred differences that affected undistributed net investment income (loss), accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

   Increase (Decrease)  Increase (Decrease)  Increase( Decrease)
   in Accumulated Net  in Accumulated  in Aggregate
Fund  Investment Income (Loss)  Net Realized Gain (Loss)  Paid in Capital
Global Spin-Off ETF  $(136)  $136   $ 
Morningstar International Moat ETF   (16,369)   16,369     
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF       (87,722,525)   87,722,525 

 

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

 

The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of September 30, 2015, there were an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Shares are issued and redeemed by the Funds only in Creation Units, consisting of 50,000 shares, or multiples thereof. The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index plus a small amount of cash. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follow:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Global Spin-Off ETF  $2,794,979   $ 
Morningstar International Moat ETF   7,311,490     
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   1,781,077,395    1,103,135,491 

 

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

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risk—The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, as indicated in the name of each Fund. The Adviser uses a “passive” or index approach to achieve each Fund’s investment objective by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Funds’ index. Each of the Funds is classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. The Funds may purchase securities on foreign exchanges. Securities of foreign issuers involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include devaluation of currencies, currency controls, less reliable information about issuers, different

27
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

securities transaction clearance and settlement practices, future adverse political and economic developments and local/regional conflicts. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging market countries. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

Global Spin-Off ETF may invest in spun-off companies that have been spun-off from a parent company for a number of reasons, including but not limited to low growth prospects, high capital requirements or an unfavorable capitalization structure. Investments in spun-off companies are subject to the risk that any of these characteristics will adversely affect the value of investments in the spun-off companies. There can be no assurance that a spun-off company will be financially independent or profitable, especially where the company represented a non-core or non-competitive business line of the parent company at the time of the spin-off.

 

Global Spin-Off ETF may invest directly in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and is exposed to the risk of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. The Fund indirectly bears management expenses along with the direct expenses of the Fund. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. REITs may also be subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation.

 

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

 

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

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at September 30, 2015 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

28
 

 

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—Certain Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. Participating Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the following Fund borrowed under this Facility:

 

               Outstanding Loan
   Days   Average Daily   Average   Balance as of
Fund  Outstanding   Loan Balance   Interest Rate   September 30, 2015
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF  323  $1,773,981  1.52%  $—

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended September 30, 2015, there were no offsets to custodian fees.

 

Note 12—Subsequent Event Review—The Funds have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

29
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Market Vectors ETF Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of Global Spin-Off ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF and Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (three of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) (the “Funds”) as of September 30, 2015, and the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Global Spin-Off ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF and Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (three of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) at September 30, 2015, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

New York, New York
November 24, 2015

30
 

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

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

 

Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for calendar year 2015 income tax purposes will be sent to them in early 2016. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

 

The Fund listed below intends to pass through foreign tax credits in the maximum amounts shown. The gross foreign source income earned during the period ended September 30, 2015 by the Fund was as shown below.

 

Fund  Foreign Tax Credits    Gross Foreign Source Income  
Morningstar International Moat ETF   $4,404   $88,319 

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction

 

The Funds listed below had the following percentage of ordinary income dividends paid that qualified for the Corporate Received Deduction for fiscal-year 2015.

 

Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 100.00%
31
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES/OFFICERS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Independent Trustees:

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex3
Overseen
  Other Directorships Held
By Trustee During Past Five Years
David H. Chow,
1957*†
  Chairman
Trustee
  Since 2008
Since 2006
  Founder and CEO, DanCourt Management LLC (financial/strategy consulting firm and Registered Investment Adviser), March 1999 to present.  58  Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, 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; Advisory Board member, MainStay Fund Complex4, June 2015 to present.
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  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.
Peter J.
Sidebottom,
1962*†
  Trustee  Since 2012  Partner, PWC/Strategy & Financial Services Advisory, February 2015 to present; Founder and Board Member, AspenWoods Risk Solutions, September 2013 to present; Independent consultant, June 2013 to February 2015; Partner, Bain & Company (management consulting firm), April 2012 to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Committee Member, TD Ameritrade (on-line brokerage firm), February 2009 to January 2012.  58  Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to present; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012; Board Member, NJ-CAN, July 2014 to present.
Richard D.
Stamberger,
1959*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company).  69  Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                
Interested Trustee:        
         
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer  Trustee
(Since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer
(Since 2009)
  Director, President 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 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay Funds, MainStay VP Funds Trust, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Master Fund, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Fund and MainStay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
32
 

 

 

Officers:         
          
Officer’s Name,
Address1 and
Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of Office2
and Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five Years
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer  Since 2008  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President  Since 2006  Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
Simon Chen,
1971
  Assistant Vice President  Since 2012  Greater China Director of the Adviser (Since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011).
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer
(Since 2009)
  Vice President of Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President  Since 2012  Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of the Adviser (since July 2008); Regional Director (Spain, Portugal, South America and Africa) of Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Ltd. (May 2001 – July 2008).
Lars Hamich,
1968
  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 Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”) (since June 2011); Managing Director of STOXX Limited (until 2008).
Wu-Kwan Kit,
1981
  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,
1955
  Vice President  Since 2006  Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  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,
1983
  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).
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer  Since June 2014  Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser (Since June 2010); Vice President of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (April 1999 to January 2010).
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  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,
1955
  Senior Vice President  Since 2006  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
Janet Squitieri,
1961
  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 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
33
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on December 4, 2014 (the “December Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “December Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (the “New December Fund”). In addition, at a meeting held on March 2, 2015 (the “March Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved investment management agreements (the “March Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors China Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Germany Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF, Market Vectors Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors India Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Italy Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Russia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Africa Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Spain Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and Market Vectors United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (the “New March Funds”). In addition, at a meeting held on September 3, 2015 (the “September Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved an investment management agreement (the “September Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Generic Drugs ETF (and collectively, with the New December Fund and the New March Funds, the “Funds”). The December Investment Management Agreement, the March Investment Management Agreement and the September Investment Management Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Investment Management Agreements.”

