ck0001137360-20230430


						PROSPECTUS
						September 1, 2023

BDC Income ETF BIZD

Dynamic High Income ETF INC

Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF HYEM

Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF ANGL

Green Bond ETF GRNB

IG Floating Rate ETF FLTR

International High Yield Bond ETF IHY

J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF EMLC

Moody's Analytics BBB Corporate Bond ETF MBBB

Moody's Analytics IG Corporate Bond ETF MIG

Mortgage REIT Income ETF MORT

Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF PFXF


Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for BIZD, INC, HYEM, GRNB, FLTR, IHY, EMLC, MORT, PFXF: NYSE Arca, Inc.
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for ANGL: The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for MBBB, MIG: Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

800.826.2333 vaneck.com


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary Information
VanEck BDC Income ETF			1
VanEck Dynamic High Income ETF			7
VanEck Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF			13
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF			25
VanEck Green Bond ETF			32
VanEck IG Floating Rate ETF			4 3
VanEck International High Yield Bond ETF			49
VanEck J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF			60
VanEck Moody's Analytics BBB Corporate Bond ETF			7 1
VanEck Moody's Analytics IG Corporate Bond ETF			78
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF			85
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF			91
Summary Information About Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries			98
Additional Information About the Funds’ Investment Strategies and Risks			99
Tax Advantaged Product Structure			129
Portfolio Holdings			129
Management of the Funds			129
Portfolio Managers			130
Shareholder Information			131
Index Providers			135
MVIS® US Business Development Companies Index			136
ICE BofA Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index			137
ICE US Fallen Angel High Yield 10% Constrained Index			138
S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index			139
MVIS® US Investment Grade Floating Rate Index			140
ICE BofA Global Ex-US Issuers High Yield Constrained Index			141
J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index			142
MVIS® Moody’s Analytics® US BBB Corporate Bond Index			14 3
MVIS® Moody’s Analytics® US Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index			14 4
MVIS® US Mortgage REITs Index			145
ICE Exchange-Listed Fixed & Adjustable Rate Non-Financial Preferred Securities Index			146
License Agreements and Disclaimers			147
Financial Highlights			150
Premium/Discount Information			160
General Information			160


VANECK® BDC INCOME ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® BDC Income ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS® US Business Development Companies Index (the “BDC Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES

The following tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.40	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.02	%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(b)	10.75	%


Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	11.17	%

(a) Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

(b) “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” include fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investments in other investment companies, including business development companies (“BDCs”). Because acquired fund fees and expenses are not borne directly by the Fund, they will not be reflected in the expense information in the Fund’s financial statements and the information presented in the table will differ from that presented in the Fund’s financial highlights included in the Fund’s reports to shareholders.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. This example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or hold all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$1,083
			3			$3,051
			5			$4,785
			10			$8,265

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The BDC Index is comprised of BDCs. To be eligible for the BDC Index and qualify as a BDC, a company must be organized under the laws of, and have its principal place of business in, the United States, be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act of 1940. BDCs are vehicles whose


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principal business is to invest in, lend capital to or provide services to privately-held U.S. companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies. Small- and medium-capitalization BDCs are eligible for inclusion in the BDC Index. As of June 30, 2023, the BDC Index included 25 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $416 million to $10.2 billion and a weighted average market capitalization of $4.3 billion. This 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

The Investment Company Act of 1940 places limits on the percentage of the total outstanding stock of a BDC that may be owned by the Fund; however, an Securities and Exchange Commission rule applicable to the Fund permits it to invest in BDCs in excess of this limitation if certain conditions are met.

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the BDC Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the BDC Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the BDC Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the BDC Index.

The Fund will concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the BDC Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, the financials sector represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund, each of which could significantly and adversely affect the value of an investment in the Fund.

Risk of Investing in BDCs. BDCs generally invest in less mature U.S. private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies which involve greater risk than well-established publicly-traded companies. While the BDCs that comprise the Index are expected to generate income in the form of dividends, certain BDCs during certain periods of time may not generate such income. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other operating expenses incurred by the BDCs and of any performance-based or incentive fees payable by the BDCs in which it invests, in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund. A BDC’s incentive fee may be very high, vary from year to year and be payable even if the value of the BDC’s portfolio declines in a given time period. Incentive fees may create an incentive for a BDC’s manager to make investments that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangements, and may also encourage the BDC’s manager to use leverage to increase the return on the BDC’s investments. The use of leverage by BDCs magnifies gains and losses on amounts invested and increases the risks associated with investing in BDCs. A BDC may make investments with a larger amount of risk of volatility and loss of principal than other investment options and may also be highly speculative and aggressive.

Investment Restrictions Risk. The Fund is subject to the conditions set forth in certain provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations thereunder that limit the amount that the Fund and its affiliates, in the aggregate, can invest in the outstanding voting securities of an unaffiliated investment company or business development company. The Fund and its affiliates may not actively acquire “control” of an investment company or business development company, which is presumed once ownership of an investment company’s outstanding voting securities exceeds 25%. Also, to comply with provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and regulations thereunder, the Adviser may be required to vote shares of an investment company or business development company in the same general proportion as shares held by other shareholders of the investment company or business development company.

Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the financials sector may be subject to extensive government regulation that affects the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. The profitability of companies in the financials sector may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates, by loan losses, which usually increase in economic downturns, and by credit rating downgrades. In addition, the financials sector is undergoing numerous changes, including continuing consolidations, development of new products and structures and changes to its regulatory framework. Furthermore, some companies in the financials sector perceived as benefiting from government intervention in the past may be subject to future government-imposed restrictions on their businesses or face increased government involvement in their operations. Increased government involvement in the financials sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in small- and medium-capitalization companies and, therefore will be subject to certain risks associated with small- and medium- capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. These companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less


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management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger companies.

Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the markets in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific issuers in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are subordinated to preferred securities and debt in a company’s capital structure with respect to priority to a share of corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred securities or debt instruments. In addition, while broad market measures of equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have generally also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns.

Floating Rate Risk. The Fund invests in floating-rate securities, which are instruments in which the interest rate payable on an obligation fluctuates on a periodic basis based upon changes in an interest rate benchmark. As a result, the yield on such a security will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the security.

Floating Rate LIBOR Risk. Certain floating-rate securities pay interest based on the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). Due to the uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on a fund or the financial instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined.

Market Risk. The prices of securities are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions, sudden and unpredictable drops in value, exchange trading suspensions and closures and public health risks. These risks may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) adversely interrupt the global economy; in these and other circumstances, such events or developments might affect companies world-wide. Overall securities values could decline generally or underperform other investments. An investment may lose money.

Operational Risk. The Fund is exposed to operational risk arising from a number of factors, including human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or system failures.

Index Tracking Risk. The Fund’s return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs operating expenses, including taxes, not applicable to the Index and incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities and entering into derivatives transactions (if applicable), especially when rebalancing the Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Index or (if applicable) raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash in connection with inflows into the Fund. Transaction costs, including brokerage costs, may decrease the Fund’s net asset value.

Market disruptions and regulatory restrictions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to adjust its exposure to the required levels in order to track the Index. Errors in the Index data, the Index computations and/or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index provider, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. Shareholders should understand that any gains from the Index provider’s or others’ errors will be kept by the Fund and its shareholders and any losses or costs resulting from the Index provider’s or others’ errors will be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. Additionally, when the Index is rebalanced and the Fund in turn rebalances its portfolio to attempt to increase the correlation between the Fund’s portfolio and the Index, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio rebalancing will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. Apart from scheduled rebalances, the Index provider or its agents may carry out additional ad hoc rebalances to the Index. Therefore, errors and additional ad hoc rebalances carried out by the Index provider or its agents to the Index may increase the costs to and the tracking error risk of the Fund.

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 pay expenses or to meet redemptions. In addition, the Fund may not invest in certain securities included in the Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions in which they are represented in the Index. The Fund’s performance may also deviate from the return of the Index for various reasons, including legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the governments of certain countries, certain exchange listing standards (where applicable), a lack of liquidity in markets in which such securities trade, potential adverse tax consequences or other regulatory reasons (such as diversification requirements). To the extent the Fund utilizes depositary receipts, the purchase of depositary receipts may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to track the performance of the Index and increase tracking error, which may be exacerbated if the issuer of the depositary receipt discontinues issuing new depositary receipts or withdraws existing depositary receipts.


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may also deviate from the performance of the Index due to the impact of withholding taxes, late announcements relating to changes to the Index and high turnover of the Index. When markets are volatile, the ability to sell securities at fair value prices may be adversely impacted and may result in additional trading costs and/or increase the index tracking risk. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses. For tax efficiency purposes, the Fund may sell certain securities, and such sale may cause the Fund to realize a loss and deviate from the performance of the Index. In light of the factors discussed above, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Index. Changes to the composition of the Index in connection with a rebalancing or reconstitution of the Index may cause the Fund to experience increased volatility, during which time the Fund’s index tracking risk may be heightened.

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. The Fund may have a limited number of Authorized Participants, none of which are obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. To the extent that those Authorized Participants exit the business, or do not process creation and/or redemption orders, there may be a significantly diminished trading market for Shares or Shares may trade like closed-end funds at a discount (or premium) to net asset value and possibly face trading halts and/or de-listing. This can be reflected as a spread between the bid-ask prices for the Fund. The Authorized Participant concentration risk may be heightened in cases where Authorized Participants have limited or diminished access to the capital required to post collateral.

No Guarantee of Active Trading Market Risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained, as applicable. Further, secondary markets may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods in times of market stress because market makers and Authorized Participants may step away from making a market in the Shares and in executing creation and redemption orders, which could cause a material deviation in the Fund’s market price from its net asset value.

Trading Issues Risk. Trading in shares on the 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 the relevant exchange’s “circuit breaker” rules. If a trading halt or unanticipated early close of the exchange occurs, a shareholder may be unable to purchase or sell Shares of the Fund. There can be no assurance that requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.

Passive Management Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund is not “actively” managed. Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from its Index, the Fund generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer is in financial trouble. If a specific security is removed from the Fund’s Index, the Fund may be forced to sell such security at an inopportune time or for prices other than at current market values. An investment in the Fund involves risks similar to those of investing in any fund that invests in bonds or equity securities, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in security prices. The Fund’s Index may not contain the appropriate or a diversified mix of securities for any particular economic cycle. The timing of changes in the securities of the Fund’s portfolio in seeking to replicate its Index could have a negative effect on the Fund. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser does not use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. Additionally, unusual market conditions may cause the Fund’s Index provider to postpone a scheduled rebalance or reconstitution, which could cause the Fund’s Index to vary from its normal or expected composition. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline or a decline in the value of one or more issuers.

