As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2008
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 333-123257
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-10325
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post Effective Amendment No. 24 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 28 [X]
----------------------
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
----------------------
99 PARK AVENUE, 8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10016
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(212) 687-5200
Registrant's Telephone Number
JOSEPH J. MCBRIEN, ESQ.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION
99 PARK AVENUE, 8TH FLOOR
New York, New York 10016
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
----------------------
Copy to:
STUART M. STRAUSS, ESQ.
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
31 WEST 52ND STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
----------------------
|
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
|_| Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
|X| On May 1, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b)
|_| 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
|_| On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
|_| 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
|_| On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485
[MARKET VECTORS LOGO]
Agribusiness ETF
Coal ETF
Environmental Services ETF
Gaming ETF
Global Alternative Energy ETF
Gold Miners ETF
Nuclear Energy ETF
Russia ETF
Steel ETF
P R O S P E C T U S
MAY 1, 2008
[VAN ECK GLOBAL LOGO]
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon
the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary
is a criminal offense.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with
the offer of each Fund's shares, and, if given or made, the information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by a Fund.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale of shares of the Funds
shall under any circumstance imply that the information contained herein is
correct as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus unless otherwise
specified.
Dealers effecting transactions in each Fund's shares, whether or not
participating in this distribution, may be generally required to deliver a
Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver the
Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
This Prospectus offers shares of the Market Vectors ETF Trust (the
"Trust"). The Trust currently has twenty-one investment portfolios. This
Prospectus relates to shares of nine portfolios, Market Vectors--Agribusiness
ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF,
Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF,
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market
Vectors--Russia ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF.
The information contained herein regarding the DAXglobal(R)
Agribusiness Index, Stowe Coal Index(SM), Amex Environmental Services Index,
S-Network Global Gaming Index(SM), Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid), Amex
Gold Miners Index, DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy Index, DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index
and Amex Steel Index (each, an "Index") was provided by each respective Index
Provider, while the information contained herein regarding the securities
markets and The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") was obtained from publicly
available sources.
This Prospectus, dated May 1, 2008, explains concisely the information
you ought to know before investing in a Fund. We suggest that you keep it for
future reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
OVERVIEW OF THE TRUST.........................................................1
MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF..............................................2
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies............................2
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.................................3
Performance..............................................................4
Fees and Expenses of the Fund............................................5
Expense Example..........................................................5
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees................5
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF......................................................7
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies............................7
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.................................8
Performance..............................................................9
Fees and Expenses of the Fund............................................9
Expense Example.........................................................10
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............10
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF...................................11
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................11
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................12
Performance.............................................................13
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................14
Expense Example.........................................................15
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............15
MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF...................................................16
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................16
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................17
Performance.............................................................18
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................18
Expense Example.........................................................19
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............19
MARKET VECTORS--GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF................................21
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................21
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................22
Performance.............................................................24
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................24
Expense Example.........................................................24
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............25
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF..............................................26
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................26
|
-i-
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................27
Performance.............................................................28
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................29
Expense Example.........................................................30
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............30
MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF...........................................31
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................31
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................32
Performance.............................................................34
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................34
Expense Example.........................................................34
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............35
MARKET VECTORS--RUSSIA ETF...................................................36
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................36
Principal Risks Of Investing in the Fund................................37
Performance.............................................................38
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................39
Expense Example.........................................................39
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............39
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF....................................................41
Principal Investment Objective and Strategies...........................41
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund................................42
Performance.............................................................43
Fees and Expenses of the Fund...........................................44
Expense Example.........................................................44
Creation Transaction Fees and Redemption Transaction Fees...............45
DAXGLOBAL(R) AGRIBUSINESS INDEX.........................................46
STOWE COAL INDEX(SM)....................................................47
AMEX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INDEX.......................................48
S-NETWORK GLOBAL GAMING INDEX(SM).......................................49
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID)..................................50
AMEX GOLD MINERS INDEX..................................................52
DAXGLOBAL(R) NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX.......................................53
DAXGLOBAL(R) RUSSIA+ INDEX..............................................54
AMEX STEEL INDEX........................................................55
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS...........................................................56
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES.............................................56
MANAGEMENT...................................................................57
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS...........................................................58
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION......................................................59
Determination of NAV....................................................59
|
-ii-
Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares...............................59
Creation and Redemption of Creation Units...............................60
Distributions...........................................................63
Tax Matters.............................................................63
LICENSE AGREEMENTS...........................................................66
INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION.................................................71
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS.........................................................72
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF........................................73
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF..............................74
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF...........................75
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF.........................................76
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF......................................77
Market Vectors--Russia ETF..............................................78
Market Vectors--Steel ETF...............................................79
MARKET DISCOUNT INFORMATION..................................................80
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF........................................80
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF..............................81
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF...........................81
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF.........................................81
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF......................................82
Market Vectors--Russia ETF..............................................82
Market Vectors--Steel ETF...............................................83
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION.....................................................84
GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................86
Additional Information..................................................86
|
-iii-
OVERVIEW OF THE TRUST
Market Vectors ETF Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), currently consisting of twenty-one investment
portfolios. This Prospectus relates to the following nine portfolios of the
Trust: Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market
Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Russia ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF (each a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds"). Van Eck
Associates Corporation (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser to each Fund.
The shares of the Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF are listed on the American Stock Exchange (Amex) and the
shares of the Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative
Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Russia ETF are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"NYSE Arca"), and trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to
some degree from the net asset value ("NAV") of the shares. The Amex, together
with the NYSE Arca, are herein referred to as the "Exchanges." Unlike
conventional mutual funds, the Trust issues and redeems shares of each Fund (the
"Shares") on a continuous basis at NAV only in large specified blocks each
called a Creation Unit. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally
in-kind for securities generally included in each Fund's respective Index.
Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable
securities of the Trust.
The Funds may be suitable for long term investment in the market or
market segment represented by each Fund's respective Index. Shares of the Funds
may also be used as an asset allocation or speculative trading vehicle. Unlike
many conventional mutual funds which are only bought and sold at closing NAVs,
the Shares have been designed to be tradable in a secondary market on an
intraday basis and to be created and redeemed in-kind in Creation Units at each
day's market close. These arrangements are designed to protect ongoing
shareholders from adverse effects on a Fund's portfolio that could arise from
frequent cash purchase and redemption transactions that affect the NAV of the
Fund. Moreover, in contrast to conventional mutual funds where frequent
redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders because of
the need to sell portfolio securities which, in turn, may generate taxable gain,
the in-kind redemption mechanism of the Funds generally is not expected to lead
to a tax event for shareholders.
1
MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness Index ("Agribusiness Index"). For a
further description of the Agribusiness Index, see "DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness
Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies primarily
engaged in the business of agriculture. Companies primarily engaged in the
agriculture business include those engaged in agriproduct operations, livestock
operations, agriculture chemicals, providing or transporting agricultural
equipment, and providing or transporting ethanol/biodiesel, and which derive at
least 50% of their total revenues from such activities. Such companies may
include small- and medium-capitalization companies. This 80% investment policy
is non-fundamental and requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders
before it can be changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Agribusiness Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally
replicate the Agribusiness Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Agribusiness Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Agribusiness Index. However, under various circumstances, it
may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in these
weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities
in the Agribusiness Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser may
choose to overweight another security in the Agribusiness Index, purchase
securities not in the Agribusiness Index which the Adviser believes are
appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Agribusiness Index or
utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking
to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and
yield performance of the Agribusiness Index. The Fund may sell securities that
are represented in the Agribusiness Index in anticipation of their removal from
the Agribusiness Index or purchase securities not represented in the
Agribusiness Index in anticipation of their addition to the Agribusiness Index.
The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's
performance and that of the Agribusiness Index before fees and expenses will be
95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Agribusiness Index. A lesser percentage may be so
invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Internal Revenue Code"), and other regulatory requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Agribusiness
Index changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term capital
gains in the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to U.S.
federal income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
- 2 -
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Agribusiness Index is comprised of companies
with market capitalizations greater than $150 million that have a worldwide
average daily trading volume of at least $1 million (over the past six months as
well as over each of the past two months) and have maintained a monthly trading
volume of 250,000 shares over the past six months. The total market
capitalization of the Agribusiness Index as of December 31, 2007 was in excess
of $421 billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Agribusiness Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE INVESTMENTS. Economic forces,
including forces affecting the agricultural commodity, energy and financial
markets, as well as government policies and regulations affecting the
agricultural sector and related industries could adversely affect the Fund's
portfolio companies and, thus, the Fund's financial situation and profitability.
Agricultural production and trade flows are significantly affected by government
policies and regulations. Governmental policies affecting the agricultural
industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies and import and export
restrictions on agricultural commodities and commodity products, can influence
industry profitability, the planting of certain crops versus other uses of
agricultural resources, the location and size of crop production, whether
unprocessed or processed commodity products are traded and the volume and types
of imports and exports. In addition, the Fund's portfolio companies must comply
with a broad range of environmental laws and regulations. Additional or more
stringent environmental laws and regulations may be enacted in the future and
such changes could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Fund's
portfolio companies.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in
U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the
availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and
custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and
political instability. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information will
be available. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or
regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign
securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In
addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to
vote the depositary receipts ("DRs") that it holds, as the issuers may be under
no legal obligation to distribute them.
Because the Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's
returns. The values of the currencies of the countries in which the Fund may
invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest
rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign
governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency
controls or other national or global political or economic developments.
Therefore, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to hedge its currency risk.
- 3 -
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Agribusiness Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a
number of operating expenses not applicable to the Agribusiness Index and incurs
costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing
the Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Agribusiness Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a
result of cash flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet
redemptions and pay expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value the foreign
securities it holds. See "Shareholder Information--Determination of NAV." To the
extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of
the Agribusiness Index is based on the securities' closing price on local
foreign markets (I.E., the value of the Agribusiness Index is not based on fair
value prices), the Fund's ability to track the Agribusiness Index may be
adversely affected. The need to comply with the diversification and other
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact the Fund's ability to
replicate the performance of the Agribusiness Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Agribusiness Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the
Agribusiness Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Agribusiness
Index. As of December 31, 2007, the Agribusiness Index included 37 securities.
As a result, the gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact
on the Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds.
Because the Fund's investment are concentrated in the agribusiness industry, it
will be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory
occurrence than an investment company that is more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on August 31, 2007 and therefore does not
have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF
for current performance figures.
- 4 -
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.15%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d) (e)............. 0.65%
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") or for cash,
a variable fee of up to four times the standard creation or redemption
transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.65% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Agribusiness Index. Shares in less
than Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit
on an in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment
(payment with a deposit of securities included in the Agribusiness Index),
assuming all Shares are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual
return and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD
NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION
PURPOSES ONLY AS SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS.
FURTHER, THE RETURN OF 5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES
ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE
ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
-------- ------------
1 $66
3 $208
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is
- 5 -
the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $13,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and
$41,600 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 6 -
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the Stowe Coal Index(SM) ("Coal Index"). For a further
description of the Coal Index, see "Stowe Coal Index(SM)."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies
principally engaged in the coal industry. Companies principally engaged in the
coal industry include those engaged in the mining of coal and/or related
activities, including coal transportation, the manufacture of coal mining
equipment and the production of clean coal, and which derive more than 50% of
their total revenues from such activities. Such companies may include small- and
medium-capitalization companies. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental
and requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Coal Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate
the Coal Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Coal Index in proportion to their weightings in
the Coal Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or
practicable to purchase all of those securities in these weightings. In these
circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Coal Index.
There also may be instances in which the Adviser may choose to overweight
another security in the Coal Index, purchase securities not in the Coal Index
which the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities
in the Coal Index or utilize various combinations of other available investment
techniques in seeking to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and
expenses, the price and yield performance of the Coal Index. The Fund may sell
securities that are represented in the Coal Index in anticipation of their
removal from the Coal Index or purchase securities not represented in the Coal
Index in anticipation of their addition to the Coal Index. The Adviser expects
that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's performance and that of the
Coal Index before fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A figure of 100%
would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Coal Index. A lesser percentage may be so invested
to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Coal Index
changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term capital gains in
the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to U.S. federal
income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Coal Index comprises companies with market
capitalizations greater than $200 million. Stocks whose market capitalization
falls below $100 million as of any rebalancing date will be deleted from the
Coal Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily turnover of greater
than $1 million. The total market capitalization of the Coal Index as of
December 31, 2007 was in excess of $150 billion.
- 7 -
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Coal Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE COAL INDUSTRY. The profitability of companies
in the coal industry is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration and
production spending. Such companies also are subject to risks of changes in
exchange rates, government regulation, world events, depletion of resources and
economic conditions, as well as market, economic and political risks of the
countries where energy companies are located or do business. Coal exploration
and mining can be significantly affected by natural disasters. Coal companies
may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, interest rates,
government regulation, world events, and economic conditions. Coal companies may
be at risk for environmental damage claims.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in
U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the
availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and
custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and
political instability. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information will
be available. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or
regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign
securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In
addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to
vote the DRs that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to
distribute them.
Because the Fund will invest in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's
returns. The values of the currencies of the countries in which the Fund may
invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest
rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign
governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency
controls or other national or global political or economic developments.
Therefore, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to hedge its currency risk.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Coal Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Coal Index and incurs costs associated
with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's
securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Coal Index. The
Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a result of cash flows into
the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and pay
expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value the foreign securities it holds.
See
- 8 -
"Shareholder Information--Determination of NAV." To the extent the Fund
calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Coal Index is
based on the securities' closing price on local foreign markets (I.E., the value
of the Coal Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund's ability to
track the Coal Index may be adversely affected. The need to comply with the
diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also
impact the Fund's ability to replicate the performance of the Coal Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Coal Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the Coal
Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Coal Index. As
of December 31, 2007, the Coal Index included 60 securities. As a result, the
gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund's
NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds. Because the
Fund's investment are concentrated in the coal industry, it will be more
susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than an
investment company that is more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on January 11, 2008 and therefore does
not have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit
WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF for current performance figures.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
|
- 9 -
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.59%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 1.09%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.44%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.65%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current
fiscal year and calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.65% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Coal Index. Shares in less than
Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit on an
in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment (payment
with a deposit of securities included in the Coal Index), assuming all Shares
are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual return and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE
PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS
SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF
5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD
BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $66
3 $303
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operation expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $13,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and
$60,600 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 10 -
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the Amex Environmental Services Index ("Environmental Services
Index"). For a further description of the Environmental Services Index, see
"Amex Environmental Services Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of
its total assets in common stocks and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") of
companies involved in the environmental services industry. This 80% investment
policy is non-fundamental and requires 60 days' prior written notice to
shareholders before it can be changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Environmental Services Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that
generally replicate the Environmental Services Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Environmental Services Index in proportion to
their weightings in the Environmental Services Index. However, under various
circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those
securities in these weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a
sample of securities in the Environmental Services Index. There also may be
instances in which the Adviser may choose to overweight another security in the
Environmental Services Index, purchase securities not in the Environmental
Services Index which the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for
certain securities in the Environmental Services Index or utilize various
combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking to replicate as
closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance
of the Environmental Services Index. The Fund may sell securities that are
represented in the Environmental Services Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Environmental Services Index or purchase securities not represented in
the Environmental Services Index in anticipation of their addition to the
Environmental Services Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the
correlation between the Fund's performance and that of the Environmental
Services Index before fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A figure of 100%
would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund normally invests at least 95% of its total assets in stocks
and ADRs that comprise the Environmental Services Index. A lesser percentage may
be so invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to
comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Although the Environmental Services Index is generally not expected to
be subject to frequent or large changes, giving the Fund's portfolio many of the
characteristics of a long-term investment, periodic changes in the Environmental
Services Index may occur as a result of capital changes, E.G., mergers,
spin-offs or a change in the business or character of a component company within
the Environmental Services Index. Because of the passive investment management
approach of the Fund, the portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%,
generally a lower turnover rate than for many other investment companies. Sales
as a result of Environmental Services Index changes could result in the
realization of short- or long-term capital gains in the Fund resulting in tax
liability for shareholders subject to U.S. federal income tax. See "Shareholder
Information--Tax Matters."
- 11 -
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Environmental Services Index is only
comprised of companies with market capitalizations greater than $100 million, a
three-month trading price greater than $3.00 and a daily average traded volume
of at least $1 million over the past three months. The total market
capitalization of the Environmental Services Index as of December 31, 2007 was
in excess of $98 billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Environmental Services Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions-Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INDUSTRY. Because the
Fund primarily invests in stocks and ADRs of companies that are involved in a
variety of activities related to environmental services and consumer and
industrial waste management, it is subject to certain risks associated with such
companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial
condition of such companies. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short
periods of time so the Fund's Share price may be more volatile than other types
of investments. These companies are also affected by changes in government
regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, these companies
are subject to liability for environmental damage claims.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Environmental Services Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund
incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Environmental
Services Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities,
especially when rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in
the composition of the Environmental Services Index. The Fund may not be fully
invested at times either as a result of cash flows into the Fund or reserves of
cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and pay expenses. The need to comply
with the diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may
also impact the Fund's ability to replicate the performance of the Environmental
Services Index.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Because the Fund primarily
invests in stocks and ADRs of companies that are involved in a variety of
activities related to environmental services and consumer and industrial waste
management, it is subject to certain risks associated with such companies.
Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition
of such companies. These prices may fluctuate substantially over short periods
of time so the Fund's Share price may be more volatile than other types of
investments. These companies are also affected by changes in government
regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, these companies
are subject to liability for environmental damage claims.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Environmental Services Index, the
- 12 -
Fund generally would not sell a security because the security's issuer was in
financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of
investing in any fund of equity securities traded on exchanges, such as market
fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments,
changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. You should
anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will decline, more or less, in
correspondence with any decline in value of the Environmental Services Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Environmental
Services Index. As of December 31, 2007, the Environmental Services Index
included 24 securities. As a result, the gains and losses on a single security
may have a greater impact on the Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile
than diversified funds. Because the Fund's investments are concentrated in the
environmental services industry, it will be more susceptible to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence than an investment company that is
more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may invest in ADRs. These investments may
involve additional risks and considerations. These risks include, for example,
those related to adverse political and economic developments unique to a country
or region, currency fluctuations or controls and the possibility of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation. As of December 31,
2007, of the 24 securities that comprise the Environmental Services Index, one
was an ADR, which had a market capitalization of approximately $40 billion,
representing approximately 21% of the entire market value of the Environmental
Services Index.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the last
calendar year. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund's average annual
returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication
of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance from
year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year
compared with a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund's past performance (before
and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF
Annual Total Returns (%)
As of December 31,
17.94
2007
During the period covered, the Fund's highest quarterly return was
17.64% for the quarter ended 12/31/07. The lowest quarterly return was -1.78%
for the quarter ended 9/30/07.
- 13 -
* THE BAR CHART ABOVE INCLUDES ONLY THE COMPLETE CALENDAR YEAR FOLLOWING
INCEPTION. THE BEST AND WORST QUARTERS ABOVE INCLUDE NUMBERS FROM COMPLETE
CALENDAR YEARS ONLY.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
PAST ONE YEAR SINCE INCEPTION*
------------- ----------------
Market Vectors-Environmental Services ETF
(return before taxes)............................ 17.64% 24.97%
Market Vectors-Environmental Services ETF
(return after taxes on distributions)............ 17.22% 24.58%
Market Vectors-Environmental Services ETF
(return after taxes on distributions and sale of
Fund Shares)..................................... 11.47% 21.08%
Amex Environmental Services Index (reflects no
deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)........... 17.87% 25.33%
S&P 500(R) Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)............................... 5.49% 9.88%
|
* THE FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON OCTOBER 10, 2006.
The Fund's investment objective, risks and expenses should also be considered
when comparing investment returns. The Index performance results are
hypothetical. The Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index (S&P 500(R) Index) consists of
500 widely held common stocks, covering four broad sectors (industry, utilities,
financials and transportation). It is a market value-weighted index (stock price
times shares outstanding), with each stock affecting the Index in proportion to
its market value.
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance
is not a guarantee of future results; current performance may be higher or lower
than performance quoted. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate
and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The Fund's performance reflects fee waivers, absent which, performance would
have been lower.
AFTER-TAX RETURNS IN THE TABLE ABOVE ARE CALCULATED USING THE
HISTORICAL HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL FEDERAL MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATES AND DO NOT
REFLECT THE IMPACT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. ACTUAL AFTER-TAX RETURNS DEPEND ON
AN INVESTOR'S TAX SITUATION AND MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE SHOWN, AND AFTER-TAX
RETURNS SHOWN ARE NOT RELEVANT TO INVESTORS WHO HOLD SHARES THROUGH TAX-DEFERRED
ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS 401(K) PLANS OR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
|
- 14 -
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.36%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.86%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.31%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.55%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.55% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Environmental Services Index.
Shares in less than Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a
Creation Unit on an in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000
investment (payment with a deposit of securities included in the Environmental
Services Index), assuming all Shares are redeemed at the end of the periods
shown, a 5% annual return and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the
same. INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN
CREATION UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF 5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR
ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED
FUND EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES.
BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $56
3 $243
5 $446
10 $1032
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $11,200, $48,600, $89,200 and $206,400 if the Creation Unit
is redeemed after one, three, five and ten years, respectively. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 15 -
MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the S-Network Global Gaming Index(SM) ("Gaming Index"). For a
further description of the Gaming Index, see "S-Network Global Gaming
Index(SM)."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies primarily
engaged in the global gaming industry. Companies primarily engaged in the global
gaming industry include those engaged in casino operations, race track
operations, sports and horse race betting operations, online gaming operations
and/or the provision of related equipment and technologies, and which derive at
least 50% of their total revenues from such activities (including resort
facilities related to casino operations). Such companies may include small- and
medium-capitalization companies. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental
and requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Gaming Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate
the Gaming Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Gaming Index in proportion to their weightings in
the Gaming Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible
or practicable to purchase all of those securities in these weightings. In these
circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Gaming Index.
There also may be instances in which the Adviser may choose to overweight
another security in the Gaming Index, purchase securities not in the Gaming
Index which the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain
securities in the Gaming Index or utilize various combinations of other
available investment techniques in seeking to replicate as closely as possible,
before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Gaming Index.
The Fund may sell securities that are represented in the Gaming Index in
anticipation of their removal from the Gaming Index or purchase securities not
represented in the Gaming Index in anticipation of their addition to the Gaming
Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's
performance and that of the Gaming Index before fees and expenses will be 95% or
better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Gaming Index. A lesser percentage may be so
invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Gaming Index
changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term capital gains in
the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to U.S. federal
income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Gaming Index comprises companies with market
capitalizations greater than $200 million. Stocks whose market capitalization
falls below $100 million as of any
- 16 -
rebalancing date will be deleted from the Gaming Index. Stocks must have a
three-month average daily turnover of greater than $1 million. The total market
capitalization of the Gaming Index as of December 31, 2007 was in excess of $230
billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Gaming Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY. Companies in the gaming
industry are highly regulated, and state and Federal legislative changes (as
well as the laws of other countries) can significantly impact the profitability
of companies in the industry. Companies in the same industry often face similar
obstacles, issues and regulatory burdens. As a result, the securities of gaming
companies owned by the Fund may react similarly to, and move in unison with, one
another. The gaming industry may also be negatively affected by changes in
economic conditions as well as changes in consumer tastes. Furthermore, certain
jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions on securities issued by gaming
companies organized or operated in such jurisdictions that may be held by the
Fund. In the event these restrictions limit the amount of securities issued by
such gaming companies, this may increase the Fund's index tracking risk. See
"--Index Tracking Risk" below.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in
U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the
availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and
custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and
political instability. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information will
be available. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or
regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign
securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In
addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to
vote the DRs that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to
distribute them.
Because the Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's
returns. The values of the currencies of the countries in which the Fund may
invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest
rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign
governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency
controls or other national or global political or economic developments.
Therefore, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to hedge its currency risk.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
- 17 -
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Gaming Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Gaming Index and incurs costs
associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Gaming
Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a result of cash
flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
pay expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value the foreign securities it
holds. See "Shareholder Information--Determination of NAV." To the extent the
Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and the value of the Gaming
Index is based on the securities' closing price on local foreign markets (I.E.,
the value of the Gaming Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund's
ability to track the Gaming Index may be adversely affected. The need to comply
with the diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may
also impact the Fund's ability to replicate the performance of the Gaming Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Gaming Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the Gaming
Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Gaming Index.
As of December 31, 2007, the Gaming Index included 69 securities. As a result,
the gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the
Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds. Because
the Fund's investment are concentrated in the gaming industry, it will be more
susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than an
investment company that is more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on January 22, 2008 and therefore does
not have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit
WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF for current performance figures.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
- 18 -
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.48%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.98%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.33%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.65%
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current
fiscal year and calculated as a percentage of the Fun's net assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.65% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Gaming Index. Shares in less than
Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit on an
in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment (payment
with a deposit of securities included in the Gaming Index), assuming all Shares
are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual return and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE
PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS
SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF
5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD
BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $66
3 $279
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the
- 19 -
annual Fund operating expenses described in the table above. Assuming an
investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return each year, and
assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the total costs
would be $13,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and $55,800 if
the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should note that this
presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs may be higher.
See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation Units."
- 20 -
MARKET VECTORS--GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid) ("Ardour Global
Index(SM)"). For a further description of the Ardour Global Index(SM), see
"Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid)."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in stocks of companies primarily engaged in the business of
alternative energy. Alternative energy refers to the generation of power through
environmentally friendly, non-traditional sources. It includes power derived
principally from bio-fuels (such as ethanol), bio-mass, wind, solar, hydro and
geothermal sources and also includes the various technologies that support the
production, use and storage of these sources. This 80% investment policy is
non-fundamental and requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders
before it can be changed. Under normal market conditions, the Fund intends to
invest at least 30% of its assets in the securities of non-U.S. companies
located in at least three different countries.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Ardour Global Index(SM) by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally
replicate the Ardour Global Index(SM).
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Ardour Global Index(SM) in proportion to their
weightings in the Ardour Global Index(SM). However, under various circumstances,
it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in
these weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of
securities in the Ardour Global Index(SM). There also may be instances in which
the Adviser may choose to overweight another security in the Ardour Global
Index(SM), purchase securities not in the Ardour Global Index(SM) which the
Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the
Ardour Global Index(SM) or utilize various combinations of other available
investment techniques in seeking to replicate as closely as possible, before
fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Ardour Global
Index(SM). The Fund may sell securities that are represented in the Ardour
Global Index(SM) in anticipation of their removal from the Ardour Global
Index(SM) or purchase securities not represented in the Ardour Global Index(SM)
in anticipation of their addition to the Ardour Global Index(SM). The Adviser
expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's performance and that
of the Ardour Global Index(SM) before fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A
figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Ardour Global Index(SM). A lesser percentage may be
so invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to
comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Ardour
Global Index(SM) changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term
capital gains in the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to
U.S. federal income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
- 21 -
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Ardour Global Index (Extra Liquid) comprises
30 stocks in the Ardour Global Index (Composite) with the highest average daily
trading volume and market capitalization. The total market capitalization of the
Ardour Global Index as of December 31, 2007 was in excess of $146 billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Ardour Global Index(SM).
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions-Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INVESTMENTS. Alternative
energy refers to the generation of power through environmentally friendly,
non-traditional sources. It includes power derived principally from bio-fuels
(such as ethanol), bio-mass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal sources and also
includes the various technologies that support the production, use and storage
of these sources.
The alternative energy industry may be significantly affected by the
competition from new and existing market entrants, obsolescence of technology,
short product cycles, varying prices and profits, commodity price volatility,
changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, depletion of
resources, technological developments and general economic conditions,
fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels,
energy conservation, the success of exploration projects and tax and other
government regulations. Shares of companies involved in the alternative energy
industry have been more volatile than shares of companies operating in more
established industries. Certain valuation methods currently used to value
companies involved in the alternative energy industries have not been in
widespread use for a significant period of time. As a result, the use of these
valuation methods may serve to further increase the volatility of certain
alternative and transitional energy company share prices. In addition, changes
in U.S., European and other governments' policies towards alternative energy
technology also may have an adverse effect on the Fund's performance.
Furthermore, the Fund may invest in the shares of companies with a limited
operating history, some of which may never have traded profitably. Investment in
young companies with a short operating history is generally riskier than
investment in companies with a longer operating history. The Fund will carry
greater risk and may be more volatile than a portfolio composed of securities
issued by companies operating in a wide variety of different industries.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in
U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the
availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and
custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and
political instability. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information will
be available. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or
regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign
securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In
addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to
vote the DRs that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to
distribute them.
- 22 -
Because the Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's
returns. The values of the currencies of the countries in which the Fund may
invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to changes in interest
rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign
governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency
controls or other national or global political or economic developments.