 

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

 

In advance of the relevant meeting, the Trustees received materials from the Adviser, including expense information for other funds. The Adviser provided the Trustees with information regarding, among other things, the various aspects of each Fund’s proposed investment program, fee arrangements and service provider arrangements. The Independent Trustees’ consideration of each Investment Management Agreement was based, in part, on information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the December Meeting, March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) regarding the management of the Funds, information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others proposed to be involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms and scope of services that the Adviser would provide under each Investment Management Agreement, including the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of at least one year following the effective date of each Fund’s respective registration statement.

 

The Trustees considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreements, that the Adviser would receive from serving as adviser to each Fund, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to each Fund and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor to each Fund. The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability of each of the Funds to the Adviser because the Funds had not yet commenced operations. In addition, because the Funds had not yet commenced operations, the Trustees could not consider the historical performance or the quality of services previously provided to each of the Funds by the Adviser, although they concluded that the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Adviser were appropriate based on the Trustees’ knowledge of the Adviser and its personnel and the operations of the other series of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the December Meeting, the March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

34
 

 

 

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

 

* * *

 

At a meeting held on June 9, 2015 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreements between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Biotech ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Gaming ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Global Spin-Off ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, Semiconductor ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (collectively, the “Funds”).

 

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

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 15, 2015. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance (for those Funds which had begun operations) and expenses of the Funds and the Funds’ peer funds (other index-based exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Funds and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds. In reviewing performance information for the Funds against their peer groups, the Trustees considered that each Fund generally invests in a different group of issuers than the funds in its designated peer group. In addition, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for each Fund that was not provided by Lipper. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreements was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and the May 15, 2015 meeting regarding the management of the Funds and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreements, including, where applicable, the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

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

35
 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (continued)

 

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

 

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

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than fees under the Investment Management Agreements, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Funds, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to the Funds and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor for the Funds.

 

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

 

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

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 15, 2015 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

 

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

36
 

 

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

 

Additional information about the Trust’s Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 1.800.826.2333, or by visiting www.vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1.202.942.8090. The Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are also available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Investment Adviser:

Van Eck Associates Corporation

 

Distributor:

Van Eck Securities Corporation
666 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
vaneck.com

 

Account Assistance:

1.800.826.2333
www.vaneck.com

 

MVSTRATAR

 
 
  ANNUAL REPORT
S E P T E M B E R  3 0 ,  2 0 1 5

 

MARKET VECTORS®  
QUALITY ETFs  
   
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF QEM®
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF QDEM®
MSCI International Quality ETF QXUS®
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF QDXU®

 

  800.826.2333
  vaneck.com

 

 

 

MARKET VECTORS QUALITY ETFs    
  President’s Letter   1
  Management Discussion   2
  Performance Comparison    
    MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF   3
    MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   5
    MSCI International Quality ETF   7
    MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   9
  Explanation of Expenses   11
  Schedule of Investments    
    MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   12
    MSCI International Quality ETF   13
    MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   14
  Statements of Assets and Liabilities   15
  Statements of Operations   16
  Statements of Changes in Net Assets   18
  Financial Highlights    
    MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF   20
    MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   20
    MSCI International Quality ETF   21
    MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   21
  Notes to Financial Statements   22
  Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm   29
  Board of Trustees and Officers   30
  Approval of Investment Management Agreement   32

 

The information contained in the management discussion represents the opinions of Market Vectors ETF Trust and may differ from other persons. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings and the Funds’ performance, and the views of Market Vectors ETF Trust are as of September 30, 2015, and are subject to change.

 

MARKET VECTORS QUALITY ETFs

(unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

On September 3, 2015, the Board of Trustees of Market Vectors ETF Trust approved the termination and liquidation of the following funds (“Funds”): Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF (QEM); Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF (QDEM); Market Vectors MSCI International Quality ETF (QXUS); and Market Vectors MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF (QDXU).

 

The Funds ceased trading their shares on NYSE Arca, Inc. after the close of business on Friday, September 18, 2015. The Funds liquidated and distributed their remaining proceeds or assets to shareholders (“Liquidating Distributions”) on October 16, 2015.

 

Shareholders who held shares of the Funds on the Funds’ liquidation date received Liquidating Distributions with values equal to their respective proportionate ownership interests in the Funds on that date.

 

Shareholders who received Liquidating Distributions generally will have recognized capital gains or losses equal to the amount received for their shares over their adjusted basis in such shares. Please consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences.

 

Shareholders should call the Funds’ distributor, Van Eck Securities Corporation, at 1.800.826.2333 for additional information.

 

Thank you for your participation in the Market Vectors ETF Trust. On the following pages, you will find the performance record of each of the four funds for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2015 as well as their financial statements.

 

 

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

 

October 21, 2015

 

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

1

MARKET VECTORS QUALITY ETFs

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Quality

 

Sweden was the largest positive contributor to the Fund’s total returns. Exposures to Brazil and South Africa were the two largest negative contributors to the Fund’s total returns, followed by exposure to Indonesia. All sectors detracted from the Fund’s performance, with the financials and energy sectors being the largest detractors.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend

 

Not one sector or country contributed positively to overall performance. As with the MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, exposures to Brazil and South Africa were the two largest negative contributors to the Fund’s total returns. China was also a major detractor from performance. Energy companies were the most significant detractors from the Fund’s total returns, followed by financial companies.

 

MSCI International Quality

 

Exposures to Denmark and Spain were the two largest positive contributors to the Fund’s total returns. Exposures to the U.K. and Australia were the two largest detractors from performance. On a sector basis, industrials and materials companies provided the greatest negative contributions, followed by those in the energy and information technology sectors.

 

MSCI International Quality Dividend

 

Exposure to the U.K. was the largest negative contributor to the Fund’s total returns, followed by exposures to Canada and Australia. On a sector basis, energy and financial companies provided the greatest negative contributions to overall performance, followed by materials companies.

2

MSCI EMERGING MARKETS QUALITY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)

 

 


 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  M1EFQU2
One Year   (17.42)%   (14.72)%   (14.96)%
Life* (annualized)   (6.47)%   (4.79)%   (4.60)%
Life* (cumulative)   (10.69)%   (7.96)%   (7.66)%
* since 1/21/2014               

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF was 1/21/14.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (1/21/14) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (1/23/14), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 2.85% / Net Expense Ratio 0.50%

 

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 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least February 1, 2016. The expense limitation continued until the Fund liquidated on October 16, 2015.