Fund Shares Trading, Premium/Discount Risk and Liquidity of Fund Shares. The market price of the Shares may fluctuate in response to the Fund’s net asset value, the intraday value of the Fund’s holdings and supply and demand for Shares. Shares may trade above, below, or at their most recent net asset value. Factors including disruptions to creations and redemptions, the existence of market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for Shares (including through a trading halt), may result in Shares trading at a significant premium or discount to net asset value or to the intraday value of the Fund’s holdings. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the net asset value or sells Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the net asset value, the shareholder may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the Shares. The securities held by the Fund may be traded in markets that close at a different time than the exchange on which the Shares are traded. Liquidity in those securities may be reduced after the applicable closing times. Accordingly, during the time when the exchange is open but after the applicable market closing, fixing or settlement times, bid/ask spreads on the exchange and the resulting premium or discount to the Shares’ net asset value may widen. Additionally, in stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s Shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings and a shareholder may be unable to sell his or her Shares.

Issuer-Specific Changes Risk. The value of individual securities in the Fund’s portfolio can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole, which may have a greater impact if the Fund’s portfolio is concentrated in a country, region, market, industry, sector or asset class. A change in the financial condition, market perception or the credit rating of an issuer of securities included in the Fund’s Index may cause the value of its securities to decline.


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Index-Related Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries to reflect the Index’s allocation to such sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. The securities of many or all of the companies in the same sector or industry may decline in value due to developments adversely affecting such sector or industry. By concentrating its assets in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, the Fund is subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors and/or industries may negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of securities.

PERFORMANCE

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total annual return as of June 30, 2023 was 11.73%.


Best Quarter:	34.34%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-42.78%	1Q 2020

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.


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	Past One Year	Past Five Years	Since Inception (2/11/2013)
VanEck BDC Income ETF (return before taxes)	-8.78%	7.64%	5.71%
VanEck BDC Income ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-12.55%	3.19%	1.85%
VanEck BDC Income ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	-5.14%	3.87%	2.55%
MVIS US Business Development Companies Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-8.57%	7.08%	5.76%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-18.11%	9.42%	11.99%

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Peter H. Liao

Portfolio Manager

February 2013

Griffin Driscoll

Deputy Portfolio Manager

August 2023

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information, and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information About Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


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VANECK® DYNAMIC HIGH INCOME ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The VanEck® Dynamic High Income ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide high current income with consideration for capital appreciation.

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.10	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(b)(c)	0.33	%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.43	%

(b) “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” include fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investments in other investment companies, including VanEck exchange-traded funds and funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments. Because Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are not borne directly by the Fund, they will not be reflected in the expense information in the Fund’s financial statements and the information presented in the table will differ from that presented in the Fund’s financial highlights included in the Fund’s reports to shareholders.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$44
			3			$138

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The Fund will pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from November 1, 2022 (the Fund's commencement of operations) through April 30, 2023, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 8% of the average value of its portfolio.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, in exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) that are registered under the applicable federal securities laws and that invest in securities that generate income. The Fund may also invest in U.S. Treasury securities under normal circumstances. While the Adviser currently anticipates that the ETPs that the Fund may invest in will primarily be ETFs managed by the Adviser, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation or their affiliates ("VanEck ETFs"), the Fund may also invest in affiliated and


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unaffiliated ETPs, which could include ETFs and closed-end funds that invest in income generating asset classes. The Fund does not have any limits on its investments in below-investment grade securities (“junk” bonds), and the Fund will have indirect exposure to below investment grade securities through its investments in ETPs.

The Adviser considers various inputs to guide asset allocation decisions and select investments that the Adviser believes will offer income and enhanced risk-adjusted returns. The term “risk-adjusted returns” does not imply that the Adviser employs low-risk strategies or that an investment in the Fund should be considered a low-risk or no risk investment. The Adviser seeks to maximize risk-adjusted returns through an optimization process that incorporates both the yield and observed risks of each ETP. Additionally, the Adviser may utilize relative momentum and other discretionary factors of each underlying ETP to allocate the Fund’s portfolio to ETPs with the highest expected risk-adjusted returns. The term “relative momentum” means the speed at which the total returns of an ETP are changing compared to other ETPs. Based on these inputs, the Adviser selects the income generating asset classes that the Fund will invest in and determines the relative weights each class will represent in the Fund. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities.

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and, therefore, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

Fund of Funds Risk. The performance of the Fund is dependent on the performance of the underlying funds. The Fund will be subject to the risks of the underlying funds’ investments. The Fund will pay indirectly a proportional share of the fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which it invests, including their investment advisory and administration fees, while continuing to pay its own management fee. As a result, the Fund’s shareholders will indirectly bear the expenses of the underlying funds, absorbing duplicative levels of fees.