Therefore, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may result in reduced
returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to hedge its currency risk.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Ardour Global Index(SM) for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a
number of operating expenses not applicable to the Ardour Global Index(SM) and
incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when
rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition
of the Ardour Global Index(SM). The Fund may not be fully invested at times
either as a result of cash flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the
Fund to meet redemptions and pay expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value
the foreign securities it holds. See "Shareholder Information--Determination of
NAV." To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and
the value of the Ardour Global Index(SM) is based on the securities' closing
price on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Ardour Global Index(SM)
is not based on fair value prices), the Fund's ability to track the Ardour
Global Index(SM) may be adversely affected. The need to comply with the
diversification and other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also
impact the Fund's ability to replicate the performance of the Ardour Global
Index(SM).
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Ardour Global Index(SM), the Fund generally would not sell a security
because the security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the
Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity
securities traded on exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such
factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and
perceived trends in security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the
Fund's Shares will decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in
value of the Ardour Global Index(SM).
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Ardour Global
Index(SM). As of December 31, 2007, the Ardour Global Index(SM) included 30
securities. As a result, the gains and losses on a single security may have a
greater impact on the Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than
diversified funds. Because the Fund's investment are concentrated in the
alternative industry, it will be more susceptible to any single economic,
political or regulatory occurrence than an investment company that is more
broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
- 23 -
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on May 3, 2007 and therefore does not
have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF
for current performance figures.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.23%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.73%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.08%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.65%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.65% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Ardour Global Index(SM). Shares in
less than Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation
Unit on an in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000
investment (payment with a deposit of securities included in the Ardour Global
Index(SM)), assuming all Shares are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a
5% annual return and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR
ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION
UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF 5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION
PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES
OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE
ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $66
3 $225
|
- 24 -
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000 Shares or
multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants may
purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee of
$1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $13,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and
$45,000 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 25 -
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the Amex Gold Miners Index ("Gold Miners Index"). For a further
description of the Gold Miner's Index, see "Amex Gold Miners Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of
its total assets in common stocks and ADRs of companies involved in the gold
mining industry. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and requires 60
days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Gold Miners Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally
replicate the Gold Miners Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Gold Miners Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Gold Miners Index. However, under various circumstances, it
may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in these
weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities
in the Gold Miners Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser may
choose to overweight another security in the Gold Miners Index, purchase
securities not in the Gold Miners Index which the Adviser believes are
appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Gold Miners Index or
utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking
to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and
yield performance of the Gold Miners Index. The Fund may sell securities that
are represented in the Gold Miners Index in anticipation of their removal from
the Gold Miners Index or purchase securities not represented in the Gold Miners
Index in anticipation of their addition to the Gold Miners Index. The Adviser
expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's performance and that
of the Gold Miners Index before fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A
figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund normally invests at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Gold Miners Index. A lesser percentage may be so
invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Although the Gold Miners Index is generally not expected to be subject
to frequent or large changes, giving the Fund's portfolio many of the
characteristics of a long-term investment, periodic changes in the Gold Miners
Index may occur as a result of capital changes, E.G., mergers, spin-offs or a
change in the business or character of a component company within the Gold
Miners Index. Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund,
the portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower
turnover rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of
Gold Miners Index changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term
capital gains in the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to
U.S. federal income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
- 26 -
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Gold Miners Index is comprised of companies
with market capitalizations greater than $100 million that have a daily average
traded volume of at least 50,000 shares over the past six months. The total
market capitalization of the Gold Miners Index as of December 31, 2007 was in
excess of $169 billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Gold Miners Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE GOLD MINING INDUSTRY. Because the Fund
primarily invests in stocks and ADRs of companies that are involved in the gold
mining industry, it is subject to certain risks associated with such companies.
Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition
of such companies in the gold mining industry. Also, gold mining companies are
highly dependent on the price of gold bullion. These prices may fluctuate
substantially over short periods of time so the Fund's Share price may be more
volatile than other types of investments. In times of significant inflation or
great economic uncertainty, gold and other precious metals may outperform
traditional investments such as bonds and stocks. However, in times of stable
economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater
appreciation potential and the value of gold and other precious metals may be
adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund's returns.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Gold Miners Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number
of operating expenses not applicable to the Gold Miners Index and incurs costs
associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Gold
Miners Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a result of
cash flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet
redemptions and pay expenses. The need to comply with the diversification and
other requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact the Fund's
ability to replicate the performance of the Gold Miners Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Gold Miners Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the Gold
Miners Index.
- 27 -
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Gold Miners
Index. As of December 31, 2007, the Gold Miners Index included 34 securities. As
a result, the gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on
the Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds.
Because the Fund's investments are concentrated in the gold mining industry, it
will be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory
occurrence than an investment company that is more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies, often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may invest in ADRs. These investments may
involve additional risks and considerations. These risks include, for example,
those related to adverse political and economic developments unique to a country
or region, currency fluctuations or controls and the possibility of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation. As of December 31,
2007, of the 40 securities that comprise the Gold Miners Index, five were ADRs,
which had a combined market capitalization of approximately $35 billion,
representing approximately 21% of the entire market value of the Gold Miners
Index.
RELATIONSHIP TO GOLD BULLION. The Gold Miners Index measures the
performance of gold shares and not gold bullion. Gold securities may under- or
over-perform gold bullion over the short-term or the long-term.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the last
calendar year. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund's average annual
returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication
of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance from
year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year
compared with a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund's past performance (before
and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
Annual Total Returns (%)
As of December 31,
16.97
2007
During the period covered, the Fund's highest quarterly return was
19.01% for the quarter ended 6/30/07. The lowest quarterly return was -3.86% for
the quarter ended 3/31/07.
* THE BAR CHART ABOVE INCLUDES ONLY THE COMPLETE CALENDAR YEAR FOLLOWING
INCEPTION. THE BEST AND WORST QUARTERS ABOVE INCLUDE NUMBERS FROM COMPLETE
CALENDAR YEARS ONLY.
- 28 -
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
PAST ONE YEAR SINCE INCEPTION*
------------- ----------------
Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF (return before taxes) 16.97% 10.53%
Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on
distributions)................................... 16.30% 10.12%
Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF (return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares)........... 11.03% 8.76%
Amex Gold Miners Index (reflects no deduction for
fees, expenses or taxes)......................... 17.58% 11.14%
S&P 500(R) Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)............................... 5.49% 9.06%
|
* THE FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON MAY 16, 2006.
The Fund's investment objective, risks and expenses should also be considered
when comparing investment returns. The Index performance results are
hypothetical. The S&P 500(R) Index consists of 500 widely held common stocks,
covering four broad sectors (industry, utilities, financials and
transportation). It is a market value-weighted index (stock price times shares
outstanding), with each stock affecting the Index in proportion to its market
value.
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance
is not a guarantee of future results; current performance may be higher or lower
than performance quoted. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate
and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The Fund's performance reflects fee waivers, absent which, performance would
have been lower.
AFTER-TAX RETURNS IN THE TABLE ABOVE ARE CALCULATED USING THE
HISTORICAL HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL FEDERAL MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATES AND DO NOT
REFLECT THE IMPACT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. ACTUAL AFTER-TAX RETURNS DEPEND ON
AN INVESTOR'S TAX SITUATION AND MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE SHOWN, AND AFTER-TAX
RETURNS SHOWN ARE NOT RELEVANT TO INVESTORS WHO HOLD SHARES THROUGH TAX-DEFERRED
ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS 401(K) PLANS OR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fees......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.09%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.59%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.04%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.55%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
- 29 -
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.55% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Gold Miners Index. Shares in less
than Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit
on an in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment
(payment with a deposit of securities included in the Gold Miners Index),
assuming all Shares are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual
return and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD
NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION
PURPOSES ONLY AS SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS.
FURTHER, THE RETURN OF 5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES
ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR
PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE
ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD BE:
Year Expenses
---- --------
1 $56
3 $185
5 $325
10 $734
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $11,200, $37,000, $65,000 and $146,800 if the Creation Unit
is redeemed after one, three, five and ten years, respectively. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 30 -
MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy Index ("Nuclear Energy Index").
For a further description of the Nuclear Energy Index, see "DAXglobal(R) Nuclear
Energy Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies primarily
engaged in various aspects of the nuclear energy business. Companies primarily
engaged in the nuclear energy business include those engaged in uranium mining,
uranium enrichment, uranium storage, providing equipment for use in the
provision of nuclear energy, nuclear plant infrastructure, nuclear fuel
transportation and nuclear energy generation, and which derive at least 50% of
their total revenues from such activities. Such companies may include small- and
medium-capitalization companies. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental
and requires 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Nuclear Energy Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally
replicate the Nuclear Energy Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Nuclear Energy Index in proportion to their
weightings in the Nuclear Energy Index. However, under various circumstances, it
may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in these
weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities
in the Nuclear Energy Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser
may choose to overweight another security in the Nuclear Energy Index, purchase
securities not in the Nuclear Energy Index which the Adviser believes are
appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Nuclear Energy Index or
utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking
to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and
yield performance of the Nuclear Energy Index. The Fund may sell securities that
are represented in the Nuclear Energy Index in anticipation of their removal
from the Nuclear Energy Index or purchase securities not represented in the
Nuclear Energy Index in anticipation of their addition to the Nuclear Energy
Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's
performance and that of the Nuclear Energy Index before fees and expenses will
be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Nuclear Energy Index. A lesser percentage may be so
invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for may other investment companies. Sales as a result of Nuclear
Energy Index changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term
capital gains in the Fund resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to
U.S. federal income tax. See Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
- 31 -
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Nuclear Energy Index is comprised of
companies with market capitalizations greater than $150 million that have a
worldwide average daily trading volume of at least $1 million (over the past six
months as well as over each of the past two months) and have maintained a
monthly trading volume of 250,000 shares over the past six months. The total
market capitalization of the Nuclear Energy Index as of December 31, 2007 was in
excess of $152 billion.
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Nuclear Energy Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN NUCLEAR ENERGY COMPANIES. The Fund's portfolio
companies may face considerable risk as a result of, among other risks,
incidents and accidents, breaches of security, ill-intentioned acts or
terrorism, air crashes, natural disasters (such as floods or earthquakes),
equipment malfunctions or mishandling in storage, handling, transportation,
treatment or conditioning of substances and nuclear materials. Such events could
have serious consequences, especially in case of radioactive contamination and
irradiation of the environment, for the general population, as well as a
material, negative impact on the Fund's portfolio companies and thus the Fund's
financial situation.
Nuclear activity is also subject to particularly detailed and
restrictive regulations, with a scheme for the monitoring and periodic
re-examination of operating authorization, which primarily takes into account
nuclear safety, environmental and public health protection, and also national
safety considerations (terrorist threats in particular). These regulations may
be subject to significant tightening by national and international authorities.
This could result in increased operating costs, which would have a negative
impact on the Fund's portfolio companies. Furthermore, uranium prices are
subject to fluctuation. The price of uranium has been and will continue to be
affected by numerous factors beyond the Fund's control. With respect to uranium,
such factors include the demand for nuclear power, political and economic
conditions in uranium producing and consuming countries, uranium supply from
secondary sources and uranium production levels and costs of production.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investments in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in
U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the
availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and
custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and
political instability. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent
requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record
keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information will
be available. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or
regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign
securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In
addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to
vote the DRs that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to
distribute them.
Because the Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's
returns. The values of the currencies of the countries in
- 32 -
which the Fund may invest may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation due to
changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United
States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the
imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or
economic developments. Therefore, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may
result in reduced returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to hedge its
currency risk.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Nuclear Energy Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a
number of operating expenses not applicable to the Nuclear Energy Index and
incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when
rebalancing the Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition
of the Nuclear Energy Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either
as a result of cash flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to
meet redemptions and pay expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value the
foreign securities it holds. See "Shareholder Information--Determination of
NAV." To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV based on fair value prices and
the value of the Nuclear Energy Index is based on the securities' closing price
(I.E., the value of the Nuclear Energy Index is not based on fair value prices),
the Fund's ability to track the Nuclear Energy Index may be adversely affected.
The need to comply with the diversification and other requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code may also impact the Fund's ability to replicate the
performance of the Nuclear Energy Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Nuclear Energy Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because
the security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund
involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities
traded on exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as
economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived
trends in security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's
Shares will decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value
of the Nuclear Energy Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Nuclear Energy
Index . As of December 31, 2007, the Nuclear Energy Index included 35
securities. As a result, the gains and losses on a single security may have a
greater impact on the Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than
diversified funds. Because the Fund's investment are concentrated in the nuclear
energy industry, it will be more susceptible to any single economic, political
or regulatory occurrence than an investment company that is more broadly
diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
- 33 -
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on August 13, 2007 and therefore does not
have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF
for current performance figures.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee.......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.21%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.71%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.06%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.65%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.65% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.65% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Nuclear Energy Index. Shares in
less than Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation
Unit on an in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000
investment (payment with a deposit of securities included in the Nuclear Energy
Index), assuming all Shares are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5%
annual return and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS
SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR
ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION
UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF 5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION
PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES
OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE
ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD BE:
- 34 -
Year Expenses
---- --------
1 $66
3 $221
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000 Shares or
multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants may
purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee of
$1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $13,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and
$44,200 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 35 -
MARKET VECTORS--RUSSIA ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index ("Russia+ Index"). For a further
description of the Russia+ Index, see "DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund will normally invest at least 80%
of its total assets in stocks and DRs of publicly traded companies that are
domiciled in Russia. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and requires
60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed. For the
purposes of this policy, "publicly traded companies that are domiciled in
Russia" means (i) companies organized in, or for which the principal trading
market is in, Russia, (ii) companies, alone or on a consolidated basis, that
have 50% or more of their assets invested in Russia or (iii) companies that
alone or on a consolidated basis derive 50% or more of their revenues primarily
from either goods produced, sales made or services performed in Russia.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of
Russia+ Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate
the Russia+ Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Russia+ Index in proportion to their weightings in
the Russia+ Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible
or practicable to purchase all of those securities in these weightings. In these
circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Russia+
Index. There also may be instances in which the Adviser believes are appropriate
to substitute for certain securities in the Russia+ Index or utilize various
combinations of other available investment techniques in seeking to replicate as
closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance
of the Russia+ Index. The Fund may sell securities that are represented in the
Russia+ Index in anticipation of their removal from the Russia+ Index or
purchase securities not represented in the Russia+ Index in anticipation of
their addition to the Russia+ Index. The Adviser expects that, over time, the
correlation between the Fund's performance and that of the Russia+ Index before
fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect
correlation.
The Fund will normally invest at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Russia+ Index. A lesser percentage may also be
invested to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory
requirements.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the
portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover
rate than for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Russia+
Index changes could result in the realization of short- or long-term capital
gains in the Fund resulting in tax liability or shareholders subject to U.S.
federal income tax. See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Russia+ Index is comprised of companies with
market capitalization greater than $150 million that have a daily average traded
volume of at least $1 million over the past six months. The total market
capitalization of the Russia+ Index as of December 31, 2007 was in excess of
$1.123 billion.
- 36 -
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Russia+ Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN RUSSIAN COMPANIES. Investing in securities of
publicly traded companies that are domiciled in Russia involves a high degree of
risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the
U.S. securities markets, and should be considered highly speculative. Risks
include the absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign
investments and private property; the possibility of the loss of all or a
substantial portion of the Fund's assets invested in Russia as a result of
expropriation; certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's
investment opportunities, including, without limitation, restrictions on
investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests; less developed and reliable custody and settlement mechanisms which
could result in settlement delays and other difficulties; and potentially
greater price volatility in, significantly smaller capitalization of, and
relative illiquidity of, the Russian market. There can be also be no assurance
that the Fund's investments in these companies would not be expropriated,
nationalized or otherwise confiscated. In the event of the settlement of any
such claims or such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation, the
Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, it may be difficult and more
costly to obtain and enforce a judgment in courts of Russia.
Investors should note that the conditions in emerging markets,
including Russia, are subject to rapid change. Financial turmoil in one emerging
market country tends to adversely affect prices in equity markets of many
emerging market countries or the equity prices of companies that do business in
such countries as investors move their money to more stabile, developed markets.
As has happened in the past, financial problems, or an increase in the perceived
risks associated with investing in emerging economies, could dampen foreign
investment in these markets and adversely affect their economies. In addition,
during such times, companies that operate in emerging markets can face severe
liquidity constraints as foreign funding sources are withdrawn.
Russia may also be subject to a greater degree of economic, political
and social instability than is the case in the United States and Western
European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, the
following: (i) an authoritarian government or military involvement in political
and economic decision-making, including changes in government through
extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for
improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies;
(iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and
racial disaffection.
Additionally, because Russia produces and exports large volumes of oil
and gas, the Russian economy is particularly sensitive to the price of oil and
gas on the world market, and a decline in the price of oil and gas could have a
significant negative impact on the Russian economy. Any acts of terrorism or
armed conflicts in Russia or internationally could have an adverse effect on the
financial and commodities markets and the global economy. As Russia produces and
exports large amounts of crude oil and gas, any acts of terrorism or armed
conflict causing disruptions of Russian oil and gas exports could negatively
- 37 -
affect the Russian economy and, thus, adversely affect, financial condition,
results of operations or prospects.
The value of Russian currency may be subject to a high degree of
fluctuation due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies
issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational
entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global
political or economic developments. Therefore, the Fund's exposure to Russian
currency may result in reduced returns to the Fund. The Fund does not expect to
hedge its currency risk.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Russia+ Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Russia+ Index and incurs costs
associated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Russia+
Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a result of cash
flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
pay expenses. The Fund is expected to fair value the securities of publicly
traded companies that are domiciled in Russia that it holds. See "Shareholder
Information--Determination of NAV." To the extent the Fund calculates its NAV
based on fair value prices and the value of the Russia+ Index is based on the
securities' closing price (I.E., the value of the Russia+ Index is not based on
fair value prices), the Fund's ability to track the Russia+ Index may be
adversely affected. The need to comply with the diversification and other
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact the Fund's ability to
replicate the performance of the Russia+ Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike may investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Russia+ Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in the Russia+ Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Russia+ Index.
As of December 31, 2007, the Russia+ Index included 39 securities. As a result,
the gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the
Fund's NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds. Because
the Fund's investment are concentrated in companies that are domiciled in
Russia, it will be more susceptible to any single economic, political or
regulatory occurrence than an investment company that is more broadly
diversified.
PERFORMANCE
The Fund commenced operations on April 24, 2007 and therefore does not
have a performance history for a full calendar year. Visit www.vaneck.com/etf
for current performance figures.
- 38 -
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see "Shareholder
Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation Units" for a
discussion of Creation and Redemption Transaction Fees)........... None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee.......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.................................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)....................................... 0.20%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)..................... 0.70%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e)............................ 0.01%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)....................... 0.69%
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.69% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.69% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Russia+ Index. Shares in less than
Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit on an
in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment (payment
with a deposit of securities included in the Russia+ Index), assuming all Shares
are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual return and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE
PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS
SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF
5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD
BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $70
3 $223
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is
- 39 -
the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $14,000 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after one year and
$44,000 if the Creation Unit is redeemed after three years. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 40 -
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to replicate
as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield
performance of the Amex Steel Index ("Steel Index"). For a further description
of the Steel Index, see "Amex Steel Index."
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICY. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of
its total assets in common stocks and ADRs of companies involved in the steel
industry. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and requires 60 days'
prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.
INDEXING INVESTMENT APPROACH. The Fund is not managed according to
traditional methods of "active" investment management, which involve the buying
and selling of securities based upon economic, financial and market analysis and
investment judgment. Instead, the Fund, utilizing a "passive" or indexing
investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the
Steel Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate
the Steel Index.
The Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the
securities which comprise the Steel Index in proportion to their weightings in
the Steel Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or
practicable to purchase all of those securities in these weightings. In these
circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Steel Index.
There also may be instances in which the Adviser may choose to overweight
another security in the Steel Index, purchase securities not in the Steel Index
which the Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities
in the Steel Index or utilize various combinations of other available investment
techniques in seeking to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and
expenses, the price and yield performance of the Steel Index. The Fund may sell
securities that are represented in the Steel Index in anticipation of their
removal from the Steel Index or purchase securities not represented in the Steel
Index in anticipation of their addition to the Steel Index. The Adviser expects
that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's performance and that of the
Steel Index before fees and expenses will be 95% or better. A figure of 100%
would indicate perfect correlation.
The Fund normally invests at least 95% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the Steel Index. A lesser percentage may be so invested
to the extent that the Adviser needs additional flexibility to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and other regulatory requirements.
Although the Steel Index is generally not expected to be subject to
frequent or large changes, giving the Fund's portfolio many of the
characteristics of a long-term investment, periodic changes in the Steel Index
may occur as a result of capital changes, E.G., mergers, spin-offs or a change
in the business or character of a component company within the Steel Index.
Because of the passive investment management approach of the Fund, the portfolio
turnover rate is expected to be under 30%, generally a lower turnover rate than
for many other investment companies. Sales as a result of Steel Index changes
could result in the realization of short- or long-term capital gains in the Fund
resulting in tax liability for shareholders subject to U.S. federal income tax.
See "Shareholder Information--Tax Matters."
MARKET CAPITALIZATION. The Steel Index is only comprised of companies
with market capitalization greater than $100 million that have a daily average
traded volume of at least $1 million over the past three months. The total
market capitalization of the Steel Index as of December 31, 2007 was in excess
of $621 billion.
- 41 -
BORROWING MONEY. The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of
one-third of the market value of its assets, but only for temporary or emergency
purposes. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged; at
such times, the Fund may appreciate or depreciate in value more rapidly than its
benchmark, the Steel Index.
FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES. The Fund's investment
objective and each of the other investment policies are non-fundamental policies
that may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval,
except as noted in the SAI under the heading "Investment Policies and
Restrictions--Investment Restrictions." However, shareholders would be notified
prior to any material change in these policies.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE STEEL INDUSTRY. Because the Fund primarily
invests in stocks and ADRs of companies that are involved in a variety of
activities related to steel production, it is subject to certain risks
associated with such companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant
effect on the financial condition of such companies in the steel industry. Also,
these companies are highly dependent on the price of steel. These prices may
fluctuate substantially over short periods of time so the Fund's Share price may
be more volatile than other types of investments. These companies are also
affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic
conditions. In addition, these companies are at risk for environmental damage
claims.
MARKET RISK. The prices of the securities in the Fund are subject to
the risks associated with investing in the stock market, including sudden and
unpredictable drops in value. An investment in the Fund may lose money.
INDEX TRACKING RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the
Steel Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs a number of
operating expenses not applicable to the Steel Index and incurs costs
asssociated with buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund's securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Steel
Index. The Fund may not be fully invested at times either as a result of cash
flows into the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions and
pay expenses. The need to comply with the diversification and other requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code may also impact the Fund's ability to replicate the
performance of the Steel Index.
REPLICATION MANAGEMENT RISK. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund
is not actively "managed." Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from
the Steel Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the
security's issuer was in financial trouble. An investment in the Fund involves
risks similar to those of investing in any fund of equity securities traded on
exchanges, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and
political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in
security prices. You should anticipate that the value of the Fund's Shares will
decline, more or less, in correspondence with any decline in value of the Steel
Index.
NON-DIVERSIFIED RISK. The Fund is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust, which is an open-end investment company registered under the 1940
Act. The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest larger proportions of the assets of the
Fund in a single company within the industries that comprise the Steel Index. As
of December 31, 2007, the Steel Index included 30 securities. As a result, the
gains and losses on a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund's
NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than diversified funds. Because the
Fund's
- 42 -
investment are concentrated in the steel industry, it will be more susceptible
to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than an investment
company that is more broadly diversified.
INVESTING IN SMALL- OR MEDIUM-CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. The Fund will
invest in small- or medium-capitalization companies. Therefore, it may be
subject to certain risks associated with small- or medium-capitalization
companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be
in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences. In
addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading
volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These
companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management
depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer
financial resources and less competitive strength than larger companies.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may invest in ADRs. These investments may
involve additional risks and considerations. These risks include, for example,
those related to adverse political and economic developments unique to a country
or region, currency fluctuations or controls and the possibility of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation. As of December 31,
2007, of the 30 securities that comprise the Steel Index, 9 were ADRs which had
a combined market capitalization of approximately $535 billion, representing
approximately 69% of the entire market value of the Steel Index.
RELATIONSHIP TO STEEL PRICES. The Steel Index measures the performance
of steel shares and not steel prices. Steel securities may under- or
over-perform steel prices over the short-term or the long-term.
PERFORMANCE
The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the last
calendar year. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund's average annual
returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication
of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance from
year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for one year
compared with a broad measure of market performance. All returns assume
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund's past performance (before
and after income taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
MARKET VECTORS-STEEL ETF
Annual Total Returns (%)
As of December 31,
84.36
2007
During the period covered, the Fund's highest quarterly return was 84.36% for
the quarter ended 12/31/07. The lowest quarterly return was 7.00% for the
quarter ended 9/30/07.
* THE BAR CHART ABOVE INCLUDES ONLY THE COMPLETE CALENDAR YEAR FOLLOWING
INCEPTION. THE BEST AND WORST QUARTERS ABOVE INCLUDE NUMBERS FROM COMPLETE
CALENDAR YEARS ONLY.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
PAST ONE YEAR SINCE INCEPTION*
------------- ----------------
Market Vectors-Steel ETF (return before taxes)...... 84.36% 84.30%
Market Vectors-Steel ETF (return after taxes on
distributions)................................... 84.01% 84.07%
Market Vectors-Steel ETF (return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares)........... 54.85% 72.23%
Amex Steel Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)............................... 84.84% 85.20%
S&P 500(R) Index (reflects no deduction for fees,
expenses or taxes)............................... 5.49% 9.88%
|
- 43 -
* THE FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON OCTOBER 10, 2006.
The Fund's investment objective, risks and expenses should also be considered
when comparing investment returns. The Index performance results are
hypothetical. The S&P 500(R) Index consists of 500 widely held common stocks,
covering four broad sectors (industry, utilities, financials and
transportation). It is a market value-weighted index (stock price times shares
outstanding), with each stock affecting the Index in proportion to its market
value.
Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance
is not a guarantee of future results; current performance may be higher or lower
than performance quoted. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate
and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The Fund's performance reflects fee waivers, absent which, performance would
have been lower.
AFTER-TAX RETURNS IN THE TABLE ABOVE ARE CALCULATED USING THE
HISTORICAL HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL FEDERAL MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATES AND DO NOT
REFLECT THE IMPACT OF STATE AND LOCAL TAXES. ACTUAL AFTER-TAX RETURNS DEPEND ON
AN INVESTOR'S TAX SITUATION AND MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE SHOWN, AND AFTER-TAX
RETURNS SHOWN ARE NOT RELEVANT TO INVESTORS WHO HOLD SHARES THROUGH TAX-DEFERRED
ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS 401(K) PLANS OR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold Shares of the Fund.(a)(b)
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSES
(fees paid directly from your investment, but see
"Shareholder Information-Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" for a discussion of Creation and
Redemption Transaction Fees)............................ None
Standard Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee.......... $1,000
Maximum Creation / Redemption Transaction Fee(b)........ $4,000
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management Fee.......................................... 0.50%
Other Operating Expenses(c)............................. 0.12%
Total Gross Annual Fund Operating Expenses(d)........... 0.62%
Fee Waivers and Expenses Assumption(e).................. 0.07%
Total Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(e)............. 0.55%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges.
(b) If a Creation Unit is purchased or redeemed outside the usual process
through the NSCC or for cash, a variable fee of up to four times the
standard creation or redemption transaction fee will be charged.
(c) Other operating expenses are calculated as a percentage of the Fund's net
assets.
(d) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses
to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest expense, offering costs and other trading expenses,
taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.55% of average daily net
assets per year at least until May 1, 2009.
(e) The other expenses excluded from the 0.55% expense cap are: (a) legal fees
pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state
registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take
into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling
Shares of the Fund.
- 44 -
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units principally on an
in-kind basis for portfolio securities of the Steel Index. Shares in less than
Creation Units are not redeemable. An investor purchasing a Creation Unit on an
in-kind basis would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment (payment
with a deposit of securities included in the Steel Index), assuming all Shares
are redeemed at the end of the periods shown, a 5% annual return and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. INVESTORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE
PRESENTATION BELOW OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AS
SHARES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE FUND ONLY IN CREATION UNITS. FURTHER, THE RETURN OF
5% AND ESTIMATED EXPENSES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED INDICATORS OF EXPECTED FUND EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE, WHICH MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THE ESTIMATES. BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS, YOUR COSTS WOULD
BE:
YEAR EXPENSES
---- --------
1 $56
3 $191
5 $339
10 $768
|
CREATION TRANSACTION FEES AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in blocks of 50,000
Shares or multiples thereof. As a practical matter, only authorized participants
may purchase or redeem these Creation Units. A standard creation transaction fee
of $1,000 is charged to each purchaser of Creation Units. The fee is the same
regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an authorized
participant on the same day. An authorized participant who holds Creation Units
and wishes to redeem at NAV would also pay a standard redemption transaction fee
of $1,000 on the date of such redemption(s), regardless of the number of
Creation Units redeemed that day. Authorized participants who hold Creation
Units will also pay the annual Fund operating expenses described in the table
above. Assuming an investment in a Creation Unit of $2,000,000 and a 5% return
each year, and assuming that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, the
total costs would be $11,200, $38,200, $67,800 and $153,600 if the Creation Unit
is redeemed after one, three, five and ten years, respectively. Investors should
note that this presentation is for illustration purposes only and actual costs
may be higher. See "Shareholder Information--Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units."