 

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

 

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

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

3

MSCI EMERGING MARKETS QUALITY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

2 MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Index (M1EFQU) is modified capitalization weighted and aims to capture the performance of quality growth stocks selected from the Parent Index (MSCI Emerging Markets Index), by identifying stocks with high quality scores based on three main fundamental variables: high return on equity, stable year-over-year earnings growth and low financial leverage. The Index reweights the selected quality growth stocks from the parent index to emphasize stocks with high quality scores.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property and a trademark of MSCI and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Van Eck Associates Corporation for Market Vectors Emerging Markets Quality ETF (the “Fund”) based on the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF (QEM)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for QEM is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   January 23, 2014* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   14    3.3%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   3    0.7%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   6    1.4%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   9    2.1%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   14    3.3%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   31    7.3%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   55    12.9%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   84    19.6%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   56    13.2%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   36    8.5%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   15    3.5%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   11    2.6%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   17    4.0%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   17    4.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   7    1.6%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   8    1.9%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   1    0.2%
Less Than -5.0%   23    5.4%
    426    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.
4

MSCI EMERGING MARKETS QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)

 


 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  M1EFDY2
One Year   (20.37)%   (20.14)%   (22.50)%
Life* (annualized)   (10.17)%   (9.58)%   (10.94)%
Life* (cumulative)   (16.58)%   (15.65)%   (17.78)%
* since 1/21/2014               

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF was 1/21/14.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (1/21/14) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (1/23/14), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 3.34% / Net Expense Ratio 0.50%

 

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 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least February 1, 2016. The expense limitation continued until the Fund liquidated on October 16, 2015.

 

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

 

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

5

MSCI EMERGING MARKETS QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 MSCI Emerging Markets High Dividend Yield Index (M1EFDY) is modified capitalization weighted and is designed to reflect the performance of equities in the Parent Index (MSCI Emerging Markets Index) with dividend yields that are higher than average dividend yield of the Parent Index that are deemed by the Index Provider (MSCI) to be both sustainable and persistent.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets High Dividend Yield Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property and a trademark of MSCI and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Van Eck Associates Corporation for Market Vectors Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) based on the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF (QDEM)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for QDEM is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

   January 23, 2014* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   19    4.5%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   9    2.1%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   9    2.1%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   16    3.8%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   28    6.6%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   25    5.9%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   35    8.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   65    15.3%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   99    23.1%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   51    12.0%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   22    5.2%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   12    2.8%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   1    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   6    1.4%
    426    100.0%

 

 
* First Day of secondary market trading.

 

6

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

 

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)

 

 


 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  M1WDUQU2
One Year   (7.16)%   (6.78)%   (8.30)%
Life* (annualized)   (2.92)%   (2.82)%   (3.29)%
Life* (cumulative)   (4.89)%   (4.72)%   (5.50)%
* since 1/21/2014               

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors MSCI International Quality ETF was 1/21/14.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (1/21/14) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (1/23/14), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 4.88% / Net Expense Ratio 0.45%

 

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 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least February 1, 2016. The expense limitation continued until the Fund liquidated on October 16, 2015.

 

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

 

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

7

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 MSCI ACWI ex USA Quality Index (M1WDUQU) is modified capitalization and aims to capture the performance of quality growth stocks selected from the Parent Index (MSCI ASWI ex USA Quality Index) by identifying stocks with high quality scores based on three main fundamental variables: high return on equity, stable year-over-year earnings growth and low financial leverage. The Index reweights the selected quality growth stocks from the parent index to emphasize stocks with high quality scores.

 

MSCI ACWI ex USA Quality Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property and a trademark of MSCI and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Van Eck Associates Corporation for Market Vectors International Quality ETF (the “Fund”) based on the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors MSCI International Quality ETF (QXUS)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for QXUS is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

    January 23, 2014* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   11    2.6%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   6    1.4%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   8    1.9%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   8    1.9%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   11    2.6%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   19    4.5%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   15    3.5%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   35    8.2%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   60    14.0%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   109    25.5%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   65    15.2%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   20    4.7%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   25    5.9%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   13    3.1%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   10    2.4%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   5    1.2%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    426    100.0%

 

 

* First Day of secondary market trading.
8

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

 

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)

 

 


 

Total Return  Share Price1  NAV  M1WDUDY2
One Year   (16.97)%   (14.50)%   (17.05)%
Life* (annualized)   (9.48)%   (7.66)%   (9.03)%
Life* (cumulative)   (15.49)%   (12.60)%   (14.78)%
* since 1/21/2014               

 

Commencement date for the Market Vectors MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF was 1/21/14.

 

1 The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on NYSE Arca. Since the shares of the Fund did not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement (1/21/14) to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund (1/23/14), the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

 

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

 

Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Gross Expense Ratio 4.23% / Net Expense Ratio 0.45%

 

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 0.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least February 1, 2016. The expense limitation continued until the Fund liquidated on October 16, 2015.

 

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

 

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

9

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses.

 

2 MSCI ACWI ex USA High Dividend Yield Index (M1WDUDY) is modified capitalization and is designed to reflect the performance of equities in the Parent Index (MSCI ACWI ex USA Index) with dividend yields that are higher than average dividend yield of the Parent Index that are deemed by the Index Provider (MSCI) to be both sustainable and persistent.

 

MSCI ACWI ex USA High Dividend Yield Index (the “Index”) is the exclusive property and a trademark of MSCI and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Van Eck Associates Corporation for Market Vectors International Quality Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) based on the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(unaudited)

 

Market Vectors MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF (QDXU)
Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for QDXU is at a premium or discount to its daily net asset value (NAV). The chart is for comparative purposes only and represents the period noted.