Risk of Investing in ETPs. The Fund may be subject to the following risks as a result of its investments in ETPs:

Dividend Paying Securities Risk. There can be no assurance that securities that pay dividends will continue to have a high dividend yield, strong financial health or attractive valuation for any period of time. Securities that pay dividends, as a group, may be out of favor with the market and may underperform the overall equity market or stocks of companies that do not pay dividends. In addition, changes in the dividend policies of the companies held by an ETP or the capital resources available for such companies' dividend payments may adversely affect the ETP.

Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because certain foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the activity of large traders may have an undue influence on the prices of securities that trade in such markets. An ETP invests in securities of issuers located in countries whose economies are heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any reduction in this trading may have an adverse impact on the ETP’s investments.

Risk of Investing in Emerging Market Issuers. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers are exposed to a number of risks that may make these investments volatile in price or difficult to trade. Emerging markets are more likely than developed markets to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades, as well as the holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories. Political risks may include unstable governments, nationalization, restrictions on foreign ownership, laws that prevent investors from getting their money out of a country and legal systems that do not protect property rights as well as the laws of the United States. Market risks may also include economies that concentrate in only a few industries, securities issues that are held by only a few investors, liquidity issues and limited trading capacity in local exchanges and the possibility that markets or issues may be manipulated by foreign nationals who have inside information. The frequency, availability and quality of financial information about investments in emerging markets varies. The Fund has limited rights and few practical remedies in emerging markets and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring enforcement actions in emerging markets may be limited. All of these factors can make emerging market securities more volatile and potentially less liquid than securities issued in more developed markets.

Foreign Currency Risk. Because all or a portion of the income received by an ETP from its investments and/or the revenues received by the underlying issuer will generally be denominated in foreign currencies, the ETP's exposure to foreign currencies and changes in the value of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the ETP, and the value of certain foreign currencies may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. Moreover, an ETP may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies.


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Risk of Investing in Mortgage REITs. Mortgage real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are exposed to the risks specific to the real estate market as well as the risks that relate specifically to the way in which mortgage REITs are organized and operated. Mortgage REITs receive principal and interest payments from the owners of the mortgaged properties. Accordingly, mortgage REITs are subject to the credit risk of the borrowers. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the borrower will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on the loan to a mortgage REIT when due. To the extent that a mortgage REIT invests in mortgage-backed securities offered by private issuers, such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers, the mortgage REIT may be subject to additional risks. Timely payment of interest and principal of non-governmental issuers may be supported by various forms of private insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance purchased by the issuer. However, there can be no assurance that the private insurers can or will meet their obligations under such policies. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on an ETP. Mortgage REITs also are subject to the risk that the value of mortgaged properties may be less than the amounts owed on the properties. If a mortgage REIT is required to foreclose on a borrower, the amount recovered in connection with the foreclosure may be less than the amount owed to the mortgage REIT. Mortgage REITs typically use leverage and many are highly leveraged, which exposes them to leverage risk and the risks generally associated with debt financing. Leverage risk refers to the risk that leverage created from borrowing may impair a mortgage REIT’s liquidity, cause it to liquidate positions at an unfavorable time and increase the volatility of the values of securities issued by the mortgage REIT.

Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are essentially contractual obligations that entail rights to distributions declared by the issuer’s board of directors but may permit the issuer to defer or suspend distributions for a certain period of time. If an ETP owns a preferred security whose issuer has deferred or suspended distributions, the ETP may be required to account for the distribution that has been deferred or suspended for tax purposes, even though it may not have received this income in cash. Further, preferred securities may lose substantial value if distributions are deferred, suspended or not declared. Preferred securities may also permit the issuer to convert preferred securities into the issuer’s common stock. Preferred securities that are convertible to common stock may decline in value if the common stock into which preferred securities may be converted declines in value. Preferred securities are subject to greater credit risk than traditional fixed income securities because the rights of holders of preferred securities are subordinated to the rights of the bond and debt holders of an issuer.

CLO Risk. The risks of investing in CLO securities include both the economic risks of the underlying loans combined with the risks associated with the CLO structure governing the priority of payments. The degree of such risk will generally correspond to the specific tranche in which the Fund is invested. The Fund intends to invest primarily in investment grade-rated tranches of CLOs rated between and inclusive of AAA/Aaa and BBB-/Baa3; however, this rating does not constitute a guarantee of credit quality and may be downgraded, and in stressed market environments it is possible that even senior CLO debt tranches could experience losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and the disappearance of the subordinated/equity tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as negative market sentiment with respect to CLO securities as an asset class. The Fund’s portfolio managers may not be able to accurately predict how specific CLO securities or the portfolio of underlying loans for such CLO securities will react to changes or stresses in the market, including changes in interest rates. The most common risks associated with investing in CLO securities are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, call risk, and the risk of default of the underlying asset.

Credit Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or to otherwise honor its obligations and/or default completely on securities. Debt securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, depending on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the securities, which may be reflected in credit ratings. There is a possibility that the credit rating of a debt security may be downgraded after purchase or the perception of an issuer’s credit worthiness may decline, which may adversely affect the value of the security.

High Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as high yield securities or “junk bonds.” High yield securities are often issued by issuers that are restructuring, are smaller or less creditworthy than other issuers, or are more highly indebted than other issuers. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. The prices of high yield securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual issuer developments than higher rated securities. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, high yield security issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain additional financing. In the event of a default, an ETP may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The secondary market for securities that are high yield securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities and high yield securities issued by non-corporate issuers may be less liquid than high yield securities issued


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by corporate issuers, which, in either instance, may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and an ETP’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities. The illiquidity of the market also could make it difficult for an ETP to sell certain securities in connection with a rebalancing of its index, if applicable. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change may result in an increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a corresponding volatility in an ETP’s net asset value. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities.

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities, such as bonds, are also subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most debt securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most debt securities go up. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates and general economic conditions. A low interest rate environment increases the risk associated with rising interest rates, including the potential for periods of volatility and increased redemptions.

Measures taken by the Federal Reserve Board may affect the money supply and as a result of these measures, an ETF may face a heightened interest rate risk.

In addition, debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. To the extent an ETP invests a substantial portion of its assets in debt securities with longer-term maturities, rising interest rates may cause the value of an ETP’s investments to decline significantly.

In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators are enacting significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including providing direct capital infusions into companies, creating new monetary programs and lowering interest rates considerably. These actions present heightened risks to debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes.

Call Risk. An ETP may invest in callable debt securities. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of callable securities will “call” (or prepay) their debt securities before their maturity date. If a call were exercised by the issuer during or following a period of declining interest rates, the ETP is likely to have to replace such called security with a lower yielding security or securities with greater risks or other less favorable features. If that were to happen, it would decrease the ETP’s net investment income. An ETP also may fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss.

Concentration Risk. Certain of the ETPs may be concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries. To the extent that an ETP is concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, the ETP will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on those sectors and/or industry or groups of industries may negatively impact the ETP to a greater extent than if the ETP’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.

U.S. Treasury Securities Risk. Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary.

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities and preferred securities are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most debt securities and certain preferred securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the prices of most debt securities go up. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates and general economic conditions. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, usually making them more volatile than debt securities, such as bonds, with shorter durations. A substantial investment by the Fund in debt securities with longer-term maturities during periods of rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. It is difficult to predict the magnitude, timing or direction of interest rate changes and the impact these changes will have on the markets in which the Fund invests.

Income Risk. The Fund’s income may fluctuate and may decline during periods of falling interest rates.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities, which will result in increased transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities. High portfolio turnover may also result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. The effects of high portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.

Active Management Risk. In managing the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. Investment decisions made by the Adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may cause a decline in the value of the


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investments held by the Fund and, in turn, cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The prices of the securities the Fund or an ETP may invest in are subject to the risks associated with investing in the securities market, including general economic conditions, sudden and unpredictable drops in value, exchange trading suspensions and closures and public health risks. These risks may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) adversely interrupt the global economy; in these and other circumstances, such events or developments might affect companies world-wide. Overall securities values could decline generally or underperform other investments. An investment in the Fund or an ETP may lose money.

Affiliated Fund Risk. In managing the Fund, the Adviser has the ability to select underlying funds which it believes will achieve the Fund’s investment objective. The Adviser may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting underlying funds because the Adviser may, due to its own financial interest or other business considerations, have an incentive to invest in funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates rather than investing in funds managed or sponsored by others.

Non-Diversified Risk. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. Moreover, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds. The Fund may be particularly vulnerable to this risk if it is comprised of a limited number of investments.

PERFORMANCE

The Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2022 and therefore does not have a performance history for the full calendar year ended December 31, 2022. Once available, the Fund’s performance information will be accessible on the Fund’s website at www.vaneck.com.


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PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Managers. The following individuals are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

David Schassler

Portfolio Manager

November 2022

John Lau

Deputy Portfolio Manager

November 2022

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information About Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


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VANECK® EMERGING MARKETS HIGH YIELD BOND ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of ICE BofA Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index (the “Emerging Markets High Yield Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.40	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.40	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$41
			3			$128
			5			$224
			10			$505

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Emerging Markets High Yield Index is comprised of U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued by non-sovereign emerging market issuers that have a below investment grade rating and that are issued in the major domestic and Eurobond markets.

In order to qualify for inclusion in the Emerging Markets High Yield Index, an issuer must have risk exposure to countries other than members of the FX Group of Ten, all Western European countries and territories of the United States and Western European countries.


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The FX Group of Ten includes all Euro members, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and the United States. As of June 30, 2023, the Emerging Markets High Yield Index included 560 below investment grade bonds of 337 issuers and the weighted average maturity of the Emerging Markets High Yield Index was 5.15 years. As of the same date, approximately 67% of the Emerging Markets High Yield Index was comprised of Rule 144A securities. Such bonds may include quasi-sovereign bonds. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Emerging Markets High Yield Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the Emerging Markets High Yield Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the Emerging Markets High Yield Index. Because of the practical difficulties and expense of purchasing all of the securities in the Emerging Markets High Yield Index, the Fund does not purchase all of the securities in the Emerging Markets High Yield Index. Instead, the Adviser utilizes a “sampling” methodology in seeking to achieve the Fund’s objective. As such, the Fund may purchase a subset of the bonds in the Emerging Markets High Yield Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of bonds with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Emerging Markets High Yield Index.