- 45 -
DAXGLOBAL(R) AGRIBUSINESS INDEX
The DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness Index ("Agribusiness Index") is intended
to give investors an efficient, modified market capitalization weighted
investment designed to track the movements of securities of companies involved
in the agriculture business that are traded on leading global exchanges. The
Agribusiness Index contains five major sub sectors: agriproduct operations,
livestock operations, agricultural chemicals, agricultural equipment and
ethanol/biodiesel. The Agribusiness Index is comprised of common stocks and DRs
that are listed for trading on major stock exchanges around the world. The
Agribusiness Index divisor was initially determined to yield a benchmark value
of 100.00 at the close of trading on December 28, 2001. The Agribusiness Index
is calculated and maintained by Deutsche Borse AG. The value of the Agribusiness
Index is disseminated every 15 seconds over the Consolidated Tape Association's
Network B between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., under the
symbol DXAG. Only companies with market capitalizations greater than $150
million that have a worldwide average daily trading volume of at least $1
million (over the past six months as well as over each of the past two months)
and have maintained a monthly trading volume of 250,000 shares over the past six
months are eligible for inclusion in the Agribusiness Index.
The Agribusiness Index is calculated using a modified market
capitalization weighting methodology. The Agribusiness Index is weighted based
on the market capitalization of each of its component securities, modified to
conform to the following asset diversification requirements, which are applied
in conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Agribusiness
Index:
(1) the weight of any single component security may not account
for more than 8% of the total value of the Agribusiness Index;
(2) the aggregate weight of those component securities which
individually represent more than 5% of the total value of the
Agribusiness Index may not account for more than 40% of the
total Agribusiness Index value; and
(3) no other component securities will individually represent more
than 4.5% of the total value of the Agribusiness Index.
The universe of potential securities eligible for inclusion in the
Agribusiness Index is reviewed at least annually (generally, the third Friday of
September) so that the Agribusiness Index components continue to represent the
universe of all relevant sub-sectors. Deutsche Borse AG may at any time and from
time to time change the number of securities comprising the group by adding or
deleting one or more securities, or replace one or more securities contained in
the group with one or more substitute securities of its choice, if in Deutsche
Borse AG's discretion such addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or
appropriate to maintain the quality and/or character of the Agribusiness Index.
Changes to the component share weights of the Agribusiness Index will typically
take effect on the third Friday of each calendar quarter month in connection
with the quarterly index rebalance.
- 46 -
STOWE COAL INDEX(SM)
The Stowe Coal Index(SM) ("Coal Index") is a rules based index intended
to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of a global
universe of listed companies engaged in the coal industry. The Coal Index is a
modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index comprised of publicly
traded companies engaged in the mining of coal and/or related activities,
including coal transportation, the manufacture of coal mining equipment and the
production of clean coal. The Coal Index strives to include all companies
worldwide that are principally engaged (derive greater than 50% of revenues from
applicable sources) in the coal industry. The Coal Index was determined to yield
a benchmark value of approximately 2000 at its inception date, which was the
close of trading on December 31, 2004.
Constituent stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than
$200 million on a rebalancing date to be added to the Coal Index. Stocks whose
market capitalization falls below $100 million as of any rebalancing date shall
be deleted from the Coal Index. Stocks must have a three-month average daily
turnover greater than $1 million to be included in the Coal Index. Only shares
that trade on a recognized domestic or international stock exchange may qualify
(E.G., National Stock Market stocks must be "reported securities" under 11Aa3-1
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Similar
criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
The Coal Index is calculated and maintained by Standard & Poor's Custom
Indices on behalf of Stowe. Index values are calculated daily, except Saturdays
and Sundays, and are distributed over the Consolidated Tape Association's
Network B between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., under the
symbol COAL. Index values are disseminated every 15 seconds.
The Coal Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting
methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance
with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code. The Coal Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on the
third Friday of each calendar quarter, and companies are added and/or deleted
based upon the Coal Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent stock
exchange listings, I.E., recent initial public offerings, may be added to the
Coal Index on any rebalancing date, provided the companies meet all eligibility
criteria and have been trading for more than 22 trading days. The share weights
of the Coal Index components are adjusted on each rebalancing date.
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related
information, is posted on the Coal Index's web site (WWW.STOWECOALINDEX.COM)
prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third
Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and
deletions to the Coal Index is issued on the Wednesday prior to a rebalancing
date. Share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except
in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and
reverse stock splits. Share weights of the Coal Index are not adjusted between
rebalancing dates for shares issued or shares repurchased.
- 47 -
AMEX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INDEX
The Amex Environmental Services Index ("Environmental Services Index")
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. The Environmental
Services Index includes common stocks and ADRs of selected companies that are
involved in management, removal and storage of consumer waste and industrial
by-products and related environmental services, including waste collection,
transfer and disposal services, recycling services, soil remediation, wastewater
management and environmental consulting services, and that are listed for
trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), Amex or quoted on the NASDAQ
Global Market ("NASDAQ"). Only companies with a market capitalization greater
than $100 million and a three-month trading price greater than $3.00 that have a
daily average traded volume of at least $1 million over the past three months
are eligible for inclusion in the Environmental Services Index.
The Environmental Services Index is weighted based on the market
capitalization of each of the component securities, which are applied in
conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Environmental
Services Index:
(1) the top four components, ranked by market capitalization, are
equally weighted to collectively represent 40% of the
Environmental Services Index by weight;
(2) the bottom five components, ranked by market capitalization,
are equally weighted to collectively represent 10% of the
Environmental Services Index by weight; and
(3) the remaining components are equally weighted to collectively
to represent 50% of the Environmental Services Index.
The Environmental Services Index is reviewed quarterly so that the
Environmental Services Index components continue to represent the universe of
companies involved in the environmental services industry. The Amex may at any
time and from time to time change the number of securities comprising the group
by adding or deleting one or more securities, or replacing one more securities
contained in the group with one or more substitute securities of its choice, if
in the Amex's discretion such addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or
appropriate to maintain the quality and/or character of the Environmental
Services Index. Changes to the Environmental Services Index compositions and/or
the component share weights in the Environmental Services Index typically take
effect after the close of trading on the third Friday of each calendar quarter
month in connection with the quarterly Index rebalance.
- 48 -
S-NETWORK GLOBAL GAMING INDEX(SM)
The S-Network Global Gaming Index(SM) ("Gaming Index") is a rules based
index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of
a global universe of listed companies engaged in the global gaming industry. The
Gaming Index is a modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index
comprised of publicly traded companies engaged in casino operations, race track
operations, sports and horse race betting operations, online gaming operations
and/or the provision of related equipment and technologies. The Gaming Index
strives to include all companies worldwide that are principally engaged (derive
greater than 50% of revenues from applicable sources) in the gaming industry,
including resort facilities related to casino operations.
Constituent stocks for the Gaming Index must have a market
capitalization of greater than $200 million on a rebalancing date to be added to
the Gaming Index. Stocks whose market capitalization falls below $100 million as
of any rebalancing date will be deleted from the Gaming Index. Stocks must have
a three-month average daily turnover greater than $1 million to be included in
the Gaming Index. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (E.G., National Stock Market stocks
must be "reported securities" under 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar
criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings).
The Gaming Index is calculated and maintained by Standard & Poor's
Custom Indices on behalf of Stowe. Index values are calculated daily, except
Saturdays and Sundays, and are distributed over the Consolidated Tape
Association's Network B between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15
p.m., under the symbol WAGR. Index values are disseminated every 15 seconds.
The Gaming Index is calculated using a capitalization weighting
methodology, adjusted for float, which is modified so as to ensure compliance
with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code. The Gaming Index is reconstituted quarterly, at the close of business on
the third Friday of each calendar quarter, and companies are added and/or
deleted based upon the Gaming Index eligibility criteria. Companies with recent
stock exchange listings, I.E., recent initial public offerings, may be added to
the Gaming Index on any rebalancing date, provided the companies meet all
eligibility criteria and have been trading for more than 22 trading days. The
share weights of the Gaming Index components are adjusted on each rebalancing
date.
Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related
information, is posted on the Gaming Index's web site (WWW.SNETGAMINGINDEX.COM)
prior to the start of trading on the first business day following the third
Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and
deletions to the Gaming Index is issued on the Wednesday prior to a rebalancing
date. Share weights of the constituents remain constant between quarters except
in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including stock splits and
reverse stock splits. Share weights of the Gaming Index are not adjusted between
rebalancing dates for shares issued or shares repurchased.
- 49 -
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID)
The Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid) ("Ardour Global Index(SM)")
is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the
overall performance of a global universe of listed companies engaged in the
alternative energy industry. The Ardour Global Index(SM) (Composite) (the "AGI
Composite Index") is a modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index
comprised of publicly traded companies engaged in the production of alternative
fuels and/or technologies related to the production of alternative energy power
(the "AGI Industry"). The AGI Composite Index strives to be inclusive of all
companies worldwide that are principally engaged in alternative energy. The
Ardour Global Index(SM) was determined to yield a benchmark value of
approximately 2000 at its inception date, which was the close of trading on
December 31, 1999. The Ardour Global Index(SM) represents the 30 stocks in the
AGI Composite Index with the highest average daily trading volume and market
capitalization. Stocks must have a market capitalization of greater than $100
million on a rebalancing date to be included in the Ardour Global Index(SM).
Stocks whose market capitalization falls below $50 million as of any rebalancing
reconstitution date shall be deleted from the Ardour Global Index(SM). Stocks
must have a three-month average daily trading price greater than $1.00 per share
to be included in the AGI Composite Index.
The Ardour Global Index(SM) and AGI Composite Index are each calculated
and maintained by Dow Jones Indexes on behalf of Ardour. Index values are
calculated daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, and are distributed over the
Consolidated Tape Association's Network B between the hours of approximately
9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., under the symbol AGIXL. Index values are disseminated
every 15 seconds. The Ardour Global Index(SM) includes stocks of companies
engaged in the entire chain of alternative energy production, including
alternative energy fuels and resources (solar, wind, bio-fuels, water and
geothermal), environmental technologies, energy efficiency and enabling
technologies. Only companies which are "principally engaged" in the business of
alternative energy, I.E., derive over 50% of their total revenues from the
industry are eligible. Only shares that trade on a recognized domestic or
international stock exchange may qualify (E.G., National Stock Market stocks
must be "reported securities" under 11Aa3-1 of the Exchange Act. Similar
criteria and standards apply to stocks with foreign listings.) Companies with
R-Score (average three-month daily trading volume (in thousands) divided by
average three-month market capitalization (in millions)) of less than 25% of its
total market capitalization, based on its average daily share volume for the
three calendar months prior to inclusion, shall not be eligible for inclusion in
the AGI Composite Index and therefore ineligible for inclusion in the Ardour
Global Index(SM).
The Ardour Global Index(SM) is calculated using a capitalization
weighting methodology, adjusted for float. Ardour Global Index(SM) weightings
may be modified so as to ensure compliance with the diversification requirements
of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Ardour Global Index(SM) (and
the AGI Composite Index) is rebalanced quarterly, at the close of business on
the third Friday of each calendar quarter. The share weights of Ardour Global
Index(SM) components are adjusted on each rebalancing date, and new companies
(IPOs) may be added to the Ardour Global Index(SM) on any rebalancing date,
provided the companies meet all eligibility criteria and have been trading for
more than 22 trading days. The Ardour Global Index(SM) is reconstituted
semi-annually on the dates of the June and December rebalancings and companies
are added and/or deleted based upon the Ardour Global Index(SM) eligibility
criteria.
The Ardour Global Index(SM) (and the AGI Composite Index) is reviewed
quarterly to assure that all components continue to meet the eligibility
requirements. New components (IPOs) that meet eligibility requirements may be
added to the Index at the quarterly rebalancings. Components that fail to meet
eligibility requirements are deleted semi-annually. Rebalancing data, including
constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Ardour Global
Index(SM) web site (www.Ardourglobalindexes.com) prior to the start of trading
on the first business day following the third
- 50 -
Friday of the calendar quarter. A press announcement identifying additions and
deletions to the Ardour Global Index(SM) is issued on the Wednesday prior to a
rebalancing date. Share weights of the constituents remain constant between
quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions, including
stock splits and reverse stock splits. Share weights of the Ardour Global
Index(SM) are not adjusted between rebalancing dates for shares issued or shares
repurchased. However, in the event that a component company is deleted from the
index in the period between rebalancings due to a corporate action, a new
company will be substituted in the Ardour Global Index(SM) in approximately the
same weight as the removed company.
The Ardour Global Index(SM) is calculated by Dow Jones Indexes.
- 51 -
AMEX GOLD MINERS INDEX
The Amex Gold Miners Index ("Gold Miners Index") is a modified market
capitalization weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved
primarily in the mining for gold. The Gold Miners Index includes common stocks
and ADRs of selected companies that are involved in mining for gold and that are
listed for trading on the NYSE, Amex or quoted on the NASDAQ. Only companies
with market capitalization greater than $100 million that have a daily average
traded volume of at least 50,000 shares over the past six months are eligible
for inclusion in the Gold Miners Index.
The Gold Miners Index is calculated using a modified market
capitalization weighting methodology. The Gold Miners Index is weighted based on
the market capitalization of each of the component securities, modified to
conform to the following asset diversification requirements, which are applied
in conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Gold Miners
Index:
(1) the weight of any single component security may not account
for more than 20% of the total value of the Gold Miners Index;
(2) the component securities are split into two subgroups-large
and small, which are ranked by market capitalization weight in
the Gold Miners Index. Large stocks are defined as having a
Gold Miners Index weight greater than or equal to 5%. Small
securities are defined as having an index weight below 5%; and
(3) the aggregate weight of those component securities which
individually represent more than 4.5% of the total value of
the Gold Miners Index may not account for more than 50% of the
total Gold Miners Index value.
The Gold Miners Index is reviewed quarterly so that the Gold Miners
Index components continue to represent the universe of companies involved in the
gold mining industry. The Amex may at any time and from time to time change the
number of securities comprising the group by adding or deleting one or more
securities, or replacing one or more securities contained in the group with one
or more substitute securities of its choice, if in the Amex's discretion such
addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or appropriate to maintain the
quality and/or character of the Gold Miners Index. Changes to the Gold Miners
Index compositions and/or the component share weights in the Gold Miners Index
typically take effect after the close of trading on the third Friday of each
calendar quarter month in connection with the quarterly Index rebalance.
- 52 -
DAXGLOBAL(R) NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX
The DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy Index (the "Nuclear Energy Index") is
intended to give investors an efficient, modified market capitalization weighted
investment designed to track the movements of securities of companies engaged in
the nuclear business that are traded on leading global exchanges. The Nuclear
Energy Index covers seven major sub-sectors: uranium miners, uranium enrichment,
uranium storage, equipment for use in the provision of nuclear energy, nuclear
plant infrastructure, nuclear fuel transportation and nuclear energy generation.
The Nuclear Energy Index is comprised of common stocks and DRs that are listed
for trading on major stock exchanges around the world. The Nuclear Energy Index
divisor was initially determined to yield a benchmark value of 100.00 at the
close of trading on December 28, 2001. The Nuclear Energy Index is calculated
and maintained by Deutsche Borse AG. The value of the Nuclear Energy Index is
disseminated every 15 seconds over the Consolidated Tape Association's Network B
between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., under the symbol
DXNE. Only companies with market capitalizations greater than $150 million that
have a worldwide average daily trading volume of at least $1 million (over the
past six months as well as over each of the past two months) and have maintained
a monthly trading volume of 250,000 shares over the past six months are eligible
for inclusion in the Nuclear Energy Index.
The Nuclear Energy Index is calculated using a modified market
capitalization weighting methodology. The Nuclear Energy Index is weighted based
on the market capitalization of each of its component securities, modified to
conform to the following asset diversification requirements, which are applied
in conjunction with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Nuclear Energy
Index:
(1) the weight of any single component security may not account
for more than 8% of the total value of the Nuclear Energy
Index;
(2) the aggregate weight of those component securities which
individually represent more than 5% of the total value of the
Nuclear Energy Index may not account for more than 40% of the
total Nuclear Energy Index value; and
(3) no other component securities will individually represent more
than 4.5% of the total value of the Nuclear Energy Index.
The universe of potential securities eligible for inclusion in the
Nuclear Energy Index will be reviewed at least annually (generally, the third
Friday of September) so that the Nuclear Energy Index components continue to
represent the universe of all relevant sub-sectors. Deutsche Borse AG may at any
time and from time to time change the number of securities comprising the group
by adding or deleting one or more securities, or replace one or more securities
contained in the group with one or more substitute securities of its choice, if
in Deutsche Borse AG's discretion such addition, deletion or substitution is
necessary or appropriate to maintain the quality and/or character of the Nuclear
Energy Index. Changes to the component share weights of the Nuclear Energy Index
will typically take effect on the third Friday of each calendar quarter month in
connection with the quarterly Index rebalance.
- 53 -
DAXGLOBAL(R) RUSSIA+ INDEX
The DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index ("Russia+ Index") is intended to give
investors an efficient, modified market capitalization weighted investment
designed to track the movements of certain DRs and stocks of publicly traded
companies that are domiciled in Russia and traded in Russia and on leading
global exchanges. Russia's major industries include oil and gas exploration and
production, telecommunication, steel production, mining and electricity
generation. The Russia+ Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index
comprised of publicly traded companies that are domiciled in Russia. The Russia+
Index divisor was initially determined to yield a benchmark value of 100.00 at
the close of trading on December 28, 2001. The Russia+ Index is calculated and
maintained by Deutsche Borse AG. The value of the Russia+ Index is disseminated
every 15 seconds over the Consolidated Tape Association's Network B between the
hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., under the symbl DXRPUS. The
Russia+ Index includes securities of selected companies that are domiciled in
Russia that are listed for trading on exchanges. Only companies with market
capitalization greater than $150 million that have a daily average traded volume
of at least $1 million over the past six months are eligible for inclusion in
the Russia+ Index.
The Russia+ Index is calculated using a modified market capitalization
weighting methodology. The Russia+ Index is weighted based on the market
capitalization of each of the component stocks, modified to conform to the
following asset diversification requirements, which are applied in conjunction
with the scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Russia+ Index:
(1) the weight of any single component stock may not account for
more than 25% of the total value of the Russia+ Index;
(2) the component stocks are split into two subgroups-large and
small, which are ranked by market capitalization weight in the
Russia+ Index. Large stocks are defined as having a Russia+
Index weight greater than or equal to 5%. Small stocks are
defined as having a Russia+ Index weight below 5%; and
(3) the aggregate weight of those component stocks which
individually represent more than 5.0% of the total value of
the Russia+ Index may not account for more than 40% of the
total Russia+ Index value.
The Russia+ Index is reviewed quarterly so that the Russia+ Index
components continue to represent the universe of Russian companies. Deutsche
Borse AG may at any time and from time to time change the number of stocks
comprising the group by adding or deleting one or more stocks, or replace one or
more stocks contained in the group with one or more substitute stocks of its
choice, if in Deutsche Borse AG's discretion such addition, deletion or
substitution is necessary or appropriate to maintain the quality and/or
character of the Russia+ Index. Changes to the Russia+ Index compositions and/or
the component share weights in the Russia+ Index typically take effect after the
close of trading on the third Friday of each calendar quarter month in
connection with the quarterly Russia+ Index rebalance.
- 54 -
AMEX STEEL INDEX
The Amex Steel Index ("Steel Index") is a modified market
capitalization weighted index comprised of common stocks and ADRs of selected
companies that are primarily involved in a variety of activities that are
related to steel production, including the operation of mills manufacturing
steel, the fabrication of steel shapes or products, or the extraction and
reduction of iron ore, and that are listed for trading on the NYSE, Amex or
quoted on the NASDAQ. Only companies with market capitalization greater than
$100 million that have a daily average traded volume of at least $1 million over
the past three months are eligible for inclusion in the Steel Index.
The Steel Index is weighted based on the market capitalization of each
of the component securities, modified to conform to the following asset
diversification requirements, which are applied in conjunction with the
scheduled quarterly adjustments to the Steel Index:
(1) the weight of any single component security may not account
for more than 20% of the total value of the Steel Index; and
(2) the aggregate weight of those component securities which
individually represent more than 4.5% of the total value of
the Steel Index may not account for more than 50% of the total
Steel Index value.
The Steel Index is reviewed quarterly so that the Steel Index
components continue to represent the universe of companies involved in the steel
mining industry. The Amex may at any time and from time to time change the
number of securities comprising the group by adding or deleting one or more
securities, or replacing one or more securities contained in the group with one
or more substitute securities of its choice, if in the Amex's discretion such
addition, deletion or substitution is necessary or appropriate to maintain the
quality and/or character of the Steel Index. Changes to the Steel Index
compositions and/or the component share weights in the Steel Index typically
take effect after the close of trading on the third Friday of each calendar
quarter month in connection with the quarterly Index rebalance.
- 55 -
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
A description of each Fund's policies and procedures with respect to
the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Funds'
SAI.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Each Fund normally invests at least 95% of its total assets in
component securities that comprise its respective Index. Each Fund may invest
its remaining assets in money market instruments, including repurchase
agreements or other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments,
convertible securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal
repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more
specified factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index)
and in swaps, options futures contracts and currency forwards. Swaps, options,
futures contracts and currency forwards (and convertible securities and
structured notes) may be used by each Fund in seeking performance that
corresponds to its respective benchmark Index, and in managing cash flows. The
Funds will not invest in money market instruments as part of a temporary
defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.
The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete
transactions and for other purposes. In connection with such loans, the Funds
receive liquid collateral equal to at least 102% of the value of the portfolio
securities being loaned. This collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis.
Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with all loans of its
securities holdings, the Fund would be exposed to a risk of loss should a
borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities (E.G., the
loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of the collateral held
by the Fund). In addition, each Fund will bear the risk of loss of any cash
collateral that it invests.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
SHORT HISTORY OF AN ACTIVE MARKET. The Funds are recently organized
series of an investment company with limited operating history. While each
Fund's Shares are listed on an Exchange, there can be no assurance that active
trading markets for the Shares will be maintained. Van Eck Securities
Corporation, the distributor of the Shares (the "Distributor"), does not
maintain a secondary market in the Shares.
TRADING ISSUES. Trading in Shares on an Exchange may be halted due to
market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading
in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject
to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to an
Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the
requirements of the relevant Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the
Funds will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.
FLUCTUATION OF NAV. The NAV of the Shares fluctuates with changes in
the market value of each Fund's securities holdings. The market prices of Shares
fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV and supply and demand on each Fund's
respective Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below,
at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact
that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares
will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing
the prices of the securities of each Fund's respective Index trading
individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that
Shares can be created and redeemed daily in Creation Units (unlike shares of
closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and
sometimes at premiums to, their NAV), the Adviser believes that large discounts
or premiums to the NAV of the Shares should not be sustained.
- 56 -
MANAGEMENT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has
responsibility for the general oversight of the management of the Funds,
including general supervision of the Adviser and other service providers, but is
not involved in the day-to-day management of the Trust. A list of the Trustees
and the Trust officers, and their present positions and principal occupations,
is provided in the Funds' SAI.
INVESTMENT MANAGER. Under the terms of an Investment Management
Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation with respect to
Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF (the "Gold Miners Investment Management
Agreement") and an Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck
Associates Corporation with respect to each of the other Funds (the "Investment
Management Agreement") and, together with the Gold Miners Investment Management
Agreement, the "Investment Management Agreements"), Van Eck Associates
Corporation serves as the adviser to the Funds and, subject to the supervision
of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the day-to-day investment
management of the Funds. Under the Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement
(but not the Investment Management Agreement), the Adviser is obligated to
provide certain fund accounting services to the Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF.
As of December 31, 2007, the Adviser managed approximately $9.3 billion in
assets. The Adviser's principal business address is 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, New York 10016.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees' approval of each
Investment Management Agreement is available in the Trust's semi-annual report
for the period ended June 30, 2007 and annual report for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007, as applicable.
For the services provided to each Fund under the relevant Investment
Management Agreement, each Fund will pay the Adviser monthly fees based on a
percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.50%.
From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee. Until at
least May 1, 2009, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay
Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each
Fund (excluding interest expense, offering costs, taxes and extraordinary
expenses) from exceeding 0.55% (with respect to Market Vectors--Environmental
Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF),
0.65% (with respect to Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal
ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF
and Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF) and 0.69% (with respect to Market
Vectors--Russia ETF) of its average daily net assets per year. The other
expenses excluded from the expense caps are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the
Funds' Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c)
initial fees paid to be listed on an exchange.
Each Fund is responsible for all of its expenses, including the
investment advisory fees, costs of transfer agency, custody, legal, audit and
other services, interest, taxes, any distribution fees or expenses, offering
fees or expenses and extraordinary expenses.
ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT. Van Eck Associates
Corporation is the administrator for the Funds (the "Administrator"), and The
Bank of New York is the custodian of each Fund's assets and provides transfer
agency and fund accounting services (except with respect to Market Vectors--Gold
Miners ETF) to the Funds. The Administrator is responsible for certain clerical,
recordkeeping and/or bookkeeping services which are provided pursuant to the
Investment Management Agreement.
DISTRIBUTOR. Van Eck Securities Corporation is the distributor of each
Fund's Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in less than Creation
Units, and it does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. As noted in
the section entitled "Shareholder Information--Buying and Selling
Exchange-Traded Shares," the Shares are traded in the secondary market.
- 57 -
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers who currently share joint responsibility for the
day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio are Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao and
Edward M. Kuczma, Jr. Mr. Liao has been employed by the Adviser since the summer
of 2004. Mr. Liao attended New York University from 2000 to 2004 where he
received a Bachelor of Arts majoring in mathematics and economics. Mr. Liao also
serves as investment analyst for the Worldwide Absolute Return Fund ("WARF")
where his role includes manager review, performance attribution, changes in
manager mandates and risk management, and as a portfolio manager of WARF. Mr.
Kuczma has been employed by the Adviser since January of 2004. Prior to Mr.
Kuczma's current role of investment analyst, he worked from January 2004 to June
2004 in Portfolio Administration for the Adviser. After serving as a fund
administrator for international portfolios, Mr. Kuczma became an analyst for
emerging market companies. He also serves on a committee that reviews managers
and changing mandates for WARF. Mr. Kuczma attended Georgetown University from
1999 to 2003. Messrs. Liao and Kuczma serve as portfolio managers of eleven
funds of the Trust. Neither Mr. Kuczma nor Mr. Liao manages any other accounts
of any type for the Adviser. Messrs. Liao and Kuczma have served as the
portfolio managers of each Fund since its inception. See the Funds' SAI for
additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other
accounts managed by the portfolio managers and their respective ownership of
Shares.
- 58 -
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
DETERMINATION OF NAV
The NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of
the net assets of the Fund (I.E., the value of its total assets less total
liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees,
including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for
purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is determined each business
day after the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., New York time) of the
Exchange on which the Fund trades. Any assets or liabilities denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the
current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The value of the portfolio securities of each of the Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF,
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy
ETF and Market Vectors--Russia ETF is based on the securities' closing price on
local markets when available. If a security's market price is not readily
available or does not otherwise accurately reflect the fair value of the
security, the security will be valued by another method that the Adviser
believes will better reflect fair value in accordance with the Trust's valuation
policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may use
fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to,
situations where the value of a security in a Fund's portfolio has been
materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which
the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news
that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has
been suspended or halted. In addition, each Fund currently expects that it will
fair value foreign equity securities held by the Fund each day the Fund
calculates its NAV. Accordingly, a Fund's NAV is expected to reflect certain
portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value
pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value
determination for a security is materially different than the value that could
be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could
result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund's NAV and the
prices used by the Fund's respective Index. This may adversely affect a Fund's
ability to track its respective Index. With respect to securities that are
primarily listed on foreign exchanges, the value of a Fund's portfolio
securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your
Shares.
BUYING AND SELLING EXCHANGE-TRADED SHARES
The Shares of the Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF are listed on the Amex and the Shares of the Market
Vectors--Coal ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market
Vectors--Russia ETF are listed on the NYSE Arca. If you buy or sell Shares in
the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges
and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in
the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale)
transaction. It is anticipated that the Shares of the Funds will trade in the
secondary market at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the closing
NAVs of the Shares. Given, however, that Shares can be created and redeemed
daily in Creation Units, the Adviser believes that large discounts and premiums
to NAV should not be sustained for very long.