 

    January 23, 2014* through September 30, 2015
Premium/Discount Range  Number of Days  Percentage of Total Days
Greater than or Equal to 5.0%   1    0.2%
Greater than or Equal to 4.5% And Less Than 5.0%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.5%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 3.5% And Less Than 4.0%   0    0.0%
Greater than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.5%   3    0.7%
Greater than or Equal to 2.5% And Less Than 3.0%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.5%   7    1.6%
Greater than or Equal to 1.5% And Less Than 2.0%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.5%   7    1.6%
Greater than or Equal to 0.5% And Less Than 1.0%   36    8.5%
Greater than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.5%   117    27.4%
Greater than or Equal to -0.5% And Less Than 0.0%   146    34.3%
Greater than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.5%   50    11.7%
Greater than or Equal to -1.5% And Less Than -1.0%   19    4.5%
Greater than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.5%   6    1.4%
Greater than or Equal to -2.5% And Less Than -2.0%   4    0.9%
Greater than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.5%   7    1.6%
Greater than or Equal to -3.5% And Less Than -3.0%   11    2.6%
Greater than or Equal to -4.0% And Less Than -3.5%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -4.5% And Less Than -4.0%   2    0.5%
Greater than or Equal to -5.0% And Less Than -4.5%   0    0.0%
Less Than -5.0%   0    0.0%
    426    100.0%

 

 

* First Day of secondary market trading.
10

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

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

 

The disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015.

 

Actual Expenses

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

 

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

 

   Beginning  Ending  Annualized  Expenses Paid
   Account  Account  Expense  During the Period*
   Value  Value  Ratio  April 1, 2015-
   April 1, 2015  September 30, 2015  During Period  September 30, 2015
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF                    
 Actual  $1,000.00   $844.20    0.50%  $2.31 
 Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.56    0.50%   $2.54 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF                    
 Actual  $1,000.00   $839.50    0.50%   $2.31 
 Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.56    0.50%   $2.54 
MSCI International Quality ETF                    
 Actual  $1,000.00   $925.50    0.45%   $2.17 
 Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.81    0.45%   $2.28 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF                    
 Actual  $1,000.00   $903.90    0.45%   $2.15 
 Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.81    0.45%   $2.28 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended September 30, 2015) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
   
** Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses
11

MSCI EMERGING MARKETS QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
     Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 3.4%     
Qatar: 3.4%     
588  Barwa Real Estate Co. QSC #  $6,917 
281  Gulf International Services QSC #   5,032 
914  Industries Qatar QSC #   30,941 
2,220  Masraf Al Rayan QSC #   26,263 
166  Qatar Electricity and Water Co. QSC   9,544 
1,057  Qatar National Bank SAQ #   54,478 
       133,175 
Taiwan: 0.0%     
1,363  Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd. #   507 
Total Common Stocks: 3.4%
(Cost: $158,721)
   133,682 
Other assets less liabilities: 96.6%   3,829,582  
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $ 3,963,264  
         
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $124,138 which represents 3.1% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by      
Sector (unaudited)                       % of Investments  Value  
Energy     3.8%  $5,032 
Financials     66.0    88,165 
Industrials     23.1    30,941 
Utilities     7.1    9,544 
      100.0%  $133,682 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

      Level 2  Level 3   
   Level 1  Significant  Significant   
   Quoted  Observable  Unobservable   
   Prices  Inputs  Inputs  Value
Common Stocks                        
Qatar  $9,544  $123,631    $    $133,175
Taiwan      507          507
Total  $9,544  $124,138    $    $133,682

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

12

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
     Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 0.5%     
Qatar: 0.5%     
55  Gulf International Services QSC #  $985 
171  Industries Qatar QSC #   5,789 
365  Masraf Al Rayan QSC #   4,318 
31  Qatar Electricity and Water Co. QSC   1,782 
96  Qatar Insurance Co. SAQ   2,454 
162  Qatar National Bank SAQ #   8,350 
Total Common Stocks: 0.5%
(Cost: $28,767)
   23,678 
Other assets less liabilities: 99.5%   4,444,834 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $4,468,512 

 

# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $19,442 which represents 0.4% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments      
by Sector (unaudited)            % of Investments  Value  
Energy     4.2%  $985 
Financials     63.9    15,122 
Industrials     24.4    5,789 
Utilities     7.5    1,782 
      100.0%  $23,678 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3      
   Level 1   Significant   Significant      
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable      
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs    Value 
Common Stocks                        
Qatar  $4,236   $19,442     $     $23,678 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

13

MSCI INTERNATIONAL QUALITY DIVIDEND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Number
of Shares
     Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 0.7%     
Qatar: 0.7%     
117  Barwa Real Estate Co. QSC #  $1,376 
56  Gulf International Services QSC #   1,003 
181  Industries Qatar QSC #   6,127 
441  Masraf Al Rayan QSC #   5,217 
33  Qatar Electricity & Water Co. QSC   1,897 
210  Qatar National Bank SAQ #   10,824 
       26,444 
Taiwan: 0.0%     
262  Yuanta Financial Holding Co. Ltd. #   98 
Total Common Stocks: 0.7%
(Cost: $30,051)
   26,542 
Other assets less liabilities: 99.3%   4,006,683 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $4,033,225 

 

# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $24,645 which represents 0.6% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments      
by Sector (unaudited)            % of Investments  Value  
Energy     3.8%  $1,003 
Financials     66.0    17,515 
Industrials     23.1    6,127 
Utilities     7.1    1,897 
      100.0%  $26,542 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3      
   Level 1   Significant   Significant      
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable      
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs    Value 
Common Stocks                        
Qatar  $1,897   $24,547     $     $26,444 
Taiwan       98            98 
Total  $1,897   $24,645     $     $26,542 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended September 30, 2015.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

14

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2015

 

   MSCI  MSCI  MSCI  MSCI
   Emerging  Emerging  International  International
   Markets Quality  Markets Quality  Quality  Quality Dividend
   ETF  Dividend ETF  ETF  ETF
                             
Assets:                            
Investments, at value (1)    $     $133,682     $23,678     $26,542 
Cash     4,432,389      3,830,495      4,462,498      4,020,563 
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (2)     51,366      26,798      19,444      16,810 
Receivables:                            
Investment securities sold     3,742      4,101      3,198      5,681 
Due from Adviser     15,123      12,390      14,367      8,996 
Dividends     1,946      6,483      14,662      14,299 
Prepaid expenses           76      73      71 
Total assets     4,504,566      4,014,025      4,537,920      4,092,962 
                             