The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Emerging Markets High Yield Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, each of the financials and energy sectors represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

High Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as high yield securities or “junk bonds.” High yield securities are often issued by issuers that are restructuring, are smaller or less creditworthy than other issuers, or are more highly indebted than other issuers. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. The prices of high yield securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual issuer developments than higher rated securities, resulting in increased volatility of their market prices and a corresponding volatility in the Fund’s net asset value. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, high yield security issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain additional financing. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities, and high yield securities issued by non-corporate issuers may be less liquid than high yield securities issued by corporate issuers. Illiquidity may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and the Fund’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities when it seeks to do so. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change may result in an increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a corresponding volatility in the Fund's net asset value.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in European Issuers. Investments in securities of European issuers involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. The Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union requires member countries to comply with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect every country in Europe. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or European Union regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro, the default or threat of default by a European Union member country on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in a European Union member country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other European Union countries and on major trading partners outside Europe. If any member country exits the Economic and Monetary Union, the departing country would face the risks of currency devaluation and its trading partners and banks and others around the world that hold the departing country’s debt would face the risk of significant losses. The European financial markets have previously experienced, and may continue to experience, volatility and have been adversely affected, and may in the future be affected, by concerns about economic downturns, credit rating downgrades, rising government debt levels and possible default on or restructuring of government debt in several European countries. These events have adversely affected, and may in the future affect, the value and exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including European Union member countries that do not use the euro and non-European Union member countries. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020, which has resulted in ongoing market volatility and caused additional market disruption on a global basis. On December 30, 2020, the United Kingdom and the European Union signed the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which is an agreement on the terms governing certain aspects of the European Union's and the United Kingdom's relationship post Brexit. Notwithstanding the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, following the transition period, there is likely to be considerable uncertainty as to the United Kingdom’s post-transition framework.


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Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Asian Issuers. Investments in securities of Asian issuers involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Many Asian economies have experienced rapid growth and industrialization in recent years, but there is no assurance that this growth rate will be maintained. Certain Asian economies have experienced over-extension of credit, currency devaluations and restrictions, high unemployment, high inflation, decreased exports and economic recessions. Geopolitical hostility, political instability, as well as economic or environmental events in any one Asian country can have a significant effect on the entire Asian region as well as on major trading partners outside Asia, and any adverse effect on some or all of the Asian countries and regions in which the Fund invests. The securities markets in some Asian economies are relatively underdeveloped and may subject the Fund to higher action costs or greater uncertainty than investments in more developed securities markets. Such risks may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Certain Asian countries have also developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect Asian issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Latin American Issuers. Investments in securities of Latin American issuers involve special considerations not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers located in the United States. The economies of certain Latin American countries have, at times, experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region’s exports and many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on other countries of this region.

Most Latin American countries have experienced severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many Latin American countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.

The political history of certain Latin American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such events could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and could result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region.

The economies of Latin American countries are generally considered emerging markets and can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain Latin American countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. Certain Latin American countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many Latin American currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies.

Finally, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries. There have been moratoria on, and a rescheduling of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Brazilian Issuers. Investments in securities of Brazilian issuers, including issuers located outside of Brazil that generate significant revenues from Brazil, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. The Brazilian economy has been characterized by frequent, and occasionally drastic, interventions by the Brazilian government, including the imposition of wage and price controls, exchange controls, limiting imports, blocking access to bank accounts and other measures. The Brazilian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, trade and other policies to influence the core of Brazil’s economy. Actions taken by the Brazilian government concerning the economy may have significant effects on Brazilian companies and on market conditions and prices of Brazilian securities. Brazil’s economy may be subject to sluggish economic growth due to, among other things, weak consumer spending, political turmoil, high rates of inflation and low commodity prices. Brazil suffers from chronic structural public sector deficits. The Brazilian government has privatized certain entities, which have suffered losses due to, among other things, the inability to adjust to a competitive environment.

The market for Brazilian securities is directly influenced by the flow of international capital, and economic and market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries. As a result, adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit in the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.

Investments in Brazilian securities may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign investment. Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their investment in Brazil and on the conversion of the Brazilian real into foreign currency.

Brazil has historically experienced high rates of inflation, a high level of debt, and high crime rates, each of which may constrain economic growth. Brazil suffers from high levels of corruption, crime and income disparity. The Brazilian economy is also heavily


15

dependent upon commodity prices and international trade. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. An increase in prices for commodities, such as petroleum, the depreciation of the Brazilian real and future governmental measures seeking to maintain the value of the Brazilian real in relation to the U.S. dollar, may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil and may slow the rate of growth of the Brazilian economy. Conversely, appreciation of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S dollar may lead to the deterioration of Brazil’s current account of balance of payments as well as limit the growth of exports.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Middle Eastern Issuers. Investments in securities of Middle Eastern issuers, including issuers located outside of the Middle East that generate significant revenues from the Middle East, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Many Middle Eastern countries have little or no democratic tradition, and the political and legal systems in such countries may have an adverse impact on the Fund. Many economies in the Middle East are highly reliant on income from the sale of oil and natural gas or trade with countries involved in the sale of oil and natural gas, and their economies are therefore vulnerable to changes in the market for oil and natural gas and foreign currency values. As global demand for oil and natural gas fluctuates, many Middle Eastern economies may be significantly impacted.