DTC serves as securities depository for the Shares. (The Shares may be
held only in book-entry form; stock certificates will not be issued.) DTC, or
its nominee, is the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares.
Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or its
participants (described below). Beneficial owners of Shares are not entitled to
have Shares registered in
- 59 -
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder
thereof. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares, each
beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of: (i) DTC; (ii) "DTC
Participants," i.e., securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or
their representatives) own DTC; and (iii) "Indirect Participants," i.e.,
brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly,
through which such beneficial owner holds its interests. The Trust understands
that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any
action of holders of Shares, or a beneficial owner desires to take any action
that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding Shares, is entitled to take,
DTC would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC
Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and beneficial owners
acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act
upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. As described
above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the owner of all Shares for
all purposes. For more information, see the section entitled "Book Entry Only
System" in the Funds' SAI.
MARKET TIMING AND RELATED MATTERS. The Funds impose no restrictions on
the frequency of purchases and redemptions. In determining not to approve a
written, established policy limiting purchases and redemptions, the Board of
Trustees evaluated the nature of the Funds (i.e., a fund whose shares are
expected to trade intra-day). In particular, the Board of Trustees considered
that, unlike traditional mutual funds, the Funds generally issue and redeem
their Shares at the NAV per Share for a basket of securities intended to mirror
each Fund's portfolio, plus a small amount of cash, and Shares may be purchased
and sold in the secondary market at prevailing market prices.
Given this structure, the Board of Trustees determined that it is
unlikely that (a) market timing would be attempted by a Fund's shareholders or
(b) any attempts to market time the Funds by shareholders would result in
negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders. However, creations and
redemptions of Creation Units consisting of a significant amount of cash,
although expected to be rare, could create the potential for market timing with
its negative impact to the Funds and their shareholders.
CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
The Trust issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in a large specified
number of Shares called a "Creation Unit." A Creation Unit consists of 50,000
Shares. The Funds generally issue and redeem Creation Units only in-kind in
exchange for a designated portfolio of equity securities included in each
respective benchmark Index and a relatively small cash payment. Except when
aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the
Funds. See "Shareholder Information--Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares"
and "--Procedures for Creation of Creation Units."
FUND DEPOSITS. The consideration for creation of Creation Units of the
Funds generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of
equity securities (the "Deposit Securities") constituting a replication of each
Fund's respective benchmark Index and an amount of cash computed as described
below (the "Cash Component") and together with the Deposit Securities, the "Fund
Deposit." The list of the names and numbers of shares of the Deposit Securities
is made available by the Administrator through the facilities of the NSCC
immediately prior to the opening of business each day of the Exchange on which
each Fund trades. The Cash Component represents the difference between the NAV
of a Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities and may
include a "Dividend Equivalent Payment" as described in the Funds' SAI.
PROCEDURES FOR CREATION OF CREATION UNITS. To be eligible to place
orders with the Distributor to create Creation Units of the Funds, an entity or
person either must be (1) a "Participating Party," i.e., a
- 60 -
broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process through the
Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC; or (2) a DTC Participant; and, in
either case, must have executed an agreement with the Trust and with the
Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units outside
the Clearing Process ("Participant Agreement"). All Creation Units of the Funds,
however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co.
for the account of a DTC Participant.
At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers
that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders to create
Creation Units of the Funds through the Clearing Process should afford
sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor
prior to the Closing Time on the date on which a creation order (or redemption
order, as discussed below) is placed (the "Transmittal Date").
Orders for creation that are effected outside the Clearing Process are
likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal
Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing
orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to
DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations
department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of
Deposit Securities and Cash Component. Investors should refer to "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Units" in the Funds' SAI for details regarding the
logistics of placement of orders using and outside the Clearing Process.
ACCEPTANCE OF CREATION ORDER. The Trust reserves the absolute right to
reject a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor if, for any reason:
(a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the creator or creators, upon obtaining
the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of
a Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered are not as specified by the
Administrator, as described above; (d) the acceptance of the Deposit Securities
would have certain adverse tax consequences to a Fund; (e) the acceptance of the
Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance
of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the
Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners;
or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the
Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to
process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or
public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather
conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer
failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems
failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust,
the Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, the NSCC or any other participant in the
creation process, and similar extraordinary events. The Trust shall notify a
prospective creator of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust and
the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects
or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them
incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust
shall notify a prospective creator of its rejection of the order of such person.
All questions as to the number of Shares of each security in the
Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for
deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and
the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEE. A fixed creation transaction fee of $1,000,
which is paid to each Fund (the "Creation Transaction Fee"), is applicable to
each transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the
transaction. In addition, a variable charge of up to four times the Creation
Transaction Fee may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside of
the Clearing Process (through a DTC Participant) or to the extent that cash is
used in lieu of securities to purchase Creation Units. Where the Trust permits a
creator to substitute cash in lieu of depositing a portion of the Deposit
Securities, the creator will be assessed an additional variable charge for cash
creations on the cash in lieu portion of its investment. See "Creation and
Redemption of Creation Units" in the SAI. The price for
- 61 -
each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per Share times the number of Shares
in a Creation Unit plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any
transfer taxes. Shares of the Funds may be issued in advance of receipt of all
Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to
maintain on deposit with the Funds cash at least equal to 115% of the market
value of the missing Deposit Securities. See "Creation and Redemption of
Creation Units" in the Funds' SAI.
REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation
Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in
proper form by the Distributor, only on a day on which each Fund's respective
Exchange is open for trading and only through a Participating Party or DTC
Participant, who has executed a Participant Agreement. THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM
SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Beneficial owners also may sell
Shares in the secondary market, but must accumulate enough Shares to constitute
a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be
no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public
trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors
should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a
sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
The Administrator, through NSCC, makes available immediately prior to
the opening of business on each Fund's respective Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m.,
New York time) on each day that the Exchange is open for business, the
securities held by a Fund ("Fund Securities") that will be applicable (subject
to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper
form (as defined below) on that day. Fund Securities received on redemption may
not be identical to Deposit Securities which are applicable to purchasers of
Creation Units. Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the
Funds, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund
Securities, plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of
the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in
proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities, less the redemption
transaction fee described below.
The redemption transaction fee of $1,000 is deducted from such
redemption proceeds. Should the Fund Securities have a value greater than the
NAV of Shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to
the differential, plus the applicable redemption fee and, if applicable, any
transfer taxes will be required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the
redeeming shareholder. The basic redemption transaction fees are the same no
matter how many Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any one redemption
request. The Funds may adjust these fees from time to time based upon actual
experience. An additional charge up to four times the redemption transaction fee
may be charged with respect to redemptions outside of the Clearing Process. An
additional variable charge for cash redemptions or partial cash redemptions
(when cash redemptions are available) may also be imposed. Investors who use the
services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such
services. Investors should refer to "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units"
in the Funds' SAI for details regarding the logistics of redemption orders using
and outside the Clearing Process.
Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance
with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws, and the Funds (whether
or not they otherwise permit cash redemptions) reserve the right to redeem
Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Funds could not lawfully deliver
specific Deposit Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first
registering the Fund Securities under such laws. Deliveries of Fund Securities
to redeeming investors generally will be made within three business days. Due to
the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind
redemption proceeds may take longer than three business days after the day on
which the redemption request is received in proper form. In such cases, the
local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local
holiday periods. See the Funds' SAI for a list of the local holidays in the
foreign countries relevant to the Funds.
- 62 -
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment
postponed (1) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading
on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an
emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Funds or
determination of their NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other
circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
Investors interested in creating and/or redeeming Creation Units should
refer to the more detailed information "Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units" in the Funds' SAI.
DISTRIBUTIONS
NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS. As a Fund shareholder, you are
entitled to your share of the Fund's distributions of net investment income and
net realized capital gains on its investments. The Funds pay out substantially
all of their net earnings to their shareholders as "distributions."
The Funds typically earn income dividends from stocks and interest from
debt securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are typically passed along to
Fund shareholders as dividends from net investment income. The Funds realize
capital gains or losses whenever they sell securities. Net capital gains are
distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions."
Net investment income and net capital gains, if any, are typically
distributed to shareholders at least annually. Dividends may be declared and
paid more frequently to improve index tracking or to comply with the
distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the Funds
may determine to distribute at least annually amounts representing the full
dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities, as if
the Funds owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend
period, in which case some portion of each distribution may result in a return
of capital. You will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which
represents a return of capital.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional
Shares of your Fund only if the broker through which you purchased Shares makes
such option available.
TAX MATTERS
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment
will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in the Funds. Unless your investment in a Fund is
through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as a 401(k)
plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when: (i) a Fund
makes distributions, (ii) you sell Shares in the secondary market or (iii) you
create or redeem Creation Units.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. The Funds expect to distribute net investment
income at least annually, and any net realized long-term or short-term capital
gains annually. The Funds may also pay a special distribution at the end of the
calendar year to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements. In general, your
distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether
you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. Dividends paid out of a
Fund's income and net short-term gains, if any, are taxable as ordinary income.
The Funds may receive dividends, the distribution of which the Funds may
designate as qualified dividends. In the event that a Fund receives such a
dividend and designates the distribution of such dividend as a qualified
dividend, the dividend may be taxed at the maximum capital gains rate.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net
short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of
how long you have held the Shares.
- 63 -
Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings
and profits are treated as a tax-free return of your investment to the extent of
your basis in the Shares, and generally as capital gain thereafter. A
distribution will reduce a Fund's NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as
ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an economic standpoint, the
distribution may constitute a return of capital.
If you are not a citizen or resident alien of the United States, each
Fund's ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term
capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a
lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business. The Funds may, under certain circumstances, designate
all or a portion of a dividend as an "interest-related dividend" that if
received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt from
the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are met.
The Funds may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a
dividend as a "short-term capital gain dividend" which if received by a
nonresident alien or foreign entity generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S.
withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual
present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or
more during the foreign person's taxable year. However, the Funds do not expect
to pay significant amounts of "interest-related dividends" or "short-term
capital gains dividends." The provisions discussed above relating to dividends
to foreign persons apply to dividends with respect to taxable years beginning
before January 1, 2008. Distributions attributable to gains from "U.S. real
property interests," including gains from the disposition of certain U.S. real
property holding corporations, will generally be subject to U.S. federal
withholding tax and may give rise to an obligation on the part of the foreign
shareholder to file a U.S. federal income tax return. Also, such gain may be
subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a foreign shareholder that
is a corporation. A U.S. real property holding corporation is any corporation
the fair market value of whose U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds
50% of the sum of the fair market value of its overall real property interests
and any other of its assets which are used or held for use in a trade or
business.
Dividends and interest from non-U.S. investments received by the Funds
may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or
eliminate such taxes.
The Funds may be required to withhold a percentage of your
distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification
number or social security number or otherwise establish a basis for exemption
from backup withholding. The backup withholding rate for individuals is
currently 28%. This is not an additional tax and may be refunded, or credited
against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided certain required
information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
TAXES ON THE SALE OF EXCHANGE-LISTED SHARES. Currently, any capital
gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term
capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as
a short-term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less.
TAXES ON CREATIONS AND REDEMPTIONS OF CREATION UNITS. A person who
exchanges equity securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain
or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market
value of the Creation Units at the time of exchange, and the exchanger's
aggregate basis in the securities surrendered, taking into consideration the
cash component paid. A person who exchanges Creation Units for equity securities
will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the
exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the
securities received. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a
loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be
deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that
there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons
- 64 -
exchanging securities should consult their own tax adviser with respect to
whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, any capital gain or loss
realized upon a redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term
capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as
a short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or
less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation
statement showing how many Shares you created or sold and at what price.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under
current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a
substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor about the
potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax
laws.
- 65 -
LICENSE AGREEMENTS
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with Deutsche Borse
AG to use the Agribusiness Index, Nuclear Energy Index and Russia+ Index. Each
Fund is entitled to use its respective benchmark Index pursuant to a
sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS ETF, MARKET
VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF AND MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF ARE NEITHER SPONSORED
NOR PROMOTED, DISTRIBUTED OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER SUPPORTED BY DEUTSCHE BORSE AG
(THE "LICENSOR"). THE LICENSOR DOES NOT GIVE ANY EXPLICIT OR IMPLICIT WARRANTY
OR REPRESENTATION, NEITHER REGARDING THE RESULTS DERIVING FROM THE USE OF THE
DAXGLOBAL(R) AGRIBUSINESS INDEX (THE "AGRIBUSINESS INDEX"), THE DAXGLOBAL(R)
NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX (THE "NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX"), THE DAXGLOBAL(R) RUSSIA+
INDEX (THE "RUSSIA+ INDEX") AND/OR THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARKS NOR REGARDING THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX AND
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX VALUES AT A CERTAIN POINT IN TIME OR ON A CERTAIN DATE
NOR IN ANY OTHER RESPECT. THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND
THE RUSSIA+ INDEX ARE CALCULATED AND PUBLISHED BY THE LICENSOR. NEVERTHELESS, AS
FAR AS ADMISSIBLE UNDER STATUTORY LAW THE LICENSOR WILL NOT BE LIABLE VIS-A-VIS
THIRD PARTIES FOR POTENTIAL ERRORS IN THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX OR THE RUSSIA+ INDEX. MOREOVER, THERE IS NO OBLIGATION FOR THE LICENSOR
VIS-A-VIS THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING INVESTORS, TO POINT OUT POTENTIAL ERRORS IN
THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX.
NEITHER THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX BY THE LICENSOR NOR THE GRANTING OF A LICENSE
REGARDING THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX
AS WELL AS THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK
AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK FOR THE UTILIZATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT OR OTHER SECURITIES OR FINANCIAL PRODUCTS, WHICH DERIVED
FROM THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX,
REPRESENT A RECOMMENDATION BY THE LICENSOR FOR A CAPITAL INVESTMENT OR CONTAINS
IN ANY MANNER A WARRANTY OR OPINION BY THE LICENSOR WITH RESPECT TO THE
ATTRACTIVENESS ON AN INVESTMENT IN SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS
ETF, MARKET VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF AND MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF.
IN ITS CAPACITY AS SOLE OWNER OF ALL RIGHTS TO THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX,
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK,
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK, THE LICENSOR
HAS SOLELY LICENSED TO VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION THE UTILIZATION OF THE
AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE
AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+
INDEX TRADEMARK AS WELL AS ANY REFERENCE TO THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR
ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR
ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SHARES
- 66 -
OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS ETF, MARKET VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF AND
MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with the Amex to use
the respective benchmark Index of each of the Market Vectors--Environmental
Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF.
Each of the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold
Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF is entitled to use its respective
benchmark index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
The Shares of each of the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF,
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by the Amex. The Amex as index compilation agent (the
"Index Compilation Agent") makes no representation or warranty, express or
implied, to the owners of the Shares of Market Vectors--Environmental
Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF or
any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities
generally or in the Shares of the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF,
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF particularly or
the ability of the indices identified herein to track stock market performance.
The Amex is the licensor of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names,
including the Amex Environmental Services Index, Amex Gold Miners Index and Amex
Steel Index. Each Index is determined, composed and calculated without regard to
the Shares of the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF or the issuer thereof.
The Index Compilation Agent is not responsible for, nor has it participated in,
the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Shares of
the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF
and Market Vectors--Steel ETF to be issued or in the determination or
calculation of the equation by which the Shares are redeemable. The Index
Compilation Agent has no obligation or liability to owners of the Shares of the
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and
Market Vectors--Steel ETF in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the Shares of the Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF.
Although the Index Compilation Agent shall obtain information for
inclusion in or for use in the calculation of each Index from sources which it
considers reliable, the Index Compilation Agent does not guarantee the accuracy
and/or the completeness of the component data of the Index obtained from
independent sources. The Index Compilation Agent makes no warranty, express or
implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust as sub-licensee, licensee's
customers and counterparties, owners of the Shares, or any other person or
entity from the use of each index or any data included therein in connection
with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. The Index
Compilation Agent makes no express or implied warranties, and hereby expressly
disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
with respect to each Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of
the foregoing, in no event shall the Index Compilation Agent have any liability
for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages
(including lost profits) even if notified of an Index's possibility of such
damages.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with Ardour to use
the Ardour Global Index(SM). The Fund is entitled to use its respective
benchmark Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR. ARDOUR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION
OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF OR ANY
- 67 -
MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES
GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) ("ARDOUR
GLOBAL INDEX") TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES MARKET.
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX'S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION
("LICENSEE") IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF ARDOUR
AND OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX THAT IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY
ARDOUR WITHOUT REGARD TO THE LICENSEE OR THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF. ARDOUR HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE
LICENSEE OR THE OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE
ENERGY ETF INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX. ARDOUR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN
THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF
THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF TO BE USED OR IN THE
DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE SHARES OF THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF IS TO BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. ARDOUR HAS
NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR
TRADING OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
ARDOUR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND ARDOUR SHALL HAVE NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS
OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE
WITH RESPECT TO THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT
LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ARDOUR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR
ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST
PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
"ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM),
(COMPOSITE)," "ARDOUR COMPOSITE(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM)" (EXTRA LIQUID)",
"ARDOUR-XL (SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDEXES(SM)", "ARDOUR
FAMILY(SM)" ARE SERVICE MARKS OF ARDOUR AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY THE
LICENSEE. THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR AND ARDOUR MAKES NO
REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF THE
MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) IS CALCULATED BY DOW JONES
INDEXES, A BUSINESS UNIT OF DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC. ("DOW JONES"). THE SHARES
OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF BASED ON THE ARDOUR GLOBAL
INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY DOW
JONES INDEXES, AND DOW JONES INDEXES MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE
ADVISIBILITY OF INVESTING IN SUCH SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
- 68 -
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES, SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS
(COLLECTIVELY, THE "INDEX CALCULATION AGENT") SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY
LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM (I) ANY
INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
IN THE DELIVERY OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) OR ANY DATA
RELATED THERETO (THE "INDEX DATA") OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY
THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR THIRD PARTY IN
RELIANCE UPON THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT DOES NOT MAKE ANY
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR ANY ONE ELSE REGARDING THE INDEX DATA, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE,
ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CURRENTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE
MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER
PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ITS
CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR
ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The Adviser has entered into a licensing agreement with Stowe to use
the Coal Index and the Gaming Index. Each Fund is entitled to use its respective
benchmark Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with the Adviser.
THE MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC ("LICENSOR").
LICENSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS
OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE
PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE
ABILITY OF THE COAL INDEX TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES
MARKET. LICENSOR'S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO THE LICENSEE IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN
SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF LICENSOR AND OF THE COAL INDEX AND THE GAMING
INDEX THAT IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY LICENSOR WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE LICENSEE OR MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF.
LICENSOR HAS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE LICENSEE OR THE OWNERS OF
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF INTO CONSIDERATION IN
DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX.
LICENSOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF
THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--GAMING ETF TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE
EQUATION BY WHICH MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE TO
BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. LICENSOR HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION
WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND
MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF.
- 69 -
LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE
COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL
HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR
MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE,
OWNERS OF THE COAL INDEX, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE COAL
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO
EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THE MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE
MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ("S&P"), OR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS. NEITHER S&P
NOR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING
ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN
SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING
ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX TO TRACK
GENERAL STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. S&P'S AND ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSOR'S ONLY
RELATIONSHIP TO STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN
TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF S&P AND/OR ITS THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS AND FOR THE PROVIDING OF CALCULATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES RELATED
TO THE COAL INDEX AND THE GAMING INDEX. NEITHER S&P NOR ITS THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF
THE PRICES AND AMOUNT OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF
OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE OR SALE OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--GAMING ETF OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY
WHICH MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE TO BE
CONVERTED INTO CASH. S&P HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--GAMING ETF.
NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE
THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COAL INDEX OR THE
GAMING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS,
OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER
SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF
- 70 -
PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY
OR OTHERWISE.
STANDARD & POOR'S(R) AND S&P(R) ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE
MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC.; "CALCULATED BY S&P CUSTOM INDICES" AND ITS RELATED
STYLIZED MARK ARE SERVICE MARKS OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. THESE MARKS
HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC.
INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES, SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS (TOGETHER,
THE "INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION AGENT") SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE ADVISER,
ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM (I) ANY INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR DELAYS,
INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE INTRADAY INDICATIVE
VALUE WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF THE MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF (THE "INDICATIVE VALUE") OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO
(THE "DATA") OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY THE ADVISER, ANY
CUSTOMER OR THIRD PARTY IN RELIANCE UPON THE DATA. THE INDICATIVE VALUE
CALCULATION AGENT DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE
ADVISER, ANY INVESTOR IN THE MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF OR ANY ONE ELSE REGARDING THE DATA, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE,
ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CORRECTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE
ADVISER, ANY INVESTORS IN THE MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF OR OTHER PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE
DATA. THE INDICATIVE VALUE CALCULATION AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE ADVISER,
ANY INVESTOR IN THE MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR
ENERGY ETF OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT
OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
- 71 -
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds'
financial performance since each Fund's inception. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent that rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an
investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the
Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
the Funds' financial statements, are included in the Funds' Annual Report, which
is available upon request. Market Vectors--Coal ETF and Market Vectors--Gaming
ETF had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2007 and therefore have no
financial highlights to report as of such date.
- 72 -
MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 31, 2007*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
2007
-------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $40.90
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... -(b)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... 15.83
-------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 15.83
-------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... --
Short Term Capital Gains...................... --
Return of Capital............................. --
-------------------
Total Dividends.................................. --
-------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $56.73
===================
Total Return(a).................................. 38.70%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $706,245
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.65%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.65%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... (0.02)%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 4%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 73 -
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
YEAR OCTOBER 10, 2006*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 2006
------------------ ---------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $44.55 $39.93
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... 0.33 0.02
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... 7.53 4.65
------------------ ---------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 7.86 4.67
------------------ ---------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... (0.54) (0.05)
Short Term Capital Gains...................... -- --
Return of Capital............................. -- --
------------------ ---------------------
Total Dividends.................................. (0.54) (0.05)
------------------ ---------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $51.87 $44.55
================== =====================
Total Return(a).................................. 17.64% 11.70%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $36,312 $40,095
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.86% 1.40%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.55% 0.54%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 0.75% 0.24%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 3% 3%
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 74 -
MARKET VECTORS--GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE PERIOD
MAY 3, 2007*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
2007
------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $39.68
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... -(b)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... 19.82
------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 19.82
------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... --
Short Term Capital Gains...................... --
Return of Capital............................. --
------------------
Total Dividends.................................. --
------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $59.50
==================
Total Return(a).................................. 49.95%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $238,018
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.73%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.65%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 0.01%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 5%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 75 -
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
------------------ -------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
YEAR MAY 16, 2006*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 2006
------------------ -------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $39.87 $39.72
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... 0.11 0.11
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... 6.66 0.16
------------------ -------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 6.67 0.27
------------------ -------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... (0.75) (0.12)
Short Term Capital Gains...................... -- --
Return of Capital............................. -- --
------------------ -------------------
Total Dividends.................................. (0.75) (0.12)
------------------ -------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $45.89 $39.87
================== ===================
Total Return(a).................................. 16.97% 0.67%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $1,436,430 $440,696
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.59% 0.68%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.55% 0.55%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 0.08% 0.69%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 1% 4%
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 76 -
MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 31, 2007*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
2007
--------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $40.18
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... 0.05
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... (2.66)
--------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ (2.61)
--------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... (1.95)
Short Term Capital Gains...................... --
Return of Capital............................. --
--------------------
Total Dividends.................................. (1.95)
--------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $35.62
====================
Total Return(a).................................. (6.51)%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $126,453
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.71%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.65%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 0.01%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 10%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 77 -
MARKET VECTORS--RUSSIA ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 24, 2007*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
2007
--------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $39.22
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... 0.10
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments................................... 13.08
--------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 13.18
--------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... (0.11)
Short Term Capital Gains...................... --
Return of Capital............................. --
--------------------
Total Dividends.................................. (0.11)
--------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $52.29
====================
Total Return(a).................................. 33.61%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $800,069
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.70%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.69%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 0.86%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 33%
---------------------------------------
|
(a) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends or the redemption of
Fund shares.
(b) Amount represents less than +/- $0.005 per share.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 78 -
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF
For a share outstanding throughout the period:
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
YEAR OCTOBER 10, 2006*
ENDED THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
2007 2006
------------------ -------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period............. $46.38 $40.51
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income......................... 0.53 0.08
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments 38.60 5.94
------------------ -------------------
Total from Investment Operations............ 39.13 6.02
------------------ -------------------
Less Dividends From:
Net Investment Income......................... (0.49) (0.08)
Short Term Capital Gain....................... -- (0.01)
Return of Capital............................. -- (0.06)
------------------ -------------------
Total Dividend................................... (0.49) (0.15)
------------------ -------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................... $85.02 $46.38
================== ===================
Total Return(a).................................. 84.36% 14.85%(d)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's)................ $250,821 $41,740
Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets.... 0.62% 1.34%(c)
Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets...... 0.55% 0.54%(c)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets........................................... 1.15% 0.79%(c)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.......................... 5% 1%
|
(a) Total Return is calculated assuming an initial investment of $10,000 made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of any
dividends at net asset value on the dividend payment date and a redemption
of the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that shareholder would pay on Fund dividends of the redemption of
Fund Shares.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Not annualized.
* Commencement of operations.
- 79 -
MARKET DISCOUNT INFORMATION
The tables below present information about the differences between the
closing price of Shares of each Fund and each Fund's NAV. NAV is the price per
share at which each Fund issues and redeems its Shares. It is calculated in the
same way that mutual fund shares are valued. The "market price" of each Fund is
determined using the closing price of a Share of each Fund. Each Fund's market
price may be at, above or below its NAV.
The NAV of each Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of
its portfolio holdings. The market price of each Fund will fluctuate in
accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market supply and demand.
Premiums or discounts are the differences (generally expressed as a percentage)
between the NAV and market price of each Fund on a given day, generally at the
time NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that each Fund is trading above
the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount
that each Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of
the NAV.
The following information shows the frequency distributions of premiums
and discounts for each Fund. All data presented here represents past
performance, which is not indicative of future results. The Market Vectors--Coal
ETF and Market Vectors--Gaming ETF had not commenced operations as of December
31, 2007.
MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 2.2% And Less Than 2.4% 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.2% 0 1 1 2
Greater Than or Equal to 1.8% And Less Than 2.0% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.6% And Less Than 1.8% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.4% And Less Than 1.6% 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 1 2 3 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 3 7 10 6
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 7 9 16 7
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 4 16 20 9
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 1 12 13 11
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 2 5 7 6
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 0 4 4 8
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 0 3 3 6
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 0 1 1 2
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 1 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.4% And Less Than -1.2% 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.6% And Less Than -1.4% 0 0 0 1
|
- 80 -
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 1Q07 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 0 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 0 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 0 0 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 0 0 1 1 2 1
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 0 1 3 3 7 4
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 3 2 5 5 15 6
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 19 27 27 27 100 19
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 25 25 17 16 83 15
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 10 7 3 5 25 6
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 3 1 3 6 13 5
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 0 2 0 2 2
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 1 0 0 0 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.4% And Less Than -1.2% 0 0 1 0 1 0
|
MARKET VECTORS--GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 2.6% And Less Than 2.8% 0 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.4% And Less Than 2.6% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.2% And Less Than 2.4% 0 1 1 2 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.2% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.8% And Less Than 2.0% 0 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.6% And Less Than 1.8% 0 0 1 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.4% And Less Than 1.6% 0 0 2 2 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 7 0 5 12 6
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 6 3 7 16 10
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 3 7 9 19 5
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 8 12 20 40 8
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 10 18 9 37 8
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 2 9 5 16 9
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 1 4 2 7 4
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 0 1 1 2 4
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 0 3 1 4 2
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 0 4 0 4 0
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 1 0 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.4% And Less Than -1.2% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.6% And Less Than -1.4% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.8% And Less Than -1.6% 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.8% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.2% And Less Than -2.0% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.4% And Less Than -2.2% 0 0 0 0 1
|
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 1Q07 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 1 0 0 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 0 0 0 1 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 1 0 1 1 3 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 0 2 2 3 7 2
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 2 2 5 4 13 4
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 9 12 21 17 59 8
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 26 28 18 12 84 23
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 15 16 8 14 53 16
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 7 2 5 7 21 5
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 0 1 1 3 5 1
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 0 2 1 3 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 0 1 1 0
|
- 81 -
MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 3.2% And Less Than 3.4% 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.2% 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to 2.8% And Less Than 3.0% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.6% And Less Than 2.8% 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.4% And Less Than 2.6% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.2% And Less Than 2.4% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.2% 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.8% And Less Than 2.0% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.6% And Less Than 1.8% 3 1 4 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.4% And Less Than 1.6% 2 1 3 3
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 4 0 4 3
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 6 3 9 4
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 3 8 11 8
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 6 13 19 7
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 1 15 16 3
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 2 10 12 10
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 1 7 8 6
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 0 1 1 3
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 0 3 3 3
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 2 1 3 3
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 0 3
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.4% And Less Than -1.2% 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.6% And Less Than -1.4% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.8% And Less Than -1.6% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.8% 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.2% And Less Than -2.0% 0 0 0 2
|
MARKET VECTORS--RUSSIA ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 4.0% And Less Than 4.2% 0 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to 3.8% And Less Than 4.0% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 3.6% And Less Than 3.8% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 3.4% And Less Than 3.6% 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to 3.2% And Less Than 3.4% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 3.0% And Less Than 3.2% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.8% And Less Than 3.0% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.6% And Less Than 2.8% 0 0 1 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to 2.4% And Less Than 2.6% 2 0 0 2 0
Greater Than or Equal to 2.2% And Less Than 2.4% 3 0 2 5 1
Greater Than or Equal to 2.0% And Less Than 2.2% 1 1 1 3 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.8% And Less Than 2.0% 3 4 1 8 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.6% And Less Than 1.8% 2 2 2 6 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.4% And Less Than 1.6% 4 5 2 11 7
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 5 8 4 17 3
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 4 5 5 14 2
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 7 5 4 16 3
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 4 6 5 15 5
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 3 8 5 16 2
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 2 8 6 16 5
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 2 5 8 15 5
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 0 1 4 5 6
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 0 2 3 5 2
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 1 1 3 5 5
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 0 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 2 2 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.4% And Less Than -1.2% 0 0 2 2 2
Greater Than or Equal to -1.6% And Less Than -1.4% 1 1 1 3 1
Greater Than or Equal to -1.8% And Less Than -1.6% 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to -2.0% And Less Than -1.8% 0 0 1 1 1
Greater Than or Equal to -2.2% And Less Than -2.0% 0 0 0 0 2
Greater Than or Equal to -2.4% And Less Than -2.2% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.6% And Less Than -2.4% 0 0 1 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to -2.8% And Less Than -2.6% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -3.0% And Less Than -2.8% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -3.2% And Less Than -3.0% 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to -3.4% And Less Than -3.2% 0 0 0 0 1
|
- 82 -
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF
PREMIUM / DISCOUNT RANGE 1Q07 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 2007 1Q08
Greater Than or Equal to 1.8% And Less Than 2.0% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.4% And Less Than 1.8% 0 0 0 0 0 1
Greater Than or Equal to 1.2% And Less Than 1.4% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 1.0% And Less Than 1.2% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.8% And Less Than 1.0% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.6% And Less Than 0.8% 0 0 1 2 3 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.4% And Less Than 0.6% 0 4 0 2 6 0
Greater Than or Equal to 0.2% And Less Than 0.4% 3 4 4 5 16 2
Greater Than or Equal to 0.0% And Less Than 0.2% 24 22 29 31 106 30
Greater Than or Equal to -0.2% And Less Than 0.0% 24 24 21 19 88 24
Greater Than or Equal to -0.4% And Less Than -0.2% 5 5 5 5 20 3
Greater Than or Equal to -0.6% And Less Than -0.4% 2 4 2 0 8 0
Greater Than or Equal to -0.8% And Less Than -0.6% 3 0 0 0 3 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.0% And Less Than -0.8% 0 0 1 0 1 0
Greater Than or Equal to -1.2% And Less Than -1.0% 0 0 0 0 0 1
|
- 83 -
TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The following table presents information about the total return of each
Underlying Index in comparison to the total return of the Funds. The information
shown for the Funds is for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. The Market
Vectors--Coal ETF and Market Vectors--Gaming ETF had not commenced operations as
of December 31, 2007 and therefore have no total return information to report as
of such date.
"Average annual total returns" represent the average annual change in
value of an investment over the period indicated. "Cumulative total returns"
represent the total change in value of an investment over the period indicated.
Each Fund's per Share NAV is the value of one Share of the Fund as calculated in
accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. The NAV
return is based on the NAV of each Fund, and the market return is based on the
market price per Share of each Fund. The price used to calculate market return
("Market Price") is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and
the lowest offer on the exchange on which each Fund is listed for trading, as of
the time that the Fund's NAV is calculated. Since each Fund's Shares typically
do not trade in the secondary market until several days after the Fund's
inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market
trading in Fund shares, the NAV of the Fund is used as a proxy for secondary
market trading price to calculate market returns. Market and NAV returns assume
that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested in a Fund at
Market Price and NAV, respectively. An index is a statistical composite that
tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike the Funds, an index does
not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the
expenses incurred by the Funds. These expenses negatively impact the performance
of each Fund. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may
be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were
included, market returns would be lower. The returns shown in the table below do
not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund
distributions or the redemption or sale of Shares of the Funds. The investment
return and principal value of Shares of a Fund will vary with changes in market
conditions. Shares of the Fund may be worth more or less than their original
cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. All data presented here
represents past performance, which is not indicative of future results.
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
AVERAGE TOTAL RETURNS CUMULATIVE ANNUAL TOTAL
SINCE INCEPTION THROUGH RETURNS SINCE INCEPTION
DECEMBER 31, 2007 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF (At NAV) 38.70% 38.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF (At Market) 40.48% 40.48%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness Index 40.06% 40.06%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF (At NAV) 24.97% 31.39%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF (At Market) 24.98% 31.40%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Amex Environmental Services Index 25.33% 31.85%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF (At NAV) 49.95% 49.95%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF (At Market) 51.11% 51.11%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid) 51.19% 51.19%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF (At NAV) 10.53% 17.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF (At Market) 10.44% 17.55%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Amex Gold Miners Index 11.14% 18.76%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF (At NAV) -6.51% -6.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF (At Market) -6.56% -6.56%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy Index -5.86% -5.86%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Russia ETF (At NAV) 33.61% 33.61%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Russia ETF (At Market) 33.16% 30.16%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index 33.97% 33.97%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
|
- 84 -
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
AVERAGE TOTAL RETURNS CUMULATIVE ANNUAL TOTAL
SINCE INCEPTION THROUGH RETURNS SINCE INCEPTION
DECEMBER 31, 2007 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Steel ETF (At NAV) 84.30% 111.44%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Market Vectors--Steel ETF (At Market) 84.33% 111.48%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
Amex Steel Index 85.20% 112.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
|
- 85 -
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15,
2001. Its Declaration of Trust currently permits the Trust to issue an unlimited
number of Shares of beneficial interest. If shareholders are required to vote on
any matters, each Share outstanding would be entitled to one vote. Annual
meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act and
other applicable law. See the Funds' SAI for more information concerning the
Trust's form of organization. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts
investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment
companies, including Shares of the Funds. Registered investment companies are
permitted to invest in the Funds beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)
subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order
issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an
agreement with a Fund.
Clifford Chance US LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the
Funds. Ernst & Young LLP serves as each Fund's independent registered public
accounting firm and audits the Funds' financial statements annually.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Funds' Shares.
Information about the Funds can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public
Reference Room and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may
be obtained by calling the SEC at 1.202.551.8090. The Funds' Registration
Statement, including this Prospectus, the Funds' SAI and the exhibits may be
examined at the offices of the SEC (100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549) or
on the Edgar database at the SEC's website (HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV), and copies may
be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the
following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC's Public
Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. These documents and other
information concerning the Trust also may be inspected at the offices of the
Amex (86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006), with respect to Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market
Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear
Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF, and the NYSE Arca (20 Broad Street,
New York, New York 10005), with respect to Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Russia ETF.
The SAI for these Funds, which has been filed with the SEC, provides
more information about the Funds. The SAI for these Funds is incorporated herein
by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus. It may be obtained without
charge by writing to the Funds at Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Funds'
distributor, at 99 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or by calling the distributor
at the following number: Investor Information: 1.888.MKT.VCTR (658-8287).
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to a Fund in writing to 99 Park
Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10016.
The Funds' SAI will be available through their website at
WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF.
- 86 -
VAN ECK GLOBAL WWW.VANECK.COM
99 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10016
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market
Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Russia ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF (the "Funds") are distributed by Van Eck Securities
Corporation and seek to track the DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness Index, Stowe Coal
Index(SM), Amex Environmental Services Index, S-Network Global Gaming Index(SM),
Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid), Amex Gold Miners Index, DAXglobal(R)
Nuclear Energy Index, DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index and Amex Steel Index,
respectively. The DAXglobal(R) Agribusiness Index, DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy
Index and DAXglobal(R) Russia+ Index are published by Deutsche Borse AG. The
Amex Environmental Services Index, Amex Gold Miners Index and Amex Steel Index
are published by the American Stock Exchange (the "Amex"). The Ardour Global
Index(SM) (Extra Liquid) is published by Ardour Global Indexes LLC ("Ardour").
The Stowe Coal Index(SM) and the S-Network Global Gaming Index(SM) are published
by Stowe Global Indexes LLC ("Stowe"). Deutsche Borse AG, Amex, Ardour Global
Indexes LLC and Stowe are referred to herein as the "Index Providers." The Index
Providers do not sponsor, endorse or promote the Funds and bear no liability
with respect to any Fund or security. For more detailed information about the
Funds, see the Statement of Additional Information for the Funds dated May 1,
2008 (the "SAI"), which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
Additional information about the Funds' investments is available in each Fund's
annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund's annual report,
you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies
that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
Call Van Eck at 1.888.MKT.VCTR to request, free of charge, the annual
or semi-annual reports, the SAI or other information about the Funds or to make
shareholder inquiries. You may also obtain the SAI or the Funds' annual or
semi-annual reports by visiting the Van Eck website at WWW.VANECK.COM/ETF.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can also be reviewed and copied
at the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room
may be obtained by calling 1.202.551.8090.
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the
EDGAR Database on the SEC's internet site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition,
copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by
electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by
writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102.
Transfer Agent:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
SEC Registration Number:
333-123257
The Trust's registration
number under the 1940 Act:
[VAN ECK GLOBAL LOGO] 811-10325
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED MAY 1, 2008
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a Prospectus.
It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated May 1, 2008 (the
"Prospectus") for the Market Vectors ETF Trust (the "Trust"), relating to Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market
Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Russia ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF (each, a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds"), as it may be
revised from time to time. A copy of the Prospectus for the Trust, relating to
the Funds, may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust or the
Distributor. The Trust's address is 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New
York 10016. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same
meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
General Description of the Trust..............................................7
Investment Policies and Restrictions..........................................8
Special Considerations and Risks.............................................13
Exchange Listing and Trading.................................................17
Board of Trustees of the Trust...............................................19
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure................................................24
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule.................................................24
Code of Ethics...............................................................24
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.........................................24
Management...................................................................25
Brokerage Transactions.......................................................28
Book Entry Only System.......................................................29
Creation and Redemption of Creation Units....................................31
Settlement Periods Greater than Seven Days for Year 2008.....................38
Determination of Net Asset Value.............................................39
Dividends and Distributions..................................................40
Dividend Reinvestment Service................................................40
Control Persons..............................................................41
Taxes........................................................................43
Capital Stock and Shareholder Reports........................................45
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm....................46
Van Eck Global Proxy Voting Policies.........................................47
|
i
The information contained herein regarding the DAXglobal(R)
Agribusiness Index and DAXglobal(R) Nuclear Energy Index and Russia+ Index
(each, an "Index") was provided by the Index Provider, while the information
contained herein regarding the securities markets and The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC") was obtained from publicly available sources.
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS ETF, MARKET
VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF AND MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF ARE NEITHER SPONSORED
NOR PROMOTED, DISTRIBUTED OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER SUPPORTED BY DEUTSCHE BORSE AG
(THE "LICENSOR"). THE LICENSOR DOES NOT GIVE ANY EXPLICIT OR IMPLICIT WARRANTY
OR REPRESENTATION, NEITHER REGARDING THE RESULTS DERIVING FROM THE USE OF THE
DAXGLOBAL(R) AGRIBUSINESS INDEX (THE "AGRIBUSINESS INDEX"), THE DAXGLOBAL(R)
NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX (THE "NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX"), THE DAXGLOBAL(R) RUSSIA+
INDEX (THE "RUSSIA+ INDEX") AND/OR THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARKS NOR REGARDING THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX AND
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX VALUES AT A CERTAIN POINT IN TIME OR ON A CERTAIN DATE
NOR IN ANY OTHER RESPECT. THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND
THE RUSSIA+ INDEX ARE CALCULATED AND PUBLISHED BY THE LICENSOR. NEVERTHELESS, AS
FAR AS ADMISSIBLE UNDER STATUTORY LAW THE LICENSOR WILL NOT BE LIABLE VIS-A-VIS
THIRD PARTIES FOR POTENTIAL ERRORS IN THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX OR THE RUSSIA+ INDEX. MOREOVER, THERE IS NO OBLIGATION FOR THE LICENSOR
VIS-A-VIS THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING INVESTORS, TO POINT OUT POTENTIAL ERRORS IN
THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX.
NEITHER THE PUBLICATION OF THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY
INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX BY THE LICENSOR NOR THE GRANTING OF A LICENSE
REGARDING THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX
AS WELL AS THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK
AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK FOR THE UTILIZATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT OR OTHER SECURITIES OR FINANCIAL PRODUCTS, WHICH DERIVED
FROM THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX,
REPRESENT A RECOMMENDATION BY THE LICENSOR FOR A CAPITAL INVESTMENT OR CONTAINS
IN ANY MANNER A WARRANTY OR OPINION BY THE LICENSOR WITH RESPECT TO THE
ATTRACTIVENESS ON AN INVESTMENT IN SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS
ETF, MARKET VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF AND MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF.
IN ITS CAPACITY AS SOLE OWNER OF ALL RIGHTS TO THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX,
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK,
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK, THE LICENSOR
HAS SOLELY LICENSED TO VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION THE UTILIZATION OF THE
AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE
AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+
INDEX TRADEMARK AS WELL AS ANY REFERENCE TO THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX, THE NUCLEAR
ENERGY INDEX, THE RUSSIA+ INDEX, THE AGRIBUSINESS INDEX TRADEMARK, THE NUCLEAR
ENERGY INDEX TRADEMARK AND THE RUSSIA+ INDEX TRADEMARK IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-AGRIBUSINESS ETF, MARKET VECTORS-NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
AND MARKET VECTORS-RUSSIA ETF.
The information contained herein regarding the Amex Environmental
Services Index, Amex Gold Miners Index and Amex Steel Index (each, an "Index")
was obtained from the American Stock Exchange (the "Amex") while the information
contained herein regarding the securities markets and DTC was obtained from
publicly available sources.
EACH INDEX IS BASED ON EQUITY SECURITIES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES SELECTED
FROM THE UNIVERSE OF ALL U.S. TRADED STOCKS AND AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS AND
CLASSIFIED AS APPROPRIATE FOR INCLUSION BY THE AMEX.
THE SHARES OF EACH OF THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF,
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF ARE NOT SPONSORED,
ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY THE AMEX. THE AMEX AS INDEX COMPILATION AGENT (THE
"INDEX COMPILATION AGENT") MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES ETF, MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF OR
ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES
GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF,
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF PARTICULARLY OR
THE ABILITY OF THE INDICES IDENTIFIED HEREIN TO TRACK STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE.
THE AMEX IS THE LICENSOR OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES,
INCLUDING THE AMEX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INDEX, AMEX GOLD MINERS INDEX AND AMEX
STEEL INDEX. EACH INDEX IS DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF, MARKET
VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF OR THE ISSUER THEREOF.
THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR, NOR HAS IT PARTICIPATED IN,
THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF
THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF, MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR
CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE SHARES ARE REDEEMABLE. THE INDEX
COMPILATION AGENT HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF, MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR
TRADING OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF, MARKET
VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF.
ALTHOUGH THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR
INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF EACH INDEX FROM SOURCES WHICH IT
CONSIDERS RELIABLE, THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY
AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE COMPONENT DATA OF THE INDEX OBTAINED FROM
INDEPENDENT SOURCES. THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE TRUST AS SUB-LICENSEE, LICENSEE'S
CUSTOMERS AND COUNTERPARTIES, OWNERS OF THE SHARES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY FROM THE USE OF EACH INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN IN CONNECTION
WITH THE RIGHTS LICENSED AS DESCRIBED HEREIN OR FOR ANY OTHER USE. THE INDEX
COMPILATION AGENT MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
WITH RESPECT TO EACH INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING
2
ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE INDEX COMPILATION AGENT HAVE ANY
LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY
OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF AN INDEX'S
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The information contained herein regarding the Ardour Global Index(SM)
(Extra Liquid) (the "Index") and the Index Provider was provided by each Fund's
respective Index Provider, while the information contained herein regarding the
securities markets and DTC was obtained from publicly available sources.
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR. ARDOUR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION
OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE
ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE SHARES OF THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ARDOUR
GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) ("ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX") TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE
OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES MARKET. ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX'S ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO
VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION ("LICENSEE") IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN SERVICE
MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF ARDOUR AND OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX THAT IS
DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY ARDOUR WITHOUT REGARD TO THE LICENSEE OR
THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF. ARDOUR HAS NO
OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE LICENSEE OR THE OWNERS OF THE SHARES OF THE
MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING,
COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX. ARDOUR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR
QUANTITIES OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF TO
BE USED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY WHICH THE
SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF IS TO BE CONVERTED
INTO CASH. ARDOUR HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
ARDOUR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE
ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND ARDOUR SHALL HAVE NO
LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS
OF THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. ARDOUR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE
WITH RESPECT TO THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT
LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ARDOUR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR
ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST
PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
"ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM),
(COMPOSITE)," "ARDOUR COMPOSITE(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM)" (EXTRA LIQUID)",
3
"ARDOUR-XL(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDEXES(SM)", "ARDOUR
FAMILY(SM)" ARE SERVICE MARKS OF ARDOUR AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY THE
LICENSEE. THE SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY ARDOUR AND ARDOUR MAKES NO
REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN THE SHARES OF THE
MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) IS CALCULATED BY DOW JONES
INDEXES, A BUSINESS UNIT OF DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC. ("DOW JONES"). THE SHARES
OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF BASED ON THE ARDOUR GLOBAL
INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY DOW
JONES INDEXES, AND DOW JONES INDEXES MAKES NO REPRESENTATION REGARDING THE
ADVISIBILITY OF INVESTING IN SUCH SHARES OF THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF.
DOW JONES, ITS AFFILIATES, SOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION AGENTS
(COLLECTIVELY, THE "INDEX CALCULATION AGENT") SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE MARKET
VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY
LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM (I) ANY
INACCURACY OR INCOMPLETENESS IN, OR DELAYS, INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
IN THE DELIVERY OF THE ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (EXTRA LIQUID) OR ANY DATA
RELATED THERETO (THE "INDEX DATA") OR (II) ANY DECISION MADE OR ACTION TAKEN BY
THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY CUSTOMER OR THIRD PARTY IN
RELIANCE UPON THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT DOES NOT MAKE ANY
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR ANY ONE ELSE REGARDING THE INDEX DATA, INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE,
ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CURRENTNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY WARRANTIES AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE
MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS OR OTHER
PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE INDEX DATA. THE INDEX CALCULATION AGENT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE MARKET VECTORS-GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF, ITS
CUSTOMERS OR OTHER THIRD PARTIES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS REVENUES, LOST PROFITS OR
ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The information contained herein regarding the Stowe Coal Index(SM) and
the S-Network Global Gaming INDEX(SM) (each, an "Index") was provided by Stowe,
while the information contained herein regarding the securities markets and DTC
was obtained from publicly available sources.
THE MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC ("LICENSOR").
LICENSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS
OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE
PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE
ABILITY OF THE COAL INDEX TO TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHYSICAL COMMODITIES
MARKET. LICENSOR'S
4
ONLY RELATIONSHIP TO THE LICENSEE IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN SERVICE MARKS AND
TRADE NAMES OF LICENSOR AND OF THE COAL INDEX AND THE GAMING INDEX THAT IS
DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY LICENSOR WITHOUT REGARD TO THE LICENSEE
OR MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF. LICENSOR HAS NO
OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE LICENSEE OR THE OWNERS OF MARKET
VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF INTO CONSIDERATION IN
DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX.
LICENSOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF
THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--GAMING ETF TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE
EQUATION BY WHICH MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE TO
BE CONVERTED INTO CASH. LICENSOR HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION
WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND
MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF.
LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE
COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL
HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR
MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE,
OWNERS OF THE COAL INDEX, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE COAL
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING
INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO
EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
THE MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE NOT
SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE
MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. ("S&P"), OR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS. NEITHER S&P
NOR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, TO THE OWNERS OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING
ETF OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN
SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING
ETF PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE COAL INDEX OR THE GAMING INDEX TO TRACK
GENERAL STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. S&P'S AND ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSOR'S ONLY
RELATIONSHIP TO STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN
TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF S&P AND/OR ITS THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS AND FOR THE PROVIDING OF CALCULATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES RELATED
TO THE COAL INDEX AND THE GAMING INDEX. NEITHER S&P NOR ITS THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HAS NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF
THE PRICES AND AMOUNT OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF
OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE OR SALE OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET
VECTORS--GAMING ETF OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY
WHICH MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF ARE TO BE
CONVERTED INTO CASH. S&P HAS NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION,
5
MARKETING OR TRADING OF MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF AND MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF.
NEITHER S&P, ITS AFFILIATES NOR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS GUARANTEE
THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COAL INDEX OR THE
GAMING INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR ANY COMMUNICATIONS, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P, ITS AFFILIATES AND THEIR THIRD PARTY
LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS,
OMISSIONS OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRADEMARKS, THE INDEX OR ANY DATA
INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER
SHALL S&P, ITS AFFILIATES OR THEIR THIRD PARTY LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF
THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
STANDARD & POOR'S(R) AND S&P(R) ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE
MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC.; "CALCULATED BY S&P CUSTOM INDICES" AND ITS RELATED
STYLIZED MARK ARE SERVICE MARKS OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. THESE MARKS
HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE BY STOWE GLOBAL INDEXES, LLC.
6
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust
currently consists of twenty-one investment portfolios. This SAI relates to nine
investment portfolios, Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal
ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF,
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF,
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Russia ETF and Market
Vectors--Steel ETF (each, a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds"). The Funds invest
in common stocks and depositary receipts consisting of some or all of the
component securities of each Fund's respective benchmark Index. The Trust was
organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The shares of each
Fund are referred to herein as "Shares."
The Funds offer and issue Shares at their net asset value ("NAV") only
in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a "Creation Unit"),
usually in exchange for a basket of Deposit Securities (together with the
deposit of a specified cash payment). The Shares of the Market Vectors--Coal
ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Russia
ETF are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "NYSE Arca"), and will trade in the
secondary market at market prices. The shares of the Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market
Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear
Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF are listed on the American Stock
Exchange (the "Amex" and, together with the NYSE Arca, the "Exchanges"), and
will trade in the secondary market at market prices. Those prices may differ
from the Shares' NAV. Similarly, Shares are also redeemable by the Funds only in
Creation Units, and generally in exchange for specified securities held by each
Fund and a specified cash payment. A Creation Unit consists of 50,000 Shares of
each Fund.
The Trust reserves the right to offer a "cash" option for creations and
redemptions of Shares (subject to applicable legal requirements). In each
instance of such cash creations or redemptions, the Trust may impose transaction
fees based on transaction expenses in the particular exchange that will be
higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind purchases or
redemptions. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to
management investment companies offering redeemable securities.
7
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks,
brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances and to
invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an
agreement under which a Fund acquires a money market instrument (generally a
security issued by the U.S. Government or an agency thereof, a banker's
acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the
seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). A
repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The
resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the
instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the
underlying instrument.
In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by
a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value at
least equal to the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Trust's
custodian bank until repurchased. In addition, the Trust's Board of Trustees
("Board" or "Trustees") monitors each Fund's repurchase agreement transactions
generally and has established guidelines and standards for review of the
creditworthiness of any bank, broker or dealer counterparty to a repurchase
agreement with the Fund. No more than an aggregate of 15% of each Fund's net
assets will be invested in repurchase agreements having maturities longer than
seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on
resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example,
if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the
underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the
Funds may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to
the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization
under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the
underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of
the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest
in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other
party to the agreement. While the Trust's management acknowledges these risks,
it is expected that they can be controlled through careful monitoring
procedures.
FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS, SWAP AGREEMENTS AND CURRENCY FORWARDS
The Funds may utilize futures contracts, options, swap agreements and
currency forwards. Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by
one party and purchase by another party of a specified instrument, index or
commodity at a specified future time and at a specified price. Stock index
futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of
a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the stock index
specified in the contract from one day to the next. Futures contracts are
standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on
futures exchanges. The Funds may use futures contracts, and options on futures
contracts based on other indexes or combinations of indexes that the Adviser
(defined herein) believes to be representative of each Fund's respective
benchmark Index.
Although futures contracts (other than cash settled futures contracts
including most stock index futures contracts) by their terms call for actual
delivery or acceptance of the underlying instrument or commodity, in most cases
the contracts are closed out before the maturity date without the making or
taking of delivery. Closing out an open futures position is done by taking an
opposite position ("buying" a contract which has previously been "sold," or
"selling" a contract previously "purchased") in an
8
identical contract to terminate the position. Brokerage commissions are incurred
when a futures contract position is opened or closed.
Futures traders are required to make a good faith margin deposit in
cash or government securities with a broker or custodian to initiate and
maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to
assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying
instrument or commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not
terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit
requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are
customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from
less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract
is marked-to-market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent
that the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, payment of
additional "variation" margin will be required.
Conversely, a change in the contract value may reduce the required
margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder.
Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as
the contract remains open. The Funds expect to earn interest income on their
margin deposits.
The Funds may use futures contracts and options thereon, together with
positions in cash and money market instruments, to simulate full investment in
each Fund's respective Index. Liquid futures contracts are not currently
available for the benchmark Index of each Fund. Under such circumstances, the
Adviser may seek to utilize other instruments that it believes to be correlated
to each Fund's respective Index components or a subset of the components.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF FUTURES AND OPTIONS
Except as otherwise specified in the Funds' Prospectus or this SAI,
there are no limitations on the extent to which the Funds may engage in
transactions involving futures and options thereon. The Funds will take steps to
prevent their futures positions from "leveraging" its securities holdings. When
a Fund has a long futures position, it will maintain with its custodian bank,
cash or liquid securities having a value equal to the notional value of the
contract (less any margin deposited in connection with the position). When a
Fund has a short futures position, as part of a complex stock replication
strategy the Fund will maintain with their custodian bank assets substantially
identical to those underlying the contract or cash and liquid securities (or a
combination of the foregoing) having a value equal to the net obligation of the
Fund under the contract (less the value of any margin deposits in connection
with the position).
SWAP AGREEMENTS
Swap agreements are contracts between parties in which one party agrees
to make payments to the other party based on the change in market value or level
of a specified index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make
payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified index
or asset. Although swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on
its payment obligations thereunder, each Fund seeks to reduce this risk by
entering into agreements that involve payments no less frequently than
quarterly. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over
its entitlements with respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an
amount of cash or high liquid securities having an aggregate value at least
equal to the accrued excess is maintained in an account at the Trust's custodian
bank.
9
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Funds may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options,
futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options on the Funds, warrants,
swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use or
which are not currently available, but which may be developed, to the extent
such investments are considered suitable for a Fund by the Adviser.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as
fundamental policies with respect to each Fund. These restrictions cannot be
changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of each Fund's
outstanding voting securities. For purposes of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of a Fund means the vote, at an annual or a special meeting of the
security holders of the Trust, of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting
securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by
proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Under these restrictions:
1. Each Fund may not make loans, except that the Fund may (i)
lend portfolio securities, (ii) enter into repurchase
agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of
debt securities, bank loan or participation interests, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or
other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the
original issuance of the securities and (iv) participate in an
interfund lending program with other registered investment
companies;
2. Each Fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the
1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulation from
time to time;
3. Each Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted
under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by
regulation from time to time;
4. Each Fund may not purchase a security (other than obligations
of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if,
as a result, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested
in a single issuer;
5. Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that
the Fund may (i) invest in securities of issuers that invest
in real estate or interests therein; (ii) invest in
mortgage-related securities and other securities that are
secured by real estate or interests therein; and (iii) hold
and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the
ownership of securities;
6. Each Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting
securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection
with its investments in other investment companies;
7. Each Fund may not purchase or sell commodities, unless
acquired as a result of owning securities or other
instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial
options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap
transactions and other financial contracts or derivative
instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments
backed by commodities. In addition, Market Vectors--Gold
Miners ETF may invest up
10
to 25% of its total assets in gold and silver coins, which are
legal tender in the country of issue and gold and silver
bullion, and palladium and platinum group metals bullion; or
8. Each Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result of
that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be
invested in securities of issuers having their principal
business activities in the same industry, except that the
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF will invest 25% or more of its
total assets in the gold-mining industry, Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF will invest 25% or more
of its total assets in the alternative energy industry and
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF,
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market
Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF,
Market Vectors--Russia ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF may
invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in
securities of issuers in any one industry or group of
industries if the index that the Fund replicates concentrates
in an industry or group of industries. This limit does not
apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental
policies as set forth above, each Fund observes the following restrictions,
which may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote. Each Fund will
not:
1. Invest in securities which are "illiquid" securities,
including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days and options traded over-the-counter, if the result is
that more than 15% of a Fund's net assets would be invested in
such securities.
2. Mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber its assets, except to
secure borrowing effected in accordance with the fundamental
restriction on borrowing set forth below.
3. Make short sales of securities.
4. Purchase any security on margin, except for such short-term
loans as are necessary for clearance of securities
transactions. The deposit or payment by a Fund or initial or
variation margin in connection with futures contracts or
related options thereon is not considered the purchase of a
security on margin.
5. Participate in a joint or joint-and-several basis in any
trading account in securities, although transactions for the
Funds and any other account under common or affiliated
management may be combined or allocated between the Fund and
such account.
6. Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment
companies except in compliance with the 1940 Act, although the
Fund may not acquire any securities of registered open-end
investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in
reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940
Act.
If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or
contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change
in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such
restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the
borrowing of money and illiquid securities will be continuously complied with.
As long as the aforementioned investment restrictions are complied
with, each Fund may invest its remaining assets in money market instruments or
funds which reinvest exclusively in money market instruments, in stocks that are
in the relevant market but not the index, and/or in combinations of certain
11
stock index futures contracts, options on such futures contracts, stock options,
stock index options, options on the Shares, and stock index swaps and swaptions,
each with a view towards providing each Fund with exposure to the securities in
its benchmark Index. These investments may be made to invest uncommitted cash
balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder
redemptions of Creation Units. Each Fund also will not invest in money market
instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect against
potential stock market declines.
12
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in each Fund is
contained in the Funds' Prospectus under the headings "Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Market
Vectors--Coal ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Gaming ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Russia ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Steel ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund" and
"Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds." The discussion below supplements,
and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Prospectus.
GENERAL
Investment in each Fund should be made with an understanding that the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with
changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities,
the value of common stocks generally and other factors.
An investment in each Fund should also be made with an understanding of
the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk
that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general
condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a
decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of
Shares). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and
to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and
perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on
various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking
crises.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the
issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in
comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or
preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which
typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value,
however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred
stocks which typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated
optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed
principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market
fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.
Although most of the securities in a Fund's Index are listed on a
national securities exchange, the principal trading market for some may be in
the over-the-counter market. The existence of a liquid trading market for
certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such
securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained
or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities
may be sold and the value of a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if
trading markets for the Fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent or if
bid/ask spreads are wide.
The Funds are not actively managed by traditional methods, and
therefore the adverse financial condition of any one issuer will not result in
the elimination of its securities from the securities held by the Fund unless
the securities of such issuer are removed from its respective Index.
13
An investment in each Fund should also be made with an understanding
that the Fund will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of its
respective Index because the total return generated by the securities will be
reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the
securities and other Fund expenses, whereas such transaction costs and expenses
are not included in the calculation of its respective Index. It is also possible
that for short periods of time, a Fund may not fully replicate the performance
of its respective Index due to the temporary unavailability of certain Index
securities in the secondary market or due to other extraordinary circumstances.
Such events are unlikely to continue for an extended period of time because a
Fund is required to correct such imbalances by means of adjusting the
composition of the securities. It is also possible that the composition of a
Fund may not exactly replicate the composition of its respective Index if the
Fund has to adjust its portfolio holdings in order to continue to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Internal Revenue Code").
Shares are subject to the risk of an investment in a portfolio of
equity securities in an economic sector in which the Index is highly
concentrated. In addition, because it is the policy of each Fund to generally
invest in the securities that comprise its respective Index, the portfolio of
securities held by such Fund ("Fund Securities") also will be concentrated in
that industry.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
Positions in futures contracts and options may be closed out only on an
exchange which provides a secondary market therefor. However, there can be no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures
contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a
futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, the Funds
would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its
required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may
have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time
when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Funds may be required
to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts they have sold.
The Funds will seek to minimize the risk that they will be unable to
close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and
options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options
in some strategies (E.G., selling uncovered stock index futures contracts) is
potentially unlimited. The Funds do not plan to use futures and options
contracts in this way. The risk of a futures position may still be large as
traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a
relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate
and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required
margin deposit. The Funds, however, intend to utilize futures and options
contracts in a manner designed to limit their risk exposure to that which is
comparable to what it would have incurred through direct investment in stocks.
Utilization of futures transactions by the Funds involves the risk of
imperfect or even negative correlation to each Fund's respective benchmark Index
if the index underlying the futures contracts differs from the benchmark Index.
There is also the risk of loss by the Funds of margin deposits in the event of
bankruptcy of a broker with whom a Fund has an open position in the futures
contract or option.
Certain financial futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily
limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may
vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a
trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of
contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The
daily limit governs only price movement during a
14
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because
the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract
prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive
trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of
future positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
SWAPS
The use of swap agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the
counterparty, under a swap agreement, defaults on its obligation to make
payments due from it as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Funds may
lose such payments altogether or collect only a portion thereof, which
collection could involve costs or delay.
U.S. FEDERAL TAX TREATMENT OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Funds may be required for federal income tax purposes to
mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year their net
unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the
year as well as those actually realized during the year. The Funds may be
required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts to the extent
of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by the Funds.
In order for each Fund to continue to qualify for U.S. federal income
tax treatment as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross
income for a taxable year must be derived from qualifying income, I.E.,
dividends, interest, income derived from loans of securities, gains from the
sale of securities or of foreign currencies or other income derived with respect
to a Fund's business of investing in securities. It is anticipated that any net
gain realized from the closing out of futures contracts will be considered gain
from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes
of the 90% requirement.
The Funds distribute to shareholders annually any net capital gains
which have been recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including
unrealized gains at the end of a Fund's fiscal year) on futures transactions.
Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on
each Fund's other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the
distributions.
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise
certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are
issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution,"
as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other
persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the
circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a
manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the
prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a
statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the
Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares
directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of
new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary
market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for
purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and
circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in
the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a
complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization
as an underwriter.
15
Broker-dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a
distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary trading transactions), and
thus dealing with Shares that are part of an "unsold allotment" within the
meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, would be unable to take
advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the
Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section
4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a
result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should
note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a
distribution (as contrasted with ordinary secondary market transactions) and
thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the
meaning of Section 4(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take
advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the
Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect
to Shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus
delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an
exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the
fact that the prospectus is available at the relevant Exchange upon request. The
prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with
respect to transactions on an exchange.
16
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an
investment in the Funds is contained in the Funds' Prospectus under the headings
"Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Coal ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Market
Vectors--Environmental Services ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Gaming ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Russia ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Steel ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Shareholder Information--Determination of NAV" and "Shareholder
Information--Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares." The discussion below
supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Funds'
Prospectus.
The Shares of each Fund are traded in the secondary market at prices
that may differ to some degree from their NAV. There can be no assurance that
the requirements of the relevant Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of
Shares of the Funds will continue to be met.
The relevant Exchange may but is not required to remove the Shares of
the Funds from listing if: (1) following the initial twelve-month period
beginning upon the commencement of trading of the Funds, there are fewer than 50
beneficial holders of the Shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days, (2)
the value of a Fund's respective underlying Index or portfolio of securities on
which the Funds is based is no longer calculated or available or (3) such other
event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of the Exchange,
makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. In addition, the Exchange
will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of the Trust.
As in the case of other securities traded on the Exchanges, brokers'
commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at
customary levels.
In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market
price of the Shares on the relevant Exchange are approximately consistent with
the current value of the assets of the Funds on a per Share basis, an updated
Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value is disseminated intra-day through the
facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association's Network B. Indicative Per
Share Portfolio Values are disseminated every 15 seconds during regular Exchange
trading hours based on the most recently reported prices of Fund Securities. As
the respective international local markets close, the Indicative Per Share
Portfolio Value will continue to be updated for foreign exchange rates for the
remainder of the U.S. trading day at the prescribed 15 second interval. The
Funds are not involved in or responsible for the calculation or dissemination of
the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value and make no warranty as to the accuracy
of the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value.
The Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value has an equity securities value
component and a net other assets value component, each of which are summed and
divided by the total estimated Fund Shares outstanding, including Shares
expected to be issued by each Fund on that day, to arrive at an Indicative Per
Share Portfolio Value.
The equity securities value component of the Indicative Per Share
Portfolio Value represents the estimated value of the portfolio securities held
by a Fund on a given day. While the equity securities value component estimates
the current market value of a Fund's portfolio securities, it does not
necessarily reflect the precise composition or market value of the current
portfolio of securities held by the Trust for the Fund at a particular point in
time. Therefore, the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value disseminated during
the relevant Exchange trading hours should be viewed only as an estimate of a
17
Fund's NAV per share, which is calculated at the close of the regular trading
session on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., New York
time) on each day Business Day.
In addition to the equity securities value component described in the
preceding paragraph, the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value for each Fund
includes a net other assets value component consisting of estimates of all other
assets and liabilities of the Fund including, among others, current day
estimates of dividend income and expense accruals.
18
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
The Board has responsibility for the overall management and operations
of the Trust, including general supervision of the duties performed by the
Adviser and other service providers. The Board currently consists of four
Trustees.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
TERM OF NUMBER OF
OFFICE(2) PORTFOLIOS
POSITION(S) AND LENGTH IN FUND OTHER
NAME, ADDRESS(1) HELD WITH OF TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) COMPLEX(3) DIRECTORSHIPS
AND AGE FUNDS SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS OVERSEEN HELD BY TRUSTEE
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
David H. Chow, 50* Trustee Since 2006 Vice-Chairman and Chief 21 None.
Investment Officer, Torch
Hill Investment Partners
LLC (private equity
firm), July 2007 to
present; Managing
Partner, Lithos Capital
Partners LLC (private
equity firm), January
2006 to June 2007;
Managing Director,
DanCourt Management LLC
(strategy consulting
firm), March 1999 to
present.
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
R. Alastair Short, 54* Trustee Since 2006 Vice Chairman, W.P. 30 Director,
Stewart & Co., Ltd. Kenyon Review;
(asset management firm), Director, The
September 2007 to Medici Archive
present; Managing Project.
Director, The GlenRock
Group, LLC (private
equity investment firm),
May 2004 to September
2007; President, Apex
Capital Corporation
(personal investment
vehicle), January 1988 to
present; President,
Matrix Global
Investments, Inc. and
predecessor company
(private investment
company), September 1995
to January 1999.
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Richard D. Stamberger 48* Trustee Since 2006 Director, President and 30 None.
CEO, SmartBrief, Inc.
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
|
(1) The address for each Trustee and officer is 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, New York 10016.
(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 Funds, Inc.,
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust and Market Vectors ETF Trust.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
19
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
TERM OF NUMBER OF
OFFICE(2) PORTFOLIOS OTHER
POSITION(S) AND LENGTH IN FUND DIRECTORSHIPS
NAME, ADDRESS(1) HELD WITH OF TIME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) COMPLEX(3) HELD OUTSIDE THE
AND AGE FUNDS SERVED DURING PAST FIVE YEARS OVERSEEN FUND COMPLEX:
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
Jan F. van Eck(4), 44 Trustee Since 2006 Director and Executive 21 Director,
Vice President, Van Eck Greylock
Associates Corporation; Capital
Director, Executive Vice Associates LLC.
President and Chief
Compliance Officer, Van
Eck Securities
Corporation; Director and
President, Van Eck
Absolute Return Advisers
Corp.
----------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------------------------- ------------- ----------------
|
(1) The address for each Trustee and officer is 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, New York 10016.
(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 Funds, Inc.,
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust and Market Vectors ETF Trust.
(4) "Interested person" of the Funds within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
OFFICER INFORMATION
The Officers of the Trust, their addresses, positions with the Funds, ages and
principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
OFFICER'S NAME, TERM OF OFFICER AND LENGTH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING THE
ADDRESS (1) AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND OF TIME SERVED PAST FIVE YEARS
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Charles T. Cameron, Vice President Since 1996 Director of Trading and Portfolio
48 Manager for the Adviser; Officer
of three other investment
companies advised by the Adviser.
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Keith J. Carlson, 51 Chief Executive Officer Since 2004 President of the Adviser and Van
and President Eck Securities Corporation
("VESC"); Private Investor (June
2003-January 2004); Independent
Consultant, Waddell & Reed, Inc.
(December 2002-May 2003); Officer
of three other investment
companies advised by the Adviser.
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Susan C. Lashley, 53 Vice President Since 1998 Vice President of the Adviser and
VESC; Officer of three other
investment companies advised by
the Adviser.
---------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
|
20
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Thomas K. Lynch, 51 Chief Compliance Officer Since 2007 Chief Compliance Officer of the
Adviser and Van Eck Absolute
Return Advisers Corporation
("VEARA") (Since January 2007);
Vice President of the Adviser and
VEARA; Treasurer and Officer of
three other investment companies
advised by the Adviser (April
2005-December 2006); Second Vice
President of Investment Reporting,
TIAA-CREF (January 1996-April
2005).
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Joseph J. McBrien, 59 Senior Vice President, Since 2005 Senior Vice President, General
Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel and Secretary of the
Officer Adviser, VESC and VEARA (Since
December 2005); Managing Director,
Chatsworth Securities LLC (March
2001-November 2005); Officer of
three other investment companies
advised by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Alfred J. Ratcliffe, Vice President and Since 2006 Vice President of the Adviser
60 Treasurer (Since 2006); Vice President and
Director of Mutual Fund Accounting
and Administration, PFPC (March
2000-November 2006); Officer of
three other investment companies
advised by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Jonathan R. Simon, 33 Vice President and Since 2006 Vice President and Associate
Assistant Secretary General Counsel of the Adviser
(Since 2006); Vice President and
Assistant Secretary of VEARA and
VESC (Since 2006); Associate,
Schulte Roth & Zabel (July
2004-July 2006); Associate, Carter
Ledyard & Milburn LLP (September
2001-July 2004); Officer of three
other investment companies advised
by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Bruce J. Smith, 53 Senior Vice President and Since 1985 Senior Vice President and Chief
Chief Financial Officer Financial Officer of the Adviser;
Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Controller of VESC and VEARA;
Officer of three other investment
companies advised by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Derek S. van Eck(3), 43 Executive Vice President Since 2004 Director and Executive Vice
President of the Adviser, VESC and
VEARA; Director of Greylock
Capital Associates LLC; Officer of
three other investment companies
advised by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
|
21
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Jan F. van Eck(3), 44 Executive Vice President Since 2005 Director and Executive Vice
President of the Adviser;
Director, Executive Vice President
and Chief Compliance Officer of
VESC; Director and President of
VEARA; Director of Greylock
Capital Associates LLC; Trustee of
Market Vectors ETF Trust; Officer
of three other investment
companies advised by the Adviser.
------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
|
(1) The address for each Officer is 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York,
New York 10016.
(2) Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
(3) Messrs. Jan F. van Eck and Derek S. van Eck are brothers.
The Board of the Trust met six times during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007.
The Board has an Audit Committee, consisting of three Trustees who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (an
"Independent Trustee"). Messrs. Chow, Short and Stamberger currently serve as
members of the Audit Committee and each has been designated as an "audit
committee financial expert" as defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Mr. Short is
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the responsibility,
among other things, to: (i) oversee the accounting and financial reporting
processes of the Trust and its internal control over financial reporting and, as
the Audit Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal control over
financial reporting of certain third-party service providers; (ii) oversee the
quality and integrity of the Trust's financial statements and the independent
audit thereof; (iii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist the Board's oversight of
the Trust's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the
Trust's accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial
reporting and independent audit; (iv) approve prior to appointment the
engagement of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and, in
connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence
and performance of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm;
and (v) act as a liaison between the Trust's independent registered public
accounting firm and the full Board. The Audit Committee met two times during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
The Board also has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
consisting of three Independent Trustees. Messrs. Chow, Short and Stamberger
currently serve as members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the responsibility, among
other things, to: (i) evaluate, as necessary, the composition of the Board, its
committees and sub-committees and make such recommendations to the Board as
deemed appropriate by the Committee; (ii) review and define Independent Trustee
qualifications; (iii) review the qualifications of individuals serving as
Trustees on the Board and its committees; (iv) develop corporate governance
guidelines for the Trust and the Board; (v) evaluate, recommend and nominate
qualified individuals for election or appointment as members of the Board and
recommend the appointment of members and chairs of each Board committee and
subcommittee and (vi) review and assess, from time to time, the performance of
the committees and subcommittees of the Board and report results to the Board.
The Board will consider recommendations for trustees from shareholders.
Nominations from shareholders should be in writing and sent to the Board of
Trustees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met two times during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
22
The officers and Trustees of the Trust, in the aggregate, own less than
1% of the Shares of each Fund.
For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially
owned by the Trustee in the Trust and in all registered investment companies
overseen by the Trustee is shown below.
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL
REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF
IN MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST INVESTMENT COMPANIES
NAME OF TRUSTEE (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007) (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007)
---------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------
$50,001 - $100,000 $50,001 - $100,000
David H. Chow
R. Alastair Short None $10,001 - $50,000
Richard D. Stamberger $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
Jan F. van Eck $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
|
As to each Independent Trustee and his immediate family members, no
person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment manager or
principal underwriter of the Funds, or a person (other than a registered
investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under
common control with the investment manager or principal underwriter of the
Funds.
REMUNERATION OF TRUSTEES
The Trust pays each Independent Trustee an annual retainer of $10,000,
a per meeting fee of $5,000 for scheduled quarterly meetings of the Board and
each special meeting of the Board and a per meeting fee of $2,500 for telephonic
meetings. The Trust pays the Chairman of the Board an annual retainer of $10,000
and each Trustee who acts as chairman of a committee an annual retainer of
$5,000. The Trust also reimburses each Trustee for travel and other
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending such meetings. No pension or
retirement benefits are accrued as part of Trustee compensation.
The table below shows the compensation paid to the Trustees by the
Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Annual Trustee fees may be
reviewed periodically and changed by the Trust's Board.
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ --------------------- ------------ ---------------
TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM THE
PENSION OR ESTIMATED TRUST AND THE
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ANNUAL FUND
AGGREGATE DEFERRED ACCRUED AS PART OF BENEFITS COMPLEX(1)
COMPENSATION COMPENSATION THE TRUST'S UPON PAID TO
NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM THE TRUST FROM THE TRUST EXPENSES(2) RETIREMENT TRUSTEE(2)
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ --------------------- ------------ ---------------
David H. Chow $ 0 $ 47,121 N/A N/A $ 47,121
R. Alastair Short $ 40,000 $ 0 N/A N/A $ 90,500
Richard D. Stamberger $ 26,250 $ 10,024 N/A N/A $ 101,994
Jan F. van Eck(3) $ 0 $ 0 N/A N/A $ 0
----------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ --------------------- ------------ ---------------
|
(1) The "Fund Complex" consists of Van Eck Funds, Van Eck Funds, Inc., Van
Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust and Market Vectors ETF Trust.
(2) Because the Funds of the Trust have different fiscal year ends, the
amounts shown are presented on a calendar year basis.
(3) "Interested person" under the 1940 Act.
23
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE
Each Fund's portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the
Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services,
including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket
composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to
deliver in exchange for Shares, together with estimates and actual cash
components is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange
via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the "NSCC"), a clearing agency
that is registered with the SEC. The basket represents one Creation Unit of each
Fund. The Trust, Adviser, Custodian and Distributor will not disseminate
non-public information concerning the Trust.
QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal
quarters, the complete schedule of the Funds' portfolio holdings with the SEC on
Form N-Q. Form N-Q for the Funds is available on the SEC's website at
HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. The Funds' Form N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the
SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. and information on the operation
of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.551.8090. The Funds'
Form N-Q is available through the Funds' website, at WWW.VANECK.COM or by
writing to 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10016.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Funds, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of
Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, designed to monitor personal
securities transactions by their personnel (the "Personnel"). The Code of Ethics
requires that all trading in securities that are being purchased or sold, or are
being considered for purchase or sale, by the Funds must be approved in advance
by the Head of Trading, the Director of Research and the Chief Compliance
Officer of the Adviser. Approval will be granted if the security has not been
purchased or sold or recommended for purchase or sale for a Fund within seven
days, or otherwise if it is determined that the personal trading activity will
not have a negative or appreciable impact on the price or market of the
security, or is of such a nature that it does not present the dangers or
potential for abuses that are likely to result in harm or detriment to the
Funds. At the end of each calendar quarter, all Personnel must file a report of
all transactions entered into during the quarter. These reports are reviewed by
a senior officer of the Adviser.
Generally, all Personnel must obtain approval prior to conducting any
transaction in securities. Independent Trustees, however, are not required to
obtain prior approval of personal securities transactions. Personnel may
purchase securities in an initial public offering or private placement, PROVIDED
that he or she obtains preclearance of the purchase and makes certain
representations.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Funds' proxy voting record is available upon request and on the
SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Proxies for each Fund's portfolio
securities are voted in accordance with the Adviser's proxy voting policies and
procedures, which are set forth in Appendix A to this SAI.
The Trust is required to disclose annually each Fund's complete proxy
voting record on Form N-PX covering the period July 1 through June 30 and file
it with the SEC no later than August 31. Form N-PX for the Funds is available
through the Funds' website, at www.vaneck.com, or by writing to 99 Park Avenue,
8th Floor, New York, New York 10016. The Funds' Form N-PX is also available on
the SEC's website at WWW.SEC.GOV.
24
MANAGEMENT
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Management."
THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
Van Eck Associates Corporation (the "Adviser") acts as investment
manager to the Trust and, subject to the supervision of the Board, is
responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Funds. The Adviser
is a private company with headquarters in New York and manages other mutual
funds and separate accounts.
The Adviser serves as investment manager to the Funds pursuant to the
Investment Management Agreement between Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and the
Adviser (the "Gold Miners Investment Management Agreement") and pursuant to an
investment management agreement between the Trust and the Adviser (the "Trust
Investment Management Agreement" and, together with the Gold Miners Investment
Management Agreement, the "Investment Management Agreements"). Under the
Investment Management Agreements, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the
Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund,
manages the investment of the Funds' assets. The Adviser is responsible for
placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the
investment portfolio of the Funds.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Trust has agreed
to indemnify the Adviser for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities
arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.
COMPENSATION. As compensation for its services under each Investment Management
Agreement, the Adviser is paid a monthly fee based on a percentage of each
Fund's average daily net assets at the annual rate of 0.50%. From time to time,
the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fees. Until at least May 1, 2009,
the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to
the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding
interest expense, offering costs, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from
exceeding 0.55% (with respect to Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF,
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF), 0.65% (with
respect to Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market
Vectors--Gaming ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market
Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF) and 0.69% (with respect to Market Vectors--Russia
ETF) of average daily net assets per year. The expenses excluded from the
expense caps are: (a) legal fees pertaining to a Fund's Shares offered for sale;
(b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid to be listed on
an exchange.
The management fees paid by each Fund and the expenses waived or assumed by the
Adviser during the Fund's Fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, as
applicable, or, if the Fund has not been in existence for a full fiscal year,
since the commencement of operations of that Fund are set forth in the chart
below.
EXPENSES WAIVED OR ASSUMED
MANAGEMENT FEES BY THE ADVISER
PAID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
FUND DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2007 DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2007
------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Market Vectors-Agribusiness ETF(1) N/A $ 509,538 N/A $ -
Market Vectors-Coal ETF(2) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Market Vectors-Environmental Services ETF(3) $ 42,742 $155,589 $ 73,815 $ 97,596
Market Vectors-Gaming ETF(4) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF(5) N/A $ 290,571 N/A $ 49,312
Market Vectors-Gold Miners ETF(6) $784,673 $3,778,313 $204,756 $343,114
Market Vectors-Nuclear Energy ETF(7) N/A $ 161,817 N/A $ 20,143
Market Vectors-Russia ETF(8) N/A $ 815,023 N/A $ 19,360
Market Vectors-Steel EFT(3) $ 45,335 $ 614,615 $ 73,555 $ 93,890
|
1 Commenced operations on August 31, 2007.
2 Commenced operations on January 11, 2008.
3 Commenced operations on October 10, 2006.
4 Commenced operations on January 23, 2008.
5 Commenced operations on May 3, 2007.
6 Commenced operations on May 16, 2006.
7 Commenced operations on August 13, 2007.
8 Commenced operations on April 24, 2007.
TERM. Each Investment Management Agreement continues in effect until the next
in-person meeting of the Board, which is expected to be held on or before June
30, 2008. Thereafter, the Investment Management Agreement is subject to annual
approval by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, provided that in either
event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not
interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each
Investment Management Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days
notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. Each Investment
Management Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days notice by the Adviser and
will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the
1940 Act).
25
LEGAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS. In July 2004, Van Eck Associates
Corporation ("VEAC") received a "Wells Notice" from the SEC in connection with
the SEC's investigation of market-timing activities. This Wells Notice informed
VEAC that the SEC staff was considering recommending that the SEC bring a civil
or administrative action alleging violations of U.S. securities laws against
VEAC and two of its senior officers. Under SEC procedures, VEAC has an
opportunity to respond to the SEC staff before the staff makes a formal
recommendation. The time period for VEAC's response has been extended until
further notice from the SEC and, to the best knowledge of VEAC, no formal
recommendation has been made to the SEC to date. There cannot be any assurance
that, if the SEC were to assess sanctions against VEAC, such sanctions would not
materially and adversely affect VEAC. If it is determined that VEAC or its
affiliates engaged in improper or wrongful activity that caused a loss to the
Van Eck Funds or the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust, the Board of Trustees of
the funds will determine the amount of restitution that should be made to a fund
or its shareholders. At the present time, the amount of such restitution, if
any, has not been determined. The Board and VEAC are currently working to
resolve outstanding issues relating to these matters.
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Van Eck Associates Corporation also serves as administrator for the
Trust pursuant to each Investment Management Agreement. Under each Investment
Management Agreement, the Adviser is obligated on a continuous basis to provide
such administrative services as the Board of the Trust reasonably deems
necessary for the proper administration of the Trust and the Funds. The Adviser
will generally assist in all aspects of the Trust's and the Funds' operations;
supply and maintain office facilities, statistical and research data, data
processing services, clerical, accounting (only with respect to Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF), bookkeeping and record keeping services (including
without limitation the maintenance of such books and records as are required
under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, except as maintained by other
agents), internal auditing, executive and administrative services, and
stationery and office supplies; prepare reports to shareholders or investors;
prepare and file tax returns; supply financial information and supporting data
for reports to and filings with the SEC and various state Blue Sky authorities;
supply supporting documentation for meetings of the Board; provide monitoring
reports and assistance regarding compliance with the Declaration of Trust,
by-laws, investment objectives and policies and with federal and state
securities laws; arrange for appropriate insurance coverage; calculate NAVs, net
income and realized capital gains or losses; and negotiate arrangements with,
and supervise and coordinate the activities of, agents and others to supply
services.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York ("The Bank of New York") serves as custodian for
the Funds pursuant to a Custodian Agreement. As Custodian, The Bank of New York
holds the Funds' assets. The Bank of New York serves as each Fund's transfer
agent pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement. The Bank of New York may be
reimbursed by each Fund for its out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, The Bank of
New York provides various accounting services to each of the Funds, except for
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, pursuant to a fund accounting agreement. The
Adviser pays a portion of the fee that it receives from Market Vectors--Gold
Miners ETF to The Bank of New York for providing fund accounting services to
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
Van Eck Securities Corporation (the "Distributor") is the principal
underwriter and distributor of Shares. Its principal address is 99 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10016 and investor information can be obtained by calling
1-888-MKT-VCTR. The Distributor has entered into an agreement with the
26
Trust which will continue from its effective date unless terminated by either
party upon 60 days' prior written notice to the other party by the Trust and the
Adviser, or by the Distributor, or until termination of the Trust or each Fund
offering its Shares, and which is renewable annually thereafter (the
"Distribution Agreement"), pursuant to which it distributes Shares. Shares will
be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in
Creation Units, as described below under "Creation and Redemption of Creation
Units--Procedures for Creation of Creation Units." Shares in less than Creation
Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver a
prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain
records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished
by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and
a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The
Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or
which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust.
The Distributor may also enter into sales and investor services
agreements with broker-dealers or other persons that are Participating Parties
and DTC Participants (as defined below) to provide distribution assistance,
including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional
services but must pay such broker-dealers or other persons, out of its own
assets.