Liabilities:                            
Payables:                            
Investment securities purchased     3,743      2,280      3,199      5,335 
Deferred Trustee fees     22      17      19      17 
Accrued expenses     60,601      48,464      66,190      54,385 
Total liabilities     64,366      50,761      69,408      59,737 
NET ASSETS    $4,440,200     $3,963,264     $4,468,512     $4,033,225 
Shares outstanding.     100,000      100,000      100,000      100,000 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $44.40     $39.63     $44.69     $40.33 
                             
Net assets consist of:                            
Aggregate paid in capital    $5,537,879     $5,026,356     $4,939,388     $5,039,718 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     689      (24,127)     (5,609)     (4,001)
Undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)     (33,241)     39,485      (11,239)     33,884 
Accumulated net realized loss     (1,065,127)     (1,078,450)     (454,028)     (1,036,376)
     $4,440,200     $3,963,264     $4,468,512     $4,033,225 
(1)     Cost of investments    $     $158,721     $28,767     $30,051 
(2)     Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $50,371     $25,696     $19,113     $16,615 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

15

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended September 30, 2015

 

   MSCI  MSCI  MSCI  MSCI
   Emerging  Emerging  International  International
   Markets Quality  Markets Quality  Quality  Quality Dividend
   ETF  Dividend ETF  ETF  ETF
                             
Income:                            
Dividends    $210,984     $223,506     $141,253     $229,050 
Securities lending income     1,963      279      1,050      2,063 
Foreign taxes withheld     (25,690)     (29,975)     (12,128)     (16,742)
Total income     187,257      193,810      130,175      214,371 
                             
Expenses:                            
Management fees     36,009      24,012      21,972      20,734 
Professional fees     50,139      41,031      49,707      40,850 
Insurance     242      90      88      87 
Trustees’ fees and expenses     1,130      1,600      1,498      1,370 
Reports to shareholders     13,933      13,553      13,430      13,221 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     7,969      7,898      7,314      7,873 
Custodian fees     55,517      36,838      77,119      56,835 
Registration fees     5,184      5,170      5,161      5,171 
Transfer agent fees     3,621      3,910      3,844      3,844 
Fund accounting fees     25,611      20,090      52,009      38,880 
Interest     299      12      9      21 
Other     5,442      5,960      6,152      5,783 
Total expenses     205,096      160,164      238,303      194,669 
Waiver of management fees     (36,009)     (24,012)     (21,972)     (20,734)
Expenses assumed by the Adviser     (132,780)     (112,128)     (194,351)     (153,182)
Net expenses     36,307      24,024      21,980      20,753 
Net investment income     150,950      169,786      108,195      193,618 
                             
Net realized gain (loss) on:                            
Investments     (1,079,886)(a)     (1,078,466)     (459,550)(a)     (1,036,352)
In-kind redemptions     213,342                   
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (35,410)     (26,943)     (11,860)     (7,893)
Net realized loss     (901,954)     (1,105,409)     (471,410)     (1,044,245)
                             
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                            
Investments     (266,560)     (75,351)     28,794      145,824 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     1,791      2,792      1,180      420 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (264,769)     (72,559)     29,974      146,244 
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $(1,015,773)    $(1,008,182)    $(333,241)    $(704,383)

 

 
(a) Net of foreign taxes of $14,763 and $5,550 for MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF and MSCI International Quality ETF, respectively.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

16

 

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

 

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   MSCI Emerging Markets
Quality ETF
   MSCI Emerging Markets
Quality Dividend ETF
 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Period
January 21,
2014* through
September 30,
2014
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Period
January 21,
2014* through
September 30,
2014
 
Operations:                    
Net investment income  $150,950   $96,459   $169,786   $193,536 
Net realized gain (loss)   (901,954)   26,059    (1,105,409)   23,972 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (264,769)   265,458    (72,559)   48,432 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (1,015,773)   387,976    (1,008,182)   265,940 
                     
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders:                    
Dividends from net investment income   (191,400)   (41,240)   (202,370)   (92,780)
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (23,900)       (25,700)    
Total Dividends and Distributions   (215,300)   (41,240)   (228,070)   (92,780)
                     
Share transactions:**                    
Proceeds from sale of shares   5,389,218    5,028,438        5,026,356 
Cost of shares redeemed   (5,093,119)            
Increase in net assets resulting from share transactions   296,099    5,028,438        5,026,356 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   (934,974)   5,375,174    (1,236,252)   5,199,516 
Net Assets, beginning of period   5,375,174        5,199,516     
Net Assets, end of period†  $4,440,200   $5,375,174   $3,963,264   $5,199,516 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)  $(33,241)  $57,468   $39,485   $99,028 
                     
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                    
Shares sold   100,000    100,000        100,000 
Shares redeemed   (100,000)            
Net increase       100,000        100,000 

 

 

*    Commencement of operations

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

18

 

 

MSCI International
Quality ETF
   MSCI International
Quality Dividend ETF
 
For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Period
January 21,
2014* through
September 30,
2014
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
   For the Period
January 21,
2014* through
September 30,
2014
 
  
$108,195   $182,146   $193,618   $256,691 
 (471,410)   222,931    (1,044,245)   (8,556)
 29,974    (35,583)   146,244    (150,245)
 (333,241)   369,494    (704,383)   97,890 
                  
 (130,860)   (145,310)   (275,700)   (123,500)
 (84,600)       (800)    
 (215,460)   (145,310)   (276,500)   (123,500)
                  
     10,091,205        5,039,718 
     (5,298,176)        
     4,793,029        5,039,718 
 (548,701)   5,017,213    (980,883)   5,014,108 
 5,017,213        5,014,108     
$4,468,512   $5,017,213   $4,033,225   $5,014,108 
$(11,239)  $9,408   $33,884   $123,924 
                  
     200,000        100,000 
     (100,000)        
     100,000        100,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