In addition, many Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, a Middle Eastern country’s government may own or control many companies,including some of the largest companies in the country. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Middle Eastern countries. This could affect private sector companies and the Fund,as well as the value of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.

Certain Middle Eastern markets are in the earliest stages of development. As a result, there may be a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Brokers in Middle Eastern countries typically are fewer in number and less capitalized than brokers in the U.S.

The legal systems in certain Middle Eastern countries also may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation generally is limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment. However, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain Middle Eastern countries. The Fund therefore may be liable in certain Middle Eastern countries for the acts of a corporation in which it invests for an amount greater than its actual investment in that corporation. Similarly, the rights of investors in Middle Eastern issuers may be more limited than those of shareholders of a U.S. corporation. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce a legal judgment in a Middle Eastern country. Some Middle Eastern countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investment by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer. Certain Middle Eastern countries may also limit investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals of the relevant Middle Eastern country.

The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain Middle Eastern countries, as well as limitations on those investments, may have an adverse impact on the operations of the Fund. For example, in certain of these countries, the Fund may be required to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares that were purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration in some instances may not be possible on a timely basis. This may result in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where the Fund places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has already been filled and, consequently, the Fund may not be able to invest in the relevant company.

Substantial limitations may exist in certain Middle Eastern countries with respect to the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital gains. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investment.

Certain Middle Eastern countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, have been and may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These countries also have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition,certain issuers located in Middle Eastern countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.

Certain Middle Eastern countries have strained relations with other Middle Eastern countries due to territorial disputes,historical animosities, international alliances, defense concerns or other reasons, which may adversely affect the economies of these Middle


16

Eastern countries. Certain Middle Eastern countries experience significant unemployment, as well as widespread underemployment. There has also been a recent increase in recruitment efforts and an aggressive push for territorial control by terrorist groups in the region, which has led to an outbreak of warfare and hostilities. Warfare in Syria has spread to surrounding areas, including many portions of Iraq and Turkey. Such hostilities may continue into the future or may escalate at any time due to ethnic, racial, political, religious or ideological tensions between groups in the region or foreign intervention or lack of intervention, among other factors.

Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because certain foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the activity of large traders may have an undue influence on the prices of securities that trade in such markets. The Fund invests in securities of issuers located in countries whose economies are heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any reduction in this trading may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments. Foreign market trading hours, clearance and settlement procedures, and holiday schedules may limit the Fund's ability to buy and sell securities.

Emerging Market Issuers Risk. Investments in securities of emerging market issuers involve risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Such heightened risks may include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, crime (including drug violence) and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Issuers in certain emerging market countries are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or reliable. Emerging markets are also more likely than developed markets to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades, as well as the holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in less developed markets may make trades harder to complete and settle, and governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that may not be subject to independent evaluation. Local agents are held only to the standards of care of their local markets. In general, the less developed a country’s securities markets are, the greater the likelihood of custody problems. Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.

Securities Market Risk. Securities markets in emerging market countries are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries. Securities markets in emerging market countries are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors, limit the supply of securities available for investment by the Fund. This will affect the rate at which the Fund is able to invest in emerging market countries, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the timing of purchases and sales. Emerging markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The prices of certain securities listed on securities markets in emerging market countries have been subject to sharp fluctuations and sudden declines, and no assurance can be given as to the future performance of listed securities in general. Volatility of prices may be greater than in more developed securities markets. Moreover, securities markets in emerging market countries may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether due to political or civil unrest. Market volatility may also be heightened by the actions of a small number of investors. Brokerage firms in emerging market countries may be fewer in number and less established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since the Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions, and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging market countries as is the case in certain more developed markets.

Political and Economic Risk. Certain emerging market countries have historically been subject to political instability and their prospects are tied to the continuation of economic and political liberalization in the region. Instability may result from factors such as government or military intervention in decision making, terrorism, civil unrest, extremism or hostilities between neighboring countries. Any of these factors, including an outbreak of hostilities could negatively impact the Fund’s returns. Limited political and democratic freedoms in emerging market countries might cause significant social unrest. These factors may have a significant adverse effect on an emerging market country’s economy.


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protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which it trades. They also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.

In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant percentage of certain emerging market countries’ exports and these economies are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. Adverse economic events in one country may have a significant adverse effect on other countries of this region. In addition, most emerging market countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth.

Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels. The political history of certain emerging market countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such events could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region.

Also, from time to time, certain issuers located in emerging market countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.

The economies of one or more countries in which the Fund may invest may be in various states of transition from a planned economy to a more market oriented economy. The economies of such countries differ from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including levels of government involvement, states of development, growth rates, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Economic growth in these economies may be uneven both geographically and among various sectors of their economies and may also be accompanied by periods of high inflation. Political changes, social instability and adverse diplomatic developments in these countries could result in the imposition of additional government restrictions, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxes or nationalization of some or all of the property held by the underlying issuers of securities of emerging market issuers. There is no guarantee that the governments of these countries will not revert back to some form of planned or non-market oriented economy, and such governments continue to be active participants in many economic sectors through ownership positions and regulation. The allocation of resources in such countries is subject to a high level of government control. Such countries’ governments may strictly regulate the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and set monetary policy. Through their policies, these governments may provide preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The policies set by the government of one of these countries could have a substantial effect on that country’s economy.