The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any
time, without the payment of any penalty: (i) by vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, on at least 60 days written
notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is also terminable upon 60
days notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers who currently share joint responsibility for the
day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio are Hao-Hung (Peter) Liao and
Edward M. Kuczma, Jr. Mr. Liao has been employed by the Adviser since the summer
of 2004. Mr. Liao attended New York University from 2000 to 2004 where he
received a Bachelor of Arts majoring in mathematics and economics. Mr. Liao also
serves as investment analyst for the Worldwide Absolute Return Fund ("WARF"), a
series of The Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust, a registered investment
company, where his role includes manager review, performance attribution,
changes in manager mandates and risk management, and as a portfolio manager of
WARF which as of April 8, 2008 had $8,105,690 in assets. Mr. Kuczma has been
employed by the Adviser since January of 2004. Prior to Mr. Kuczma's current
role of investment analyst, he worked from January 2004 to June 2004 in
Portfolio Administration for the Adviser. After serving as a fund administrator
for international portfolios, Mr. Kuczma became an analyst for emerging market
companies. He also serves on a committee that reviews managers and changing
mandates for WARF. Mr. Kuczma attended Georgetown University from 1999 to 2003.
Messrs. Liao and Kuczma serve as portfolio managers of eleven funds of the
Trust, which as of April 18, 2008 had $5,719,470,670 in assets. Other than the
eleven funds of the Trust, Messrs. Liao and Kuczma do not manage any other
registered investment companies, pooled investment vehicles or other accounts.
Messrs. Liao and Kuczma have served as the portfolio managers of each Fund since
its inception.
Although the Funds in the Trust that are managed by Messrs. Liao and
Kuczma may have different investment strategies, each has an investment
objective of seeking to replicate, before fees and expenses, its respective
underlying index. The Adviser does not believe that management of eleven funds
of the Trust and WARF presents a material conflict of interest for Messrs. Liao
and Kuczma or the Adviser.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION
The portfolio managers are paid a fixed base salary and a bonus. The
bonus is based upon the quality of investment analysis and the management of the
Funds. The quality of management of the
27
Funds includes issues of replication, rebalancing, portfolio monitoring,
efficient operation, among other factors. Portfolio managers who oversee
accounts with significantly different fee structures are generally compensated
by discretionary bonus rather than a set formula to help reduce potential
conflicts of interest. At times, the Adviser and affiliates manage accounts with
incentive fees.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER SHARE OWNERSHIP
As of the date of this SAI, the dollar range of Shares of the Funds
beneficially owned by Mr. Kuczma and Mr. Liao was $5-$50,000 and $5-$50,000,
respectively. The portfolio holdings of Mr. Kuczma and Mr. Liao as of December
31, 2007 are shown below.
EDWARD M. KUCZMA, JR. DOLLAR RANGE
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,001 $100,001
$1 TO $10,001 TO TO TO $500,001 TO OVER
FUND $10,000 $50,000 $100,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
---- ------- ---------- -------- --------- ----------- ----------
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF X
Market Vectors--Coal ETF
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF
Market Vectors--Gaming ETF
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF X
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF X
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF X
Market Vectors--Russia ETF X
Market Vectors--Steel ETF
|
HAO-HUNG (PETER) LIAO DOLLAR RANGE
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,001 $100,001
$1 TO $10,001 TO TO TO $500,001 TO OVER
FUND $10,000 $50,000 $100,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
---- ------- ---------- -------- --------- ----------- ----------
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF X
Market Vectors--Coal ETF
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF X
Market Vectors--Gaming ETF
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy
ETF
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF X
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF X
Market Vectors--Russia ETF X
Market Vectors--Steel ETF
|
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
When selecting brokers and dealers to handle the purchase and sale of
portfolio securities, the Adviser looks for prompt execution of the order at a
favorable price. Generally, the Adviser works with recognized dealers in these
securities, except when a better price and execution of the order can be
obtained elsewhere. The Funds will not deal with affiliates in principal
transactions unless permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or
regulation. The Adviser owes a duty to its clients to provide best execution on
trades effected. Since the investment objective of each Fund is investment
performance that corresponds to that of an index, the Adviser does not intend to
select brokers and dealers for the purpose of receiving research services in
addition to a favorable price and prompt execution either from that broker or an
unaffiliated third party.
The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf
of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or
sales of portfolio securities of the Trust and one or
28
more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Adviser are
considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are
allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed
equitable to all by the Adviser. In some cases, this procedure could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Trust is
concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to
participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions
will be beneficial to the Trust. The primary consideration is best execution.
Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a
year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater
brokerage expenses. The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund is expected to be
under 30%. See "Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF--Principal Investment Objective
and Strategies," "Market Vectors--Coal ETF--Principal Investment Objective and
Strategies," "Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF--Principal Investment
Objective and Strategies," "Market Vectors--Gaming ETF--Principal Investment
Objective and Strategies," "Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy
ETF--Principal Investment Objective and Strategies," "Market Vectors--Gold
Miners ETF--Principal Investment Objective and Strategies," "Market
Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF--Principal Investment Objective and Strategies,"
"Market Vectors--Russia ETF--Principal Investment Objective and Strategies" and
"Market Vectors--Steel ETF--Principal Investment Objective and Strategies" in
the Funds' Prospectus. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions is
evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to
the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for
comparable services.
The aggregate brokerage commissions paid by each Fund during the Fund's
fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, as applicable, or, if the Fund
has not been in existence for a full fiscal year, since the commencement of
operations of that Fund are set forth in the chart below.
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
PAID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------
FUND DECEMBER 31, 2006 DECEMBER 31, 2007
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------
Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF(1) N/A $90,673
Market Vectors--Coal ETF(2) N/A N/A
Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF(3) $1,375 $0
Market Vectors--Gaming ETF(4) N/A N/A
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF(5) N/A $3,414
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF(6) $10,494 $81,957
Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF(7) N/A $0
Market Vectors--Russia ETF(8) N/A $167,208
Market Vectors--Steel ETF(3) $157 $1,452
|
1 Commenced operations of August 31, 2007.
2 Commenced operations on January 11, 2008.
3 Commenced operations of October 10, 2006.
4 Commenced operations on January 23, 2008.
5 Commenced operations of May 3, 2007.
6 Commenced operations on May 16, 2006.
7 Commenced operations on August 13, 2007.
8 Commenced operations on April 24, 2007.
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information--Buying and
Selling Exchange-Traded Shares."
29
DTC acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of the Funds
are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and
deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for
Shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of
its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of
whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by
a number of its DTC Participants and by the NYSE, the Amex and FINRA. Access to
the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and
trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect
Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect
Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such
beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on,
and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by
DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants
(with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC
Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC
Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to
Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement
between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon
request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares
holdings of each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC
Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or
indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC
Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in
such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably
request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be
transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial
Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and
reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such
transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as
the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any
such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
Shares as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC
Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held
through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the
responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspects of the
records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC
Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect
Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
30
DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to
the Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging
its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such
circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC
to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is
unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of
Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto
satisfactory to the Exchange.
CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
GENERAL
The Trust issues and sells Shares only in Creation Units on a
continuous basis through the Distributor, without an initial sales load, at
their NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined
herein), of an order in proper form.
A "Business Day" with respect to the Funds is any day on which the
Exchanges are open for business. As of the date of the Prospectus, the Exchanges
observe the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
President's Day (Washington's Birthday), Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed),
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
FUND DEPOSIT
The consideration for a purchase of Creation Units generally consists
of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of equity securities (the
"Deposit Securities") constituting a replication of each Fund's benchmark Index
and an amount of cash computed as described below (the "Cash Component").
Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the "Fund
Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount
for Shares. The Cash Component represents the difference between the NAV of a
Creation Unit and the market value of Deposit Securities and may include a
Dividend Equivalent Payment. The "Dividend Equivalent Payment" enables each Fund
to make a complete distribution of dividends on the next dividend payment date,
and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all
the securities held by the Fund ("Fund Securities") with ex-dividend dates
within the accumulation period for such distribution (the "Accumulation
Period"), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the Fund
Securities had been held by the Trust for the entire Accumulation Period. The
Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for each Fund and ends on the
next ex-dividend date.
The Administrator, through the NSCC, makes available on each Business
Day, immediately prior to the opening of business on the relevant Exchange
(currently 9:30 a.m., New York time), the list of the names and the required
number of shares of each Deposit Security to be included in the current Fund
Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) as well
as the Cash Component for each Fund. Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to
any adjustments as described below, in order to effect creations of Creation
Units of each Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit
composition is made available.
The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required
for a Fund Deposit for each Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and
corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser with a
view to the investment objective of the Fund. The composition of the Deposit
Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or
composition of the securities constituting each Fund's respective benchmark
Index. In addition, the Trust reserves the right to permit
31
or require the substitution of an amount of cash (I.E., a "cash in lieu" amount)
to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may,
among other reasons, not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not
be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust as a result of an
in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention or which may
not be eligible for transfer through the Clearing Process (described below), or
which may not be eligible for trading by a Participating Party (defined below).
In light of the foregoing, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind creation
order process, the Trust expects to purchase the Deposit Securities represented
by the cash in lieu amount in the secondary market ("Market Purchases"). In such
cases where the Trust makes Market Purchases because a Deposit Security may not
be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust as a result of an
in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other
reasons, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Trust for, among other
things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were
purchased by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the
Adviser's discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes.
Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the Trust's acquisition of
Deposit Securities will be at the expense of each Fund and will affect the value
of all Shares of the Fund; but the Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the
extent the composition of the Deposit Securities changes or cash in lieu is
added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. The adjustments
described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of
announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the
composition of the Index or resulting from stock splits and other corporate
actions.
In addition to the list of names and numbers of securities constituting
the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Administrator, through the
NSCC, also makes available (i) on each Business Day, the Dividend Equivalent
Payment, if any, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per
outstanding Shares of the Fund, and (ii) on a continuous basis throughout the
day, the Indicative Per Share Portfolio Value.
PROCEDURES FOR CREATION OF CREATION UNITS
To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor to create Creation
Units of the Funds, an entity or person either must be (1) a "Participating
Party," I.E., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process
through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC; or (2) a DTC
Participant (see "Book Entry Only System"); and, in either case, must have
executed an agreement with the Trust and with the Distributor with respect to
creations and redemptions of Creation Units outside the Clearing Process
("Participant Agreement") (discussed below). All Creation Units of the Funds,
however created, will be entered on the records of the Depository in the name of
Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.
All orders to create Creation Units must be placed in multiples of
50,000 Shares (I.E., a Creation Unit). All orders to create Creation Units,
whether through the Clearing Process or outside the Clearing Process, must be
received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular
trading session on the relevant Exchange ("Closing Time") (ordinarily 4:00 p.m.,
New York time) (3:00 p.m. for "Custom Orders" (as defined below)) in each case
on the date such order is placed in order for creation of Creation Units to be
effected based on the NAV of the Fund as determined on such date. A "Custom
Order" may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust
permits or requires the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the
Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in
sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by
such Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting, or other
relevant reason. The date on which a creation order (or order to redeem as
discussed below) is placed is herein referred to as the "Transmittal Date."
Orders must be transmitted by telephone or other transmission method acceptable
to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant
Agreement, as described below (see "--Placement of Creation Orders Using
Clearing Process"). Severe economic or market disruptions or
32
changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to
reach the Distributor, a Participating Party or a DTC Participant.
Creation Units may be created in advance of the receipt by the Trust of
all or a portion of the Fund Deposit. In such cases, the Participating Party
will remain liable for the full deposit of the missing portion(s) of the Fund
Deposit and will be required to post collateral with the Trust consisting of
cash at least equal to a percentage of the marked-to-market value of such
missing portion(s) that is specified in the Participant Agreement. The
Participant Agreement for any Participating Party intending to follow such
procedures will contain terms and conditions permitting the Trust to use such
collateral to buy the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit at any time and
will subject such Participating Party to liability for any shortfall between the
cost to the Trust of purchasing such securities and the value of such
collateral. The Trust will have no liability for any such shortfall. The Trust
will return any unused portion of the collateral to the Participating Party once
the entire Fund Deposit has been properly received by the Distributor and
deposited into the Trust.
Orders to create Creation Units of the Funds shall be placed with a
Participating Party or DTC Participant, as applicable, in the form required by
such Participating Party or DTC Participant. Investors should be aware that
their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement, and that,
therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Funds may have to be placed by
the investor's broker through a Participating Party or a DTC Participant who has
executed a Participant Agreement. At any given time there may be only a limited
number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those
placing orders to create Creation Units of the Funds through the Clearing
Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order
to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date.
Orders for creation that are effected outside the Clearing Process are
likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal
Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing
orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to
DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations
department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of
Deposit Securities and Cash Component.
Orders to create Creation Units of the Fund may be placed through the
Clearing Process utilizing procedures applicable to domestic funds for domestic
securities ("Domestic Funds") (see "--Placement of Creation Orders Using
Clearing Process") or outside the Clearing Process utilizing the procedures
applicable to either Domestic Funds or foreign funds for foreign securities (see
"--Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process--Domestic Funds" and
"--Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process--Foreign Funds"). In
the event that a Fund includes both domestic and foreign securities, the time
for submitting orders is as stated in the "Placement of Creation Orders Outside
Clearing Process--Foreign Funds" and "Placement of Redemption Orders Outside
Clearing Process--Foreign Funds" sections below shall operate.
PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS USING CLEARING PROCESS
Fund Deposits created through the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement with the
Distributor and with the Trust (as the same may be from time to time amended in
accordance with its terms).
The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor to transmit to
NSCC on behalf of the Participating Party such trade instructions as are
necessary to effect the Participating Party's creation order. Pursuant to such
trade instructions from the Distributor to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees
to transfer the requisite Deposit Securities (or contracts to purchase such
Deposit Securities that are expected
33
to be delivered in a "regular way" manner by the third (3rd) Business Day) and
the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information as
may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units of the
Funds through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the
Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than
the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set
forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.
PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS--DOMESTIC FUNDS
Fund Deposits created outside the Clearing Process must be delivered
through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement with the
Distributor and with the Trust. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order
creating Creation Units of the Funds to be effected outside the Clearing Process
need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC
Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation
Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash. The
Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion
so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities
through DTC to the account of the Trust by no later than 11:00 a.m., New York
time, of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. All
questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the
validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of
any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination
shall be final and binding. The cash equal to the Cash Component must be
transferred directly to the Distributor through the Federal Reserve wire system
in a timely manner so as to be received by the Distributor no later than 2:00
p.m., New York time, on the next Business Day immediately following the
Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Units of the Funds outside the
Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date
if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time
on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the
Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Distributor does
not receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component in a
timely fashion on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal
Date, such order will be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such
cancelled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund
Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the current NAV of the applicable Fund.
The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur no later than the third
(3rd) Business Day following the day on which the creation order is deemed
received by the Distributor.
PLACEMENT OF CREATION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS--FOREIGN FUNDS
A standard order must be placed by 4:00 p.m., New York time, for
purchases of Shares. In the case of custom orders, the order must be received by
the Distributor no later than 10:00 a.m., New York time. The Distributor will
inform the Transfer Agent, the Adviser and the Custodian upon receipt of a
Creation Order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the
appropriate custodian. For each Fund, the Custodian will cause the subcustodian
of such Fund to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities will be
delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the
applicable local custodian. The Trust must also receive, on or before the
contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated
by the Custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined
after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the creation
transaction fee described below.
Once the Trust has accepted a creation order, the Trust will confirm
the issuance of a Creation Unit of the Fund against receipt of payment, at such
net asset value as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of
such order. The Distributor will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of
such order.
34
Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to
the Trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have
been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the
required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to
the account of the relevant subcustodian, the Distributor and the Adviser will
be notified of such delivery and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of
the Creation Units.
ACCEPTANCE OF CREATION ORDER
The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject a creation order
transmitted to it by the Distributor if, for any reason, (a) the order is not in
proper form; (b) the creator or creators, upon obtaining the Shares ordered,
would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Funds; (c) the
Deposit Securities delivered are not as specified by the Administrator, as
described above; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain
adverse tax consequences to the Funds; (e) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit
would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Fund
Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an
adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the
event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and
the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation
orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or
utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power
outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market
conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving
computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Adviser, the
Distributor, DTC, the NSCC or any other participant in the creation process, and
similar extraordinary events. The Trust shall notify a prospective creator of
its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust and the Distributor are
under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in
the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for
the failure to give any such notification.
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the
Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for
deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and
the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
CREATION TRANSACTION FEE
A fixed creation transaction fee of $1,000 payable to the Custodian is
imposed on each creation transaction. In addition, a variable charge for cash
creations or for creations outside the Clearing Process currently of up to four
times the basic creation fee will be imposed. Where the Trust permits a creator
to substitute cash in lieu of depositing a portion of the Deposit Securities,
the creator will be assessed an additional variable charge for cash creations on
the "cash in lieu" portion of its investment. Creators of Creation Units are
responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the
Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust.
REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next
determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the
Distributor, only on a Business Day and only through a Participating Party or
DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. THE TRUST WILL NOT
REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Beneficial Owners also may
sell Shares in the secondary market, but must accumulate enough Shares to
constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust.
There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in
the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit.
Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with
assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation
Unit. See "Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in
35
the Fund," "Market Vectors--Coal ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Gaming ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund,"
"Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in
the Fund," "Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the
Fund," "Market Vectors--Russia ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund"
and "Market Vectors--Steel ETF--Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund"....in
the Prospectus.
The Administrator, through NSCC, makes available immediately prior to
the opening of business on the relevant Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., New York
time) on each day that the Exchange is open for business, the Fund Securities
that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to
redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day.
Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for the Funds, the redemption
proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities as announced
by the Administrator on the Business Day of the request for redemption, plus
cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being
redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and
the value of the Fund Securities, less the redemption transaction fee described
below. The redemption transaction fee of $1,000 is deducted from such redemption
proceeds. Should the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the
Shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the
differential plus the applicable redemption fee will be required to be arranged
for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder.
The basic redemption transaction fees are the same no matter how many
Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any one redemption request. The
Funds may adjust these fees from time to time based upon actual experience. An
additional charge up to four times the redemption transaction fee may be charged
with respect to redemptions outside of the Clearing Process. An additional
variable charge for cash redemptions or partial cash redemptions (when cash
redemptions are available) may also be imposed. Investors who use the services
of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services.
PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS USING CLEARING PROCESS
Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Funds through the Clearing
Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the
Participant Agreement with the Distributor and with the Trust (as the case may
be from time to time amended in accordance with its terms). An order to redeem
Creation Units of the Funds using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the
Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than
4:00 p.m., New York time (3:00 p.m. for Custom Orders for Domestic Funds and
10:00 a.m. for Foreign Funds) on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other
procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such
order will be effected based on the NAV of the applicable Fund as next
determined. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Funds using the Clearing
Process made in proper form but received by the Fund after 4:00 p.m., New York
time, will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the
Transmittal Date. The requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such
Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered in a "regular way" manner)
will be transferred by the third (3rd) NSCC Business Day following the date on
which such request for redemption is deemed received, and the applicable cash
payment.
PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS--DOMESTIC FUNDS
Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Funds outside the Clearing
Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the
Participant Agreement with the Distributor and with the Trust. A DTC Participant
who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units of the Funds to
36
be effected outside the Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but
such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing
Process and that redemption of Creation Units of the Funds will instead be
effected through transfer of Creation Units of the Funds directly through DTC.
An order to redeem Creation Units of the Funds outside the Clearing Process is
deemed received by the Administrator on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order
is received by the Administrator not later than 4:00 p.m., New York time (3:00
p.m. for Custom Orders) on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is preceded or
accompanied by the requisite number of Shares of Creation Units specified in
such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Administrator no
later than 11:00 a.m., New York time, on such Transmittal Date (the "DTC
Cut-Off-Time"); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant
Agreement are properly followed.
After the Administrator has deemed an order for redemption outside the
Clearing Process received, the Administrator will initiate procedures to
transfer the requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund
Securities) which are expected to be delivered within three Business Days and
the cash redemption payment to the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the third
Business Day following the Transmittal Date on which such redemption order is
deemed received by the Administrator. An additional variable redemption
transaction fee of up to four times the basic transaction fee is applicable to
redemptions outside the Clearing Process.
PLACEMENT OF REDEMPTION ORDERS OUTSIDE CLEARING PROCESS--FOREIGN FUNDS
A standard order for redemption must be received by 4:00 p.m., New York
time, for redemptions of Shares. In the case of custom redemptions, the order
must be received by the Distributor no later than 10:00 a.m., New York time.
Arrangements satisfactory to the Trust must be in place for the Participating
Party to transfer the Creation Units through DTC on or before the settlement
date. Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance
with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and the Funds (whether or
not they otherwise permit cash redemptions) reserve the right to redeem Creation
Units for cash to the extent that the Funds could not lawfully deliver specific
Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering
the Deposit Securities under such laws.
In connection with taking delivery of Shares of Fund Securities upon
redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf
of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a
qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in
which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such
Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the
entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements
to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction
and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible
to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the Trust
may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and
the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in
cash.
Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within three
business days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however,
the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds may take longer than three business
days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form.
In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until
the end of the local holiday periods. The dates in calendar year 2008 in which
the regular holidays affecting the relevant securities markets of the below
listed countries are as follows:
37
SETTLEMENT PERIODS GREATER THAN SEVEN DAYS FOR YEAR 2008
NUMBER OF
BEGINNING OF END OF DAYS IN
SETTLEMENT PERIOD SETTLEMENT PERIOD SETTLEMENT PERIOD
Argentina 03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
03/19/08 03/27/08 8
China 02/04/08 02/14/08 10
02/05/08 02/15/08 10
02/06/08 02/18/08 12
04/28/08 05/08/08 10
04/29/08 05/09/08 10
04/30/08 05/12/08 12
09/26/08 10/08/08 12
09/29/08 10/09/08 10
09/30/08 10/10/08 10
Croatia 12/19/08 12/29/08 10
12/22/08 12/30/08 8
12/23/08 01/02/09 10
Czech Republic 12/19/08 12/29/08 10
12/22/08 12/30/08 8
12/23/08 12/31/08 8
Denmark 03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
03/19/08 03/27/08 8
Finland 03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
03/19/08 03/27/08 8
Indonesia 09/26/08 10/06/08 10
09/29/08 10/07/08 8
09/30/08 10/08/07 8
Japan 12/26/08 01/05/09 10
12/29/08 01/06/09 8
12/30/08 01/07/09 8
Mexico 03/14/08 03/24/08 10
Norway 03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
03/19/08 03/27/08 8
|
38
Philippines 12/24/08 01/02/09 9
Russia* 12/26/07 01/08/08 13
12/27/07 01/09/08 13
12/28/07 01/10/08 13
Sweden 03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
03/19/08 03/27/08 8
Turkey 12/04/08 12/12/08 8
12/05/08 12/15/08 10
Venezuela 03/14/08 03/24/08 10
03/17/08 03/25/08 8
03/18/08 03/26/08 8
|
* Settlement cycle in Russia is negotiated on a deal by deal basis. Above data
reflects a hypothetical T+3 Cycle Covers market closings that have been
confirmed as of 11/1/07. Holidays are subject to change without notice.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment
postponed (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading
on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an
emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of a Fund or
determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other
circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Funds' Prospectus entitled "Shareholder
Information--Determination of NAV."
The NAV per share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of
the net assets of the Fund (I.E., the value of its total assets less total
liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding, rounded to the nearest
cent. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and
taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is
determined as of the close of the regular trading session on the relevant
Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each day that such exchange is
open. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date
of valuation as quoted by one or more sources.
The value of the portfolio securities of each of the Market
Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming ETF,
Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy
ETF and Market Vectors--Russia ETF is based on the securities' closing price on
local markets when available. If a security's market price is not readily
available or does not otherwise accurately reflect the fair value of the
security, the security will be valued by another method that the Adviser
believes will better reflect fair value in accordance with the Trust's valuation
policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Each Fund may use
fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to,
situations where the value of a security in a Fund's portfolio has been
materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which
the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news
that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has
been suspended or halted. In addition, each Fund currently expects that it will
fair value foreign equity securities held by the Fund each day the Fund
calculates its
39
NAV. Accordingly, a Fund's NAV is expected to reflect certain portfolio
securities' fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value pricing
involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination
for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized
upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a
difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund's NAV and the prices used
by the Fund's respective Index. This may adversely affect a Fund's ability to
track its respective Index. With respect to securities that are primarily listed
on foreign exchanges, the value of a Fund's portfolio securities may change on
days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.
In computing each Fund's NAV, the Fund's securities holdings are valued
based on market quotations. When market quotations are not readily available for
a portfolio security a Fund must use the security's fair value as determined in
good faith in accordance with the Fund's Fair Value Pricing Procedures which are
approved by the Board of Trustees.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information--
Distributions."
GENERAL POLICIES
Dividends from net investment income are declared and paid at least
annually by each Fund. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if any,
generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make
distributions on a more frequent basis for each Fund to improve its Index
tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
In addition, the Trust may distribute at least annually amounts representing the
full dividend yield on the underlying portfolio securities of the Funds, net of
expenses of the Funds, as if each Fund owned such underlying portfolio
securities for the entire dividend period in which case some portion of each
distribution may result in a return of capital for tax purposes for certain
shareholders.
Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as
described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares.
Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to
Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust. The
Trust makes additional distributions to the minimum extent necessary (i) to
distribute the entire annual taxable income of the Trust, plus any net capital
gains and (ii) to avoid imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4982 of
the Internal Revenue Code. Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare
special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or
advisable to preserve the status of each Fund as a regulated investment company
("RIC") or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed
income.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT SERVICE
No reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Broker-dealers may
make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by
Beneficial Owners of the Funds through DTC Participants for reinvestment of
their dividend distributions. If this service is used, dividend distributions of
both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional
whole Shares of the Funds. Beneficial Owners should contact their broker to
determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of
participation therein. Brokers may require Beneficial Owners to adhere to
specific procedures and timetables.
40
CONTROL PERSONS
The following table sets forth the name, address and percentage of
ownership of each shareholder who is known by the Trust to own, of record or
beneficially, 5% or more of the outstanding equity securities of each Fund as of
March 31, 2008:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--AGRIBUSINESS ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
BANK OF NEW YORK 14.29%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN CO 11.08%
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1101
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 9.68%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 7.24%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
FIRST CLEARING LLC 6.45%
901 EAST BYRD ST 15TH FL
RICHMOND VA 23219
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 5.66%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--COAL ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 15.36%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 11.25%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
BANK OF NEW YORK 11.14%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 7.12%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
CITIGROUP INC 6.57%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC 6.44%
1285 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK NY 10019
TD AMERITRADE INC 5.29%
1005 N AMERITRADE PLACE
BELLEVUE NE 68005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 20.51%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
BANK OF NEW YORK 10.91%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CITIGROUP INC 8.72%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 7.89%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 7.30%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
TIMBER HILL LLC 7.12%
ONE PICKWICK PLAZA
GREENWICH CT 06830
TD AMERITRADE INC 5.71%
1005 N AMERITRADE PLACE
BELLEVUE NE 68005
SWISS AMERICAN SECURITIES INC 5.05%
1001 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON DC 20004-2505
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--GAMING ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
GOLDMAN SACHS CO 51.82%
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK NY 10004
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 11.91%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
BANK OF NEW YORK 8.09%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 5.03%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 11.85%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
BANK OF NEW YORK 11.02%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 7.74%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
CITIGROUP INC 7.42%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN CO 7.20%
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1101
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 6.13%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
|
41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--GOLD MINERS ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER FUND OWNED
---------------- ----------
BANK OF NEW YORK 13.72%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 8.93%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 8.90%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN CO 7.93%
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1101
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 7.49%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
GOLDMAN SACHS CO 6.21%
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK NY 10004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CITIGROUP INC 12.35%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 9.53%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 8.96%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
BANK OF NEW YORK 8.05%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN CO 7.11%
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1101
SWISS AMERICAN SECURITIES INC 6.27%
1001 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON DC 20004 2505
TD AMERITRADE INC 5.61%
1005 N AMERITRADE PLACE
BELLEVUE NE 68005
BANK OF AMERICA CORP 5.05%
BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE CENTER
100 N TRYON ST
CHARLOTTE NC 28255
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--RUSSIA ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK OF NEW YORK 24.84%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN CO 11.02%
140 BROADWAY
NEW YORK NY 10005-1101
CITIGROUP INC 8.90%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 8.69%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY4F
NEW YORK NY 10281
STATE STREET CORPORATION 5.43%
STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER
ONE LINCOLN STREET
BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 02111
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARKET VECTORS--STEEL ETF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 17.87%
200 LIBERTY STREET - NY24F
NEW YORK NY 10281
BANK OF NEW YORK 12.98%
ONE WALL STREET
NEW YORK NY 10286
CHARLES SCHWAB CO INC 11.41%
120 KEARNY STREET
MS:SF120KNY-12-345
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104
CITIGROUP INC 7.16%
399 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK NY 10043
MERRILL LYNCH CO INC 6.96%
4 WORLD FINANCIAL CTR
NEW YORK NY 10080
TD AMERITRADE INC 6.13%
1005 N AMERITRADE PLACE
BELLEVUE NE 68005
|
42
-------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
|
TAXES
The following information also supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder
Information--Tax Matters."