19

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   MSCI Emerging Markets
Quality ETF
 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
  For the Period
January 21,
2014(a) through
September 30,
2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $53.75    $50.18   
Income from investment operations:            
Net investment income   0.96    0.96   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (8.70)   3.02   
Total from investment operations   (7.74)   3.98   
Less:            
Dividends from net investment income   (1.37)   (0.41)  
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.24)      
Total dividends and distributions   (1.61)   (0.41)  
Net asset value, end of period   $44.40    $53.75   
Total return (b)   (14.72)%   7.93%(c)  
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $4,440    $5,375   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   2.85%   2.66%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.10%   2.63%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate   63%   19%(c)  
      
   MSCI Emerging Markets
Quality Dividend ETF
 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
  For the Period
January 21,
2014(a) through
September 30,
2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $52.00    $50.08   
Income from investment operations:            
Net investment income   1.70    1.94   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (11.79)   0.91   
Total from investment operations   (10.09)   2.85   
Less:            
Dividends from net investment income   (2.02)   (0.93)  
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.26)      
Total dividends and distributions   (2.28)   (0.93)  
Net asset value, end of period   $39.63    $52.00   
Total return (b)   (20.14)%   5.62%(c)  
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $3,963    $5,200   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   3.34%   2.35%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.54%   5.35%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate   27%   13%(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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   MSCI International Quality ETF  
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
  For the Period
January 21,
2014(a) through
September 30,
2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $50.17    $50.15   
Income from investment operations:            
Net investment income   1.08    1.50   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments   (4.40)   (0.34)  
Total from investment operations   (3.32)   1.16   
Less:            
Dividends from net investment income   (1.31)   (1.14)  
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.85)      
Total dividends and distributions   (2.16)   (1.14)  
Net asset value, end of period   $44.69    $50.17   
Total return (b)   (6.78)%   2.22%(c)  
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $4,469    $5,017   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   4.88%   2.04%(d  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.45%   0.45%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.45%   0.45%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.22%   3.40%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate   18%   29%(c)  
             
   MSCI International Quality
Dividend ETF
 
   For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2015
  For the Period
January 21,
2014(a) through
September 30,
2014
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $50.14    $50.21   
Income from investment operations:            
Net investment income   1.94    2.57   
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments   (8.98)   (1.40)  
Total from investment operations   (7.04)   1.17   
Less:            
Dividends from net investment income   (2.76)   (1.24)  
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.01)      
Total dividends and distributions   (2.77)   (1.24)  
Net asset value, end of period   $40.33    $50.14   
Total return (b)   (14.50)%   2.23%(c)  
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)   $4,033    $5,014   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   4.23%   2.41%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.45%   0.45%(d)  
Ratio of net expenses, excluding interest expense, to average net assets   0.45%   0.45%(d)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.21%   7.19%(d)  
Portfolio turnover rate   31%   7%(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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015

 

Note 1—Fund Organization—Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund, and as of September 30, 2015, offers fifty-eight investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following investment portfolios: MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF and MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). Each Fund was created to provide investors with the opportunity to purchase a security representing a proportionate undivided interest in a portfolio of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in substantially the same weighting, in an index published by MSCI.

 

At a meeting held on September 3, 2015, the Board of Trustees of the Trust unanimously approved the termination and winding down of each Fund. Each Fund ceased trading its shares on NYSE Arca, Inc. after the close of business on September 18, 2015. Thereafter, each Fund has commenced liquidation and distributed its remaining proceeds or assets to shareholders (the “Liquidating Distribution”) on October 16, 2015.

 

The Funds’ commencement of operations dates and their respective indices are presented below:

 

Fund   Commencement
of Operations     
  Index
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF   January 21, 2014   MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Index
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   January 21, 2014   MSCI Emerging Markets High Dividend Yield Index
MSCI International Quality ETF   January 21, 2014   MSCI ACWI ex USA Quality Index
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   January 21, 2014   MSCI ACWI ex USA High Dividend Quality Index

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A. Security Valuation—The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges or traded on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (described below). Certain foreign securities, whose values may be affected by market direction or events occurring before the Funds’ pricing time (4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) but after the last close of the securities’ primary market, are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board of Trustees, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant ADR’s and futures contracts. The Funds may also fair value securities in other situations, such as, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. Short-term obligations with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Securities for which quotations are not available are stated at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Pricing Committee provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the
22

 

 

  Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value, including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
   
  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 – Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
B. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
C. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by each Fund. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. income tax regulations, which may differ from such amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
   
D. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
E. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
23

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (continued)

 

F. Use of Derivative Instruments—The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures, swaps and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts (often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives) or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivative contracts may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date, or to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount. Derivative instruments may involve a high degree of financial risk. The use of derivative instruments also involves the risk of loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments also include the risk of default by the counterparty, the risk that the investment may not be liquid and the risk that a small movement in the price of the underlying security or benchmark may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavorable or favorable, in the price of the derivative instruments. The Funds held no derivative instruments during the year ended September 30, 2015.
   
G. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities lending agent, takes possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, such securities must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the terms of the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. If the value of the underlying securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest, the Funds will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next business day. If the request for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Funds maintain their right to sell the underlying securities at market value and may claim any resulting loss against the seller. As of September 30, 2015 the Funds held no repurchase agreements.
   
H. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of setoff in those agreements allows the Funds to set off any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. The Funds may pledge or receive cash and/or securities as collateral for derivative instruments, securities lending and repurchase agreements. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds present securities lending and repurchase agreement assets and liabilities on a gross basis in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. As of September 30, 2015, the Funds held no financial instruments that would require additional disclosure.
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Transactions in certain securities may take longer than the customary settlement cycle to be completed. The counterparty is required to collateralize such trades with cash in excess of the market value of the transaction, which is held at the custodian and marked to market daily. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date/rate. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, at least until February 1, 2016, to voluntarily waive or limit its fees and to assume as its own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by the Funds so that each Fund’s total annual operating expenses does not exceed the expense limitations (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) listed in the table below.

24

 

 

The current management fee rate, expense limitations and the amounts waived/assumed by the Adviser for the year ended September 30, 2015, are as follows:

 

            Expenses
         Waiver of  Assumed
   Management Fee  Expense  Management  by the
Fund  Rate  Limitations  Fees  Adviser
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF   0.50%   0.50%   $36,009   $132,780 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   0.50    0.50    24,012    112,128 
MSCI International Quality ETF   0.45    0.45    21,972    194,351 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   0.45    0.45    20,734    153,182 

 

 

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

 

Note 4—Investments—For the year ended September 30, 2015, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

   Cost of Investments  Proceeds from
Fund  Purchased  Investments Sold
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $4,409,330   $8,830,265 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   1,231,014    5,057,038 
MSCI International Quality ETF   798,268    5,329,670 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   1,311,173    5,374,106 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of September 30, 2015, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost of investments owned, net unrealized depreciation, gross unrealized appreciation, and gross unrealized depreciation of investments were as follows:

 

            Net Unrealized
   Cost of  Gross Unrealized  Gross Unrealized  Appreciation
Fund  Investments  Appreciation  Depreciation  (Depreciation)
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   $158,721    $601    $(25,640)   $(25,039)
MSCI International Quality ETF   28,767    149    (5,238)   (5,089)
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   30,051    135    (3,644)   (3,509)

 

At September 30, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

   Undistributed  Accumulated  Qualified  Other  Unrealized   
   Ordinary  Capital  Late Year  Temporary  Appreciation   
Fund  Income  Losses  Losses  Difference  (Depreciation)  Total
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $   $(1,065,126)  $(33,219)  $(23)  $689   $(1,097,679)
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   39,502    (1,078,450)       (17)   (24,127)   (1,063,092)
MSCI International Quality ETF       (454,027)   (11,220)   (20)   (5,609)   (470,876)
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   33,900    (1,036,376)       (16)   (4,001)   (1,006,493)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were as follows:

 

   2015 #  2014*
   Ordinary  Ordinary
Fund  Income  Income
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $215,300   $41,240 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   228,070    92,780 
MSCI International Quality ETF   215,460    145,310 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   276,500    123,500 

 

*For the period from January 21, 2014 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2014.
#Includes short-term capital gains.
25

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (continued)

 

Qualified late-year losses comprised of post-October capital losses incurred after October 31, 2014, and certain late year ordinary losses. Late-year ordinary losses represent ordinary losses incurred after December 31, 2014 and specified losses incurred after October 31, 2014. These losses are deemed to arise on the first day of the Funds next taxable year. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds’ intend to defer to October 1, 2015 for federal tax purposes qualified late-year losses as follows:

 

   Late Year
Fund  Ordinary Losses
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $33,219 
MSCI International Quality ETF   11,220 

 

At September 30, 2015, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

   Post-Effective-  Post-Effective-
   No Expiration  No Expiration
   Short-Term  Long-Term
Fund  Capital Losses  Capital Losses
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $760,870    $304,256 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   244,642    833,808 
MSCI International Quality ETF   163,948    290,079 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   267,649    768,727 

 

During the year ended September 30, 2015, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, foreign currency gains and losses, net operating losses, and tax treatment of in-kind redemptions, the Funds’ incurred differences that affected undistributed net investment income (loss), accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

   Increase (Decrease)  Increase (Decrease)  Increase (Decrease)
   in Accumulated Net  in Accumulated Net  in Aggregate
Fund  Investment Income/Loss  Realized Gain/Loss  Paid in Capital
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $(50,259)  $(163,083)  $213,342 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   (26,959)   26,959     
MSCI International Quality ETF   2,018    (754)   (1,264)
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   (7,958)   7,958     

 

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

 

The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of September 30, 2015, there were an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Shares are issued and redeemed by the Funds only in Creation Units, consisting of 100,000 shares, or multiples thereof. The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index plus a small amount of cash. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the following Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  $2,569,911   $2,366,522 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   7,457     

 

MSCI International Quality ETF and MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF had no in-kind contributions or redemptions during the year ended September 30, 2015.

26

 

 

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

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risk—The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, as indicated in the name of each Fund. The Adviser uses a “passive” or index approach to achieve each Fund’s investment objective by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Funds’ index. Each of the Funds is classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. The Funds may purchase securities on foreign exchanges. Securities of foreign issuers involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include devaluation of currencies, currency controls, less reliable information about issuers, different securities transaction clearance and settlement practices, future adverse political and economic developments and local/regional conflicts. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging market countries. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

At September 30, 2015, the Adviser owned approximately 73% of MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF and 63% of MSCI International Quality ETF.

 

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

 

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

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities and shares the interest earned on the collateral and borrowing fees received with the securities lending agent. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. At September 30, 2015, the Funds had no securities on loan.

27

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (continued)

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

   Days  Average Daily  Average
Fund  Outstanding  Loan Balance  Interest Rate
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF   21   $339,740    1.51%
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF   2    139,572    1.50 
MSCI International Quality ETF   2    106,265    1.50 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF   2    247,177    1.50 

 

At September 30, 2015, the Funds had no outstanding loan balances.

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended September 30, 2015, there were no offsets to custodian fees.

 

Note 12—Subsequent Event Review—The Funds have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

 

On October 16, 2015, the Funds liquidated. The following Liquidating Distributions were paid by the Funds to shareholders:

 

Fund  Payable Date  Rate Per Share
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF  10/16/2015  $44.39892 
MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF  10/16/2015  $39.61686 
MSCI International Quality ETF  10/16/2015  $44.68016 
MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF  10/16/2015  $40.32661 
28

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Market Vectors ETF Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF and MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF (four of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) (the “Funds”) as of September 30, 2015, and the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF and MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF (four of the series constituting Market Vectors ETF Trust) at September 30, 2015, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

 

New York, New York
November 24, 2015

29

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex3
Overseen
  Other Directorships Held
By Trustee During Past Five Years
Independent Trustees:            
                
David H. Chow,
1957*†
  Chairman
Trustee
  Since 2008
Since 2006
  Founder and CEO, DanCourt Management LLC (financial/ strategy consulting firm and Registered Investment Adviser), March 1999 to present.  58  Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, 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; Advisory Board member, MainStay Fund Complex4, June 2015 to present.
                