Each Fund intends to qualify for and to elect treatment as a RIC under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, a
company must annually distribute at least 90% of its net investment company
taxable income (which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital
gains) and meet several other requirements relating to the nature of its income
and the diversification of its assets, among others.
Each Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed
income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year at
least 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98% of its capital
gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such years. Each Fund
intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and
at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
As a result of U.S. federal income tax requirements, the Trust on
behalf of the Funds, has the right to reject an order for a creation of Shares
if the creator (or group of creators) would, upon obtaining the Shares so
ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to
Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds would have a basis in the
Deposit Securities different from the market value of such securities on the
date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary
to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.
See "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units--Procedures for Creation of
Creation Units."
Dividends and interest received by a Fund from a non-U.S. investment
may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or
eliminate such taxes.
Each Fund will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends
received from ordinary income, the amount of distributions received from capital
gains and the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends received
deduction. Certain ordinary dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders may
qualify for taxation at a lower tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains.
In general, a sale of Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for
individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length
of time the Shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder's Fund Shares is
normally treated as a sale for tax purposes. Fund Shares held for a period of
one year or less at the time of such sale or redemption will, for tax purposes,
generally result in short-term capital gains or losses, and those held for more
than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains or losses. Under
current law, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains available to
non-corporate shareholders generally is 15%. Without future congressional
action, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains will return to 20% for
taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.
Special tax rules may change the normal treatment of gains and losses
recognized by a Fund if the Fund invests in forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, structured notes, swaps, options, futures transactions, and non-U.S.
corporations classified as "passive foreign investment companies." Those special
tax rules can, among other things, affect the treatment of capital gain or loss
as long-term or short-
43
term and may result in ordinary income or loss rather than capital gain or loss
and may accelerate when the Fund has to take these items into account for tax
purposes.
Gain or loss on the sale or redemption of Fund Shares is measured by
the difference between the amount received and the adjusted tax basis of the
Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including Shares
acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can
compute the tax basis of their Shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of Shares of a Fund may be
disallowed if other Fund Shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period
beginning thirty (30) days before and ending thirty (30) days after the date
that the Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale
or exchange of Shares held for six (6) months or less will be treated as
long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by
the shareholders. Distribution of ordinary income and capital gains may also be
subject to foreign, state and local taxes.
Each Fund may make investments in which it recognizes income or gain
prior to receiving cash with respect to such investment. For example, under
certain tax rules, a Fund may be required to accrue a portion of any discount at
which certain securities are purchased as income each year even though the Fund
receives no payments in cash on the security during the year. To the extent that
a Fund makes such investments, it generally would be required to pay out such
income or gain as a distribution in each year to avoid taxation at the Fund
level.
Distributions reinvested in additional Fund Shares through the means of
the service (see "Dividend Reinvestment Service") will nevertheless be taxable
dividends to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional Shares to the same
extent as if such dividends had been received in cash. If more than 50% of a
Fund's assets are invested in foreign securities at the end of any fiscal year,
the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or deduction on their
federal income tax return for foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
Distributions of ordinary income paid to shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding
tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided
under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their
own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax. A RIC
may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as an
"interest-related dividend" that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign
entity generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, PROVIDED
that certain other requirements are met. A RIC may also, under certain
circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as a "short-term capital
gain dividend" which if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity
generally would be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless the foreign
person is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a
period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year. The
provisions discussed above relating to dividends to foreign persons apply to
dividends with respect to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008.
Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the
specific tax consequences relating to the rules discussed above. Distributions
attributable to gains from "U.S. real property interests," including gains from
the disposition of certain U.S. real property holding corporations, will
generally be subject to federal withholding tax and may give rise to an
obligation on the part of the foreign shareholder to file a U.S. tax return.
Also, such gain may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a
foreign shareholder that is a corporation. A U.S. real property holding
corporation is any corporation the fair market value of whose U.S. real property
interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its
overall real property interests and any other of its assets which are used or
held for use in a trade or business.
44
Some shareholders may be subject to a withholding tax on distributions
of ordinary income, capital gains and any cash received on redemption of
Creation Units ("backup withholding"). The backup withholding rate for
individuals is currently 28%. Generally, shareholders subject to backup
withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification number
is on file with a Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished an
incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify under
penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is not
otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Any amounts withheld will be allowed as a credit against shareholders' U.S.
federal income tax liabilities, and may entitle them to a refund, PROVIDED that
the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
The foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares of the Trust should
consult their own tax advisers as to the tax consequences of investing in such
Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing
discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code,
regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on
the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the
conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.
REPORTABLE TRANSACTIONS
Under promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a
loss on disposition of a Fund's Shares of $2 million or more for an individual
shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder
must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders
of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting
requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC that engaged in a
reportable transaction are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current
exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs.
In addition, pursuant to recently enacted legislation, significant penalties may
be imposed for the failure to comply with the reporting requirements. The fact
that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal
determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of
these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
CAPITAL STOCK AND SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
The Trust currently is comprised of twenty-one investment funds. The
Trust issues Shares of beneficial interest with no par value. The Board may
designate additional funds of the Trust.
Each Share issued by the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of
the corresponding Fund. Shares have no pre-emptive, exchange, subscription or
conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to
participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with
respect to the relevant Fund, and in the net distributable assets of such Fund
on liquidation.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a
shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act
and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all funds vote together as a
single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular
fund it will be voted on only by that fund, and if a matter affects a particular
fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such
matter. Under Delaware law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting
of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the
Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so
under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust have noncumulative voting rights for
the election of Trustees. Under Delaware law, Trustees of the Trust may be
removed by vote of the shareholders.
45
Under Delaware law, shareholders of a statutory trust may have similar
limitation liabilities as shareholders of a corporation.
The Trust will issue through DTC Participants to its shareholders
semi-annual reports containing unaudited financial statements and annual reports
containing financial statements audited by independent auditor approved by the
Trust's Trustees and by the shareholders when meetings are held and such other
information as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Beneficial Owners also receive annually notification as to the tax status of the
Trust's distributions.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o Van Eck
Associates Corporation, 99 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10016.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Clifford Chance US LLP, 31 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019,
is counsel to the Trust and has passed upon the validity of each Fund's Shares.
Ernst & Young LLP, 5 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, is the
Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and audits the Funds'
financial statements and performs other related audit services.
46
APPENDIX A
VAN ECK GLOBAL PROXY VOTING POLICIES
INTRODUCTION
Effective March 10, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") adopted Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
("Advisers Act"), requiring each investment adviser registered with the
Commission to adopt and implement written policies and procedures for voting
client proxies, to disclose information about the procedures to its clients, and
to inform clients how to obtain information about how their proxies were voted.
The Commission also amended Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act to require
advisers to maintain certain proxy voting records. Both rules apply to all
investment advisers registered with the Commission that have proxy voting
authority over their clients' securities. An adviser that exercises voting
authority without complying with Rule 206(4)-6 will be deemed to have engaged in
a "fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative" act, practice or course of business
within the meaning of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act.
When an adviser has been granted proxy voting authority by a client, the adviser
owes its clients the duties of care and loyalty in performing this service on
their behalf. The duty of care requires the adviser to monitor corporate actions
and vote client proxies. The duty of loyalty requires the adviser to cast the
proxy votes in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the
client.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
RESOLVING MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
o A "material conflict" means the existence of a business relationship
between a portfolio company or an affiliate and Van Eck Associates
Corporation, any affiliate or subsidiary (individually and together, as
the context may require, "Adviser"), or an "affiliated person" of a Van
Eck mutual fund in excess of $60,000. Examples of when a material
conflict exists include the situation where the adviser provides
significant investment advisory, brokerage or other services to a
company whose management is soliciting proxies; an officer of the
Adviser serves on the board of a charitable organization that receives
charitable contributions from the portfolio company and the charitable
organization is a client of the Adviser; a portfolio company that is a
significant selling agent of Van Eck's products and services solicits
proxies; a broker-dealer or insurance company that controls 5% or more
of the Adviser's assets solicits proxies; the Adviser serves as an
investment adviser to the pension or other investment account of the
portfolio company; the Adviser and the portfolio company have a lending
relationship. In each of these situations voting against management may
cause the Adviser a loss of revenue or other benefit.
o Conflict Resolution. When a material conflict exists proxies will be
voted in the following manner:
Where the written guidelines set out a pre-determined voting policy,
proxies will be voted in accordance with that policy, with no
deviations (if a deviation is advisable, one of the other methods may
be used);
Where the guidelines permit discretion and an independent third party
has been retained to vote proxies, proxies will be voted in accordance
with the predetermined policy based on the recommendations of that
party; or
47
The potential conflict will be disclosed to the client (a) with a
request that the client vote the proxy, (b) with a recommendation that
the client engage another party to determine how the proxy should be
voted or (c) if the foregoing are not acceptable to the client
disclosure of how VEAC intends to vote and a written consent to that
vote by the client.
Any deviations from the foregoing voting mechanisms must be approved by
the Compliance Officer with a written explanation of the reason for the
deviation.
REASONABLE RESEARCH EFFORTS
When determining whether a vote is in the best interest of the client,
the Adviser will use reasonable research efforts. Investment personnel
may rely on public documents about the company and other readily
available information, which is easily accessible to the investment
personnel at the time the vote is cast. Information on proxies by
foreign companies may not be readily available.
VOTING CLIENT PROXIES
o The Adviser generally will vote proxies on behalf of clients,
unless clients instruct otherwise. There may be times when
refraining from voting a proxy is in a client's best interest,
such as when the Adviser determines that the cost of voting the
proxy exceeds the expected benefit to the client. (For example,
casting a vote on a foreign security may involve additional costs
such as hiring a translator or traveling to a foreign country to
vote the security in person).
o The portfolio manager or analyst covering the security is
responsible for making voting decisions.
o Portfolio Administration, in conjunction with the portfolio
manager and the custodian, is responsible for monitoring corporate
actions and ensuring that corporate actions are timely voted.
CLIENT INQUIRIES
All inquiries by clients as to how Van Eck has voted proxies must immediately be
forwarded to Portfolio Administration.
DISCLOSURE TO CLIENTS
o Notification of Availability of Information Client Brochure.
The Client Brochure or Part II of Form ADV will inform clients that they can
obtain information from VEAC on how their proxies were voted. The Client
Brochure or Part II of Form ADV will be mailed to each client annually.
The Legal Department will be responsible for coordinating the mailing with
Sales/Marketing Departments.
o Availability of Proxy Voting Information at the client's request
or if the information is not available on VEAC's website, a hard
copy of the account's proxy votes will be mailed to each client.
48
RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
o VEAC will retain the following documentation and information for
each matter relating to a portfolio security with respect to which
a client was entitled to vote:
- proxy statements received;
- identifying number for the portfolio security;
- shareholder meeting date;
- brief identification of the matter voted on;
- whether the vote was cast on the matter and how the vote
was cast;
- how the vote was cast (E.G., for or against proposal, or
abstain; for or withhold regarding election of
directors);
- records of written client requests for information on
how VEAC voted proxies on behalf of the client;
- a copy of written responses from VEAC to any written or
oral client request for information on how VEAC voted
proxies on behalf of the client; and
- any documents prepared by VEAC that were material to the
decision on how to vote or that memorialized the basis
for the decision, if such documents were prepared.
o Copies of proxy statements filed on EDGAR, and proxy statements
and records of proxy votes maintained with a third party (i.e.,
proxy voting service) need not be maintained. The third party must
agree in writing to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon
request.
o If applicable, any document memorializing that the costs of voting
a proxy exceed the benefit to the client or any other decision to
refrain from voting, and that such abstention was in the client's
best interest.
o Proxy voting records will be maintained in an easily accessible
place for five years, the first two at the office of VEAC. Proxy
statements on file with EDGAR or maintained by a third party and
proxy votes maintained by a third party are not subject to these
particular retention requirements.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Generally, the Adviser will vote in accordance with the following guidelines.
Where the proxy vote decision maker determines, however, that voting in such a
manner would not be in the best interest of the client, the investment personnel
will vote differently.
49
If there is a conflict of interest on any management or shareholder proposals
that are voted on a case by case basis, we will follow the recommendations of an
independent proxy service provider.
II. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
A. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Vote on a case-by-case basis for director nominees, examining factors such as:
o long-term corporate performance record relative to a market index;
o composition of board and key board committees;
o nominee's investment in the company;
o whether a retired CEO sits on the board; and
o whether the chairman is also serving as CEO.
In cases of significant votes and when information is readily available, we also
review:
o corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;
o board decisions regarding executive pay;
o director compensation;
o number of other board seats held by nominee; and
o interlocking directorships.
B. CHAIRMAN AND CEO ARE THE SAME PERSON
Vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals that would require the
positions of chairman and CEO to be held by different persons.
C. MAJORITY OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that request that the board
be comprised of a majority of independent directors.
Vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation
and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.
D. STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a
minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain
on the board.
50
E. TERM OF OFFICE
Vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of
outside directors.
F. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY PROTECTION
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals concerning director and officer
indemnification and liability protection.
Generally, vote against proposals to eliminate entirely director and officer
liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.
Vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when
a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director
was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably
believed was in the best interests of the company, AND (2) only if the
director's legal expenses would be covered.
G. DIRECTOR NOMINEES IN CONTESTED ELECTIONS
Vote on a case-by-case basis when the election of directors is contested,
examining the following factors:
o long-term financial performance of the target company relative to
its industry;
o management's track record;
o background to the proxy contest;
o qualifications of director nominees (both slates);
o evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders, as well as
the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met;
and
o stock ownership positions.
H. BOARD STRUCTURE: STAGGERED VS. ANNUAL ELECTIONS
Generally, vote against proposals to stagger board elections.
Generally, vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all
directors annually.
I. SHAREHOLDER ABILITY TO REMOVE DIRECTORS
Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for
cause.
Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or
without cause.
Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect
replacements to fill board vacancies.
Vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board
vacancies.
51
J. SHAREHOLDER ABILITY TO ALTER THE SIZE OF THE BOARD
Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.
Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the
board without shareholder approval.
III. PROXY CONTESTS
A. REIMBURSE PROXY SOLICITATION EXPENSES
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to provide full reimbursement for
dissidents waging a proxy contest.
IV. AUDITORS
B. RATIFYING AUDITORS
Vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless information that is readily
available to the vote decision-maker demonstrates that an auditor has a
financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore clearly
not independent; or such readily available information creates a reasonable
basis to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is
neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position.
Vote for shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation unless the
rotation period is so short (less than five years) that it would be unduly
burdensome to the company.
V. SHAREHOLDER VOTING AND CONTROL ISSUES
A. CUMULATIVE VOTING
Generally, vote against proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.
Generally, vote for proposals to permit cumulative voting.
B. SHAREHOLDER ABILITY TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS
Generally, vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to
call special meetings.
Generally, vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of
shareholders to act independently of management.
C. SHAREHOLDER ABILITY TO ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT
Generally, vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to
take action by written consent.
Generally, vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by
written consent.
52
D. POISON PILLS
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for
shareholder ratification. Vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to
redeem a company's poison pill.
Vote on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill.
E. FAIR PRICE PROVISION
Vote on a case-by-case basis when examining fair price proposals, (where market
quotations are not readily available) taking into consideration whether the
shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a
majority of disinterested Shares.
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote
requirement in existing fair price provisions.
F. GREENMAIL
Generally, vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw
amendments or otherwise restrict a company's ability to make greenmail payments.
Generally, vote on a case-by-case basis anti-greenmail proposals when they are
bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.
G. UNEQUAL VOTING RIGHTS
Vote against dual class exchange offers.
Vote against dual class recapitalizations.
H. SUPERMAJORITY SHAREHOLDER VOTE REQUIREMENT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OR
BYLAWS
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to
approve charter and bylaw amendments.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote
requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.
I. SUPERMAJORITY SHAREHOLDER VOTE REQUIREMENT TO APPROVE MERGERS
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to
approve mergers and other significant business combinations.
J. WHITE KNIGHT PLACEMENTS
Vote for shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred
stock issues for other than general corporate purposes or similar corporate
actions.
K. CONFIDENTIAL VOTING
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt
confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors
of election as long as the proposals include clauses
53
for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management
is permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting
policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents
do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.
Generally, vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
L. EQUAL ACCESS
Generally, vote for shareholders proposals that would allow significant company
shareholders equal access to management's proxy material in order to evaluate
and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and
in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.
M. BUNDLED PROPOSALS
Generally, vote on a case-by-case basis bundled or "conditioned" proxy
proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine
the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect
of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests, we vote against
the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we support such proposals.
N. SHAREHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to establish a shareholder advisory
committee.
VI. CAPITAL STRUCTURE
A. COMMON STOCK AUTHORIZATION
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase the number of Shares of
common stock authorized for issue.
Generally, vote against proposed common stock authorizations that increase the
existing authorization by more than 100% unless a clear need for the excess
Shares is presented by the company.
B. STOCK DISTRIBUTIONS: SPLITS AND DIVIDENDS
Generally, vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization
for a stock split, provided that the split does not result in an increase of
authorized but unissued Shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the
Shares needed for the split.
C. REVERSE STOCK SPLITS
Generally, vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split,
provided that the reverse split does not result in an increase of authorized but
unissued Shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the Shares needed for
the reverse split.
D. BLANK CHECK PREFERRED AUTHORIZATION
Generally, vote for proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases
when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover
defense or carry superior voting rights.
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals that would authorize the creation of new
classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend and
distribution, and other rights.
54
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase the number of authorized
blank check preferred Shares.
E. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS REGARDING BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock
placements, other than those Shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or
making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder
ratification.
F. ADJUST PAR VALUE OF COMMON STOCK
Vote on a case-by-case basis management proposals to reduce the par value of
common stock.
G. PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to create or abolish preemptive rights.
In evaluating proposals on preemptive rights, we look at the size of a company
and the characteristics of its shareholder base.
H. DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred
Shares and to issue Shares as part of a debt restructuring plan. We consider the
following issues:
o Dilution - How much will ownership interest of existing
shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any
future earnings be?
o Change In Control - Will the transaction result in a change in
control of the company?
o Bankruptcy - Is the threat of bankruptcy, which would result in
severe losses in shareholder value, the main factor driving the
debt restructuring?
Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings
unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.
I. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMS
Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in
which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
VII. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In general, we vote on a case-by-case basis on executive compensation plans,
with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of
stockholder wealth by having a high payout sensitivity to increases in
shareholder value.
VIII. COMPENSATION PROPOSALS
A. AMENDMENTS THAT PLACE A CAP ON ANNUAL GRANTS
Vote for plans that place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may
receive.
55
B. AMEND ADMINISTRATIVE FEATURES
Vote for plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include
administrative features.
C. AMENDMENTS TO ADDED PERFORMANCE-BASED GOALS
Generally, vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation
plans.
D. AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE SHARES AND RETAIN TAX DEDUCTIONS
Vote on amendments to existing plans to increase Shares reserved and to qualify
the plan for favorable tax treatment should be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis.
E. APPROVAL OF CASH OR CASH-AND-STOCK BONUS PLANS
Vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from
taxes.
F. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO LIMIT EXECUTIVE PAY
Vote on a case-by-case basis all shareholder proposals that seek additional
disclosure of executive pay information.
Vote on a case-by-case basis all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit
executive pay.
Vote for shareholder proposals to expense options, unless the company has
already publicly committed to expensing options by a specific date.
G. GOLDEN AND TIN PARACHUTES
Vote for shareholder proposals to have golden and tin parachutes submitted for
shareholder ratification.
Vote on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin
parachutes.
H. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS (ESOPS)
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals that request shareholder approval in
order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized Shares for existing ESOPs,
except in cases when the number of Shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive"
(i.e., generally greater than 5% of outstanding Shares).
I. 401(K) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Generally, vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.
IX. STATE OF INCORPORATION
A. VOTING ON STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover
statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out
statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison
pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail
provisions, and disgorgement provisions).
56
B. VOTING ON REINCORPORATION PROPOSALS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals to change a company's state of
incorporation.
X. MERGERS AND CORPORATE RESTRUCTURINGS
A. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals related to mergers and acquisitions,
taking into account at least the following:
o anticipated financial and operating benefits;
o offer price (cost vs. premium);
o prospects of the combined companies;
o how the deal was negotiated; and
o changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder
rights.
B. CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals related to a corporate restructuring,
including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations and
asset sales.
C. SPIN-OFFS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals related to spin-offs depending on the tax
and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus and
managerial incentives.
D. ASSET SALES
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals related to asset sales after considering
the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset,
and potential elimination of diseconomies.
E. LIQUIDATIONS
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposals related to liquidations after reviewing
management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets,
and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.
F. APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of
appraisal.
G. CHANGING CORPORATE NAME
Vote on a case-by-case basis proposal to change the corporate name.
57
XI. MUTUAL FUND PROXIES
A. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
Vote on trustee nominees on a case-by-case basis.
B. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Vote on investment advisory agreements on a case-by-case basis.
C. FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Vote on amendments to a fund's fundamental investment restrictions on a
case-by-case basis.
D. DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
Vote on distribution agreements on a case-by-case basis.
XII. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
In general we vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder social and
environmental proposals, on the basis that their impact on share value can
rarely be anticipated with any high degree of confidence.
In most cases, however, we vote for disclosure reports that seek additional
information, particularly when it appears companies have not adequately
addressed shareholders' social and environmental concerns.
In determining our vote on shareholder social and environmental proposals, we
analyze factors such as:
o whether adoption of the proposal would have either a positive or
negative impact on the company's short-term or long-term share
value;
o the percentage of sales, assets and earnings affected;
o the degree to which the company's stated position on the issues
could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to
boycott or selective purchasing; whether the issues presented
should be dealt with through government or company--specific
action;
o whether the company has already responded in some appropriate
manner to the request embodied in a proposal;
o whether the company's analysis and voting recommendation to
shareholders is persuasive;
o what other companies have done in response to the issue;
o whether the proposal itself is well framed and reasonable; whether
implementation of the proposal would achieve the objectives sought
in the proposal; and
o whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion
of the board.
58
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS:
(a) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.*
(b) Bylaws of the Trust.*
(c) Not applicable.
(d)(1) Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck
Associates Corporation (with respect to Market Vectors--Gold Miners
ETF).*
(d)(2) Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck
Associates Corporation (with respect to all portfolios except for
Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF).***
(e)(1) Form of Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Securities
Corporation.**
(e)(2) Form of Participant Agreement.*
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Form of Custodian Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New
York.*
(h)(1) Form of Fund Accounting Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New
York.*
(h)(2) Form of Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Trust and The
Bank of New York.*
(h)(3) Form of Sub-License Agreement between the Trust and the Van Eck
Associates Corp.*
(i)(1) Opinion and consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market
Vectors-- Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gold Miners ETF
and Market Vectors--Steel ETF).***
(i)(2) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market
Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF and Market Vectors--Russia
ETF).****
(i)(3) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market
Vectors--Global Agribusiness ETF and Market Vectors--Global Nuclear
Energy ETF).*****
(i)(4) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market
Vectors--Lehman Brothers Intermediate Municipal ETF, Market
Vectors--Lehman Brothers Long Municipal ETF, Market Vectors--Lehman
Brothers 1-5 Year Municipal ETF, Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers
Non-Investment Grade Municipal ETF, Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers
California Municipal ETF and Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers New York
Municipal ETF).*******
(i)(5) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors--Coal
ETF and Market Vectors--Gaming ETF).+
(i)(6) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market
Vectors--Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Massachusetts Municipal Index ETF,
Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers AMT-Free New Jersey Municipal Index
ETF, Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Ohio Municipal Index ETF
and Market Vectors--Lehman Brothers AMT-Free Pennsylvania Municipal
Index ETF).++
(i)(7) Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP.++++
(i)(8) Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (with respect to Market Vectors--Hard
Assets ETF and Market Vectors--Solar Energy ETF). +++
(j)(1) Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered public accounting firm
(with respect to Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal
ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming
ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market
Vectors--Russia ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF). ++++
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(m) Not applicable.
(n) Not applicable.
(o) Not applicable.
(p)(1) Code of Ethics.***
-------------
* Incorporated by the reference to the Registrant's Registration
Statement filed on April 28, 2006.
** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on May 11, 2006.
*** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on October 6, 2006.
**** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on April 9, 2007.
***** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on April 27, 2007.
****** Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on July 30, 2007.
******* Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on November 2, 2007.
+ Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on December 31, 2007.
++ Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on February 15, 2008.
+++ Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
filed on April 21, 2008.
++++ Filed herewith.
|
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, all
persons that are or have been a Trustee or officer of the Trust (collectively,
the "Covered Persons") shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent
permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred
or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in
which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being
or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him
in the settlement thereof. No indemnification will be provided to a Covered
Person who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the
proceeding was brought to be liable to the Trust or its shareholders by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office or not to have acted in good faith
in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust;
or in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such
Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
Article XII of the Trust's Bylaws, to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware
law in effect from time to time, the Trust shall indemnify and, without
requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to
indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final
disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former
trustee or officer of the Trust and who is made a party to the proceeding by
reason of his or her service in that capacity or (b) any individual who, while a
director of the Trust and at the request of the Trust, serves or has served as a
trustee, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate
investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or
other enterprise and who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or
her service in that capacity. The Trust may, with the approval of its Board of
Trustees, provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to a person who
served a predecessor of the Trust in any of the capacities described in (a) or
(b) above and to any employee or agent of the Trust or a predecessor of the
Trust; PROVIDED that no provision of Article XII shall be effective to protect
or purport to protect any trustee or officer of the Trust against liability to
the Trust or its stockholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
The Trust has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Trustees against any and
all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Trustee in any proceeding
arising out of or in connection with the
Trustee's service to the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws of the Fund and Title
12, Part V, Chapter 38 of the Delaware Code, and applicable law.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT MANAGER
See "Management" in the Statement of Additional Information. Information as to
the directors and officers of the Adviser is included in its Form ADV filed with
the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Van Eck Securities Corporation is the Trust's principal underwriter.
Van Eck Securities Corporation also acts as a principal underwriter,
depositor, or investment manager for the following other investment
companies: Van Eck Funds (which is comprised of three series: Emerging
Markets Fund, Global Hard Assets Fund and International Investors Gold
Fund); Worldwide Insurance Trust (which is comprised of five series:
Worldwide Absolute Return Fund, Worldwide Bond Fund, Worldwide
Emerging Markets Fund, Worldwide Hard Assets Fund and Worldwide Real
Estate Fund); and Van Eck Funds, Inc. (which has one series, Mid Cap
Value Fund).
(b) The following is a list of the executive officers, directors and
partners of Van Eck Securities Corporation:
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER
---------------------- ---------------------------------------
Keith J. Carlson President
99 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Susan Lashey Vice President
99 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Joseph McBrien Senior Vice President, General Counsel
99 Park Avenue and Secretary
New York, NY 10016
Peter Moeller Senior Vice President
99 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Jonathan R. Simon Vice President and Associate General
99 Park Avenue Counsel
New York, NY 10016
Bruce J. Smith Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
99 Park Avenue Officer, Treasurer and Controller
New York, NY 10016
|
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND
BUSINESS ADDRESS OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER
---------------------- ---------------------------------------
Jan F. van Eck Director, Executive Vice President and
99 Park Avenue Chief Compliance Officer
New York, NY 10016
Derek S. van Eck Director and Executive Vice President
99 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
|
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder will be maintained at the offices
of The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration Statement No. 811-10325 to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of New York and State of New York on the 25th day of April 2008.
MARKET VECTORS ETF TRUST
By: /s/ Keith J. Carlson*
-----------------------------------------
Keith J. Carlson
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ David H. Chow* Trustee April 25, 2008
-----------------------------
David H. Chow
/s/ R. Alastair Short* Trustee April 25, 2008
-----------------------------
R. Alastair Short
/s/ Richard D. Stamberger* Trustee April 25, 2008
-----------------------------
Richard D. Stamberger
/s/ Jan F. van Eck* Trustee April 25, 2008
-----------------------------
Jan F. van Eck
President and April 25, 2008
/s/ Keith J. Carlson* Chief Executive Officer
-----------------------------
Keith J. Carlson
/s/ Bruce J. Smith* Chief Financial Officer April 25, 2008
-----------------------------
Bruce J. Smith
*By: /s/ Jonathan R. Simon
------------------------
Jonathan R. Simon
Attorney-in-Fact
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
(i)(7) Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP.
(j)(1) Consent of Ernst & Young, independent registered public accounting firm
(with respect to Market Vectors--Agribusiness ETF, Market Vectors--Coal
ETF, Market Vectors--Environmental Services ETF, Market Vectors--Gaming
ETF, Market Vectors--Global Alternative Energy ETF, Market
Vectors--Gold Miners ETF, Market Vectors--Nuclear Energy ETF, Market
Vectors--Russia ETF and Market Vectors--Steel ETF).
VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF (AMEX:BJK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2024 to Jan 2025
VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF (AMEX:BJK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jan 2024 to Jan 2025