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  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.
                
Peter J.
Sidebottom,
1962*†
  Trustee  Since 2012  Partner, PWC/Strategy & Financial Services Advisory, February 2015 to present; Founder and Board Member, AspenWoods Risk Solutions, September 2013 to present; Independent consultant, June 2013 to February 2015; Partner, Bain & Company (management consulting firm), April 2012 to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Committee Member, TD Ameritrade (on-line brokerage firm), February 2009 to January 2012  58  Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to present; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012; Board Member, NJ-CAN, July 2014 to present.
                
Richard D.
Stamberger,
1959*†
  Trustee  Since 2006  Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company).  69  Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                
Interested Trustee:               
                
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer  Trustee (Since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2009)  Director, President 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.
 
1The address for each Trustee and officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3The Fund Complex consists of the Van Eck Funds, Van Eck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay Funds, MainStay VP Funds Trust, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Master Fund, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Fund and MainStay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5“Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
*Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
30

 

 

Officer’s Name,
Address1 and
Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of Office2
and Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five Years
Officers:         
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer  Since 2008  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President  Since 2006  Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Simon Chen,
1971
  Assistant Vice President  Since 2012  Greater China Director of the Adviser (Since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011).
          
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer (Since 2009)  Vice President of Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President  Since 2012  Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of the Adviser (since July 2008); Regional Director (Spain, Portugal, South America and Africa) of Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Ltd. (May 2001 - July 2008).
          
Lars Hamich,
1968
  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 Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”) (since June 2011); Managing Director of STOXX Limited (until 2008).
          
Wu-Kwan Kit,
1981
  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,
1955
  Vice President  Since 2006  Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  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,
1983
  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).
          
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer  Since June 2014  Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser (Since June 2010); Vice President of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (April 1999 to January 2010).
          
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  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,
1955
  Senior Vice President  Since 2006  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Janet Squitieri,
1961
  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).
 
1The address for each Officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
31

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on December 4, 2014 (the “December Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “December Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (the “New December Fund”). In addition, at a meeting held on March 2, 2015 (the “March Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved investment management agreements (the “March Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Brazil Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors China Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Germany Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Global Spin-Off ETF, Market Vectors Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors India Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Italy Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Russia Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Africa Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Spain Equal Weight ETF, Market Vectors Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and Market Vectors United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (the “New March Funds”). In addition, at a meeting held on September 3, 2015 (the “September Meeting”), the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved an investment management agreement (the “September Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the Market Vectors Generic Drugs ETF (and collectively, with the New December Fund and the New March Funds, the “Funds”). The December Investment Management Agreement, the March Investment Management Agreement and the September Investment Management Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Investment Management Agreements.”

 

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

 

In advance of the relevant meeting, the Trustees received materials from the Adviser, including expense information for other funds. The Adviser provided the Trustees with information regarding, among other things, the various aspects of each Fund’s proposed investment program, fee arrangements and service provider arrangements. The Independent Trustees’ consideration of each Investment Management Agreement was based, in part, on information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the December Meeting, March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) regarding the management of the Funds, information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others proposed to be involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms and scope of services that the Adviser would provide under each Investment Management Agreement, including the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of at least one year following the effective date of each Fund’s respective registration statement.

 

The Trustees considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreements, that the Adviser would receive from serving as adviser to each Fund, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to each Fund and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor to each Fund. The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability of each of the Funds to the Adviser because the Funds had not yet commenced operations. In addition, because the Funds had not yet commenced operations, the Trustees could not consider the historical performance or the quality of services previously provided to each of the Funds by the Adviser, although they concluded that the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Adviser were appropriate based on the Trustees’ knowledge of the Adviser and its personnel and the operations of the other series of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the December Meeting, the March Meeting and September Meeting (as applicable) as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

32

 

 

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

 

* * *

 

At a meeting held on June 9, 2015 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Market Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreements between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) with respect to the Market Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Biotech ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Gaming ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Global Spin-Off ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, MSCI International Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI International Quality ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Dividend ETF, MSCI Emerging Markets Quality ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, Semiconductor ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF (collectively, the “Funds”).

 

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

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 15, 2015. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance (for those Funds which had begun operations) and expenses of the Funds and the Funds’ peer funds (other index-based exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Funds and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds. In reviewing performance information for the Funds against their peer groups, the Trustees considered that each Fund generally invests in a different group of issuers than the funds in its designated peer group. In addition, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for each Fund that was not provided by Lipper. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreements was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and the May 15, 2015 meeting regarding the management of the Funds and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreements, including, where applicable, the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

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

33

MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2015 (unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than fees under the Investment Management Agreements, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Funds, including any benefits it may receive from serving as administrator to the Funds and from an affiliate of the Adviser serving as distributor for the Funds.

 

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

 

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

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 15, 2015 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

 

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

34

 

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

 

Additional information about the Trust’s Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 1.800.826.2333, or by visiting www.vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1.202.942.8090. The Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are also available by calling 1.800.826.2333 or by visiting www.vaneck.com.

 

Investment Adviser:

Van Eck Associates Corporation

 

Distributor:

Van Eck Securities Corporation

666 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

vaneck.com

 

Account Assistance:

1.800.826.2333

www.vaneck.com

 

MVQUALAR

 


Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

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

(b)  Not applicable.

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

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

(e)  Not applicable.

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

Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

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

Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

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

(a)  Audit Fees. The aggregate Audit Fees of Ernst & Young for professional
     services billed for the audits of the financial statements, or services
     that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory
     filings or engagements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and
     September 30, 2014, were $319,530 and $288,095 respectively.

(b)  Audit-Related Fees. Not applicable.

(c)  Tax Fees. The aggregate Tax Fees of Ernst & Young for professional
     services billed for the review of Federal, state and excise tax returns
     and other tax compliance consultations for the fiscal years ended
     September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, were $260,451 and $209,313
     respectively.

(d)  All Other Fees

     None.

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

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

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

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO --------------------------------------- Date December 8, 2015 ---------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By (Signature and Title) /s/ Jan F. van Eck, CEO -------------------------- Date December 8, 2015 ---------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO ------------------------------------------ Date December 8, 2015 ----------------