Investment and Repatriation Restrictions Risk. The government in an emerging market country may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in such emerging market countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in emerging market countries and may inhibit the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. In addition, the Fund may not be able to buy or sell securities or receive full value for such securities. Moreover, certain emerging market countries may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of such emerging market countries; and/or may impose additional taxes on foreign investors. A delay in obtaining a required government approval or a license would delay investments in those emerging market countries, and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. The government of certain emerging market countries may also withdraw or decline to renew a license that enables the Fund to invest in such country. These factors make investing in issuers located or operating in emerging market countries significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the net asset value of the Fund.

Additionally, investments in issuers located in certain emerging market countries may be subject to a greater degree of risk associated with governmental approval in connection with the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. Moreover, there is the risk that if the balance of payments in an emerging market country declines, the government of such country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. Consequently, the Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Furthermore, investments in emerging market countries may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund.


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market countries and such issuers are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to issuers located or operating in more developed countries.

Operational and Settlement Risk. In addition to having less developed securities markets, emerging market countries have less developed custody and settlement practices than certain developed countries. Rules adopted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities and cash in the custody of certain eligible non-U.S. banks and securities depositories. Banks in emerging market countries that are eligible foreign sub-custodians may be recently organized or otherwise lack extensive operating experience. In addition, in certain emerging market countries there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign sub-custodian in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian. Because settlement systems in emerging market countries may be less organized than in other developed markets, there may be a risk that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities of the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. Under the laws in many emerging market countries, the Fund may be required to release local shares before receiving cash payment or may be required to make cash payment prior to receiving local shares, creating a risk that the Fund may surrender cash or securities without ever receiving securities or cash from the other party. Settlement systems in emerging market countries also have a higher risk of failed trades and back to back settlements may not be possible.

The Fund may not be able to convert a foreign currency to U.S. dollars in time for the settlement of redemption requests. In the event that the Fund is not able to convert the foreign currency to U.S. dollars in time for settlement, which may occur as a result of the delays described above, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain investments and/or borrow money in order to fund such redemption. The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices or otherwise have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance (e.g., by causing the Fund to overweight foreign currency denominated holdings and underweight other holdings which were sold to fund redemptions). In addition, the Fund will incur interest expense on any borrowings and the borrowings will cause the Fund to be leveraged, which may magnify gains and losses on its investments.

In certain emerging market countries, the marketability of investments may be limited due to the restricted opening hours of trading exchanges, and a relatively high proportion of market value may be concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of investors. In addition, because certain emerging market countries’ trading exchanges on which the Fund’s portfolio securities may trade are open when the relevant exchanges are closed, the Fund may be subject to heightened risk associated with market movements. Trading volume may be lower on certain emerging market countries’ trading exchanges than on more developed securities markets and securities may be generally less liquid. The infrastructure for clearing, settlement and registration on the primary and secondary markets of certain emerging market countries are less developed than in certain other markets and under certain circumstances this may result in the Fund experiencing delays in settling and/or registering transactions in the markets in which it invests, particularly if the growth of foreign and domestic investment in certain emerging market countries places an undue burden on such investment infrastructure. Such delays could affect the speed with which the Fund can transmit redemption proceeds and may inhibit the initiation and realization of investment opportunities at optimum times.

Certain issuers in emerging market countries may utilize share blocking schemes. Share blocking refers to a practice, in certain foreign markets, where voting rights related to an issuer’s securities are predicated on these securities being blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a period of time around a shareholder meeting. These restrictions have the effect of barring the purchase and sale of certain voting securities within a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders will be taken. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities for a period of time. During the time that shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. The process for having a blocking restriction lifted can be quite onerous with the particular requirements varying widely by country. In addition, in certain countries, the block cannot be removed. As a result of the ramifications of voting ballots in markets that allow share blocking, the Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies in those markets.

Corporate and Securities Laws Risk. Securities laws in emerging market countries are relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities regulation, title to securities and securityholders rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which emerging market issuers are subject may be less advanced than those systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, securityholders of issuers located in emerging market countries may not receive many of the protections available to securityholders of issuers located in more developed countries. In circumstances where adequate laws and securityholders rights exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law. In addition, the enforcement of systems of taxation at federal, regional and local levels in emerging market countries may be inconsistent and subject to sudden change. The Fund has limited rights and few practical remedies in emerging markets and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring enforcement actions in emerging markets may be limited.


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Foreign Currency Risk. Because all or a portion of the income received by the Fund from its investments and/or the revenues received by the underlying issuer will generally be denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies and changes in the value of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the Fund, and the value of certain foreign currencies may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The Fund may also (directly or indirectly) incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and foreign currencies.

Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable and/or unwilling to honor its payment obligations and/or default completely on securities. The Fund’s securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, depending on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the securities, which may be reflected in credit ratings. There is a possibility that the credit rating of a security may be downgraded after purchase or the perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may decline, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Lower credit quality may also affect liquidity and make it difficult for the Fund to sell the security.

Restricted Securities Risk. Regulation S securities and Rule 144A securities are restricted securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. They may be less liquid and more difficult to value than other investments because such securities may not be readily marketable. The Fund may not be able to purchase or sell a restricted security promptly or at a reasonable time or price. Although there may be a substantial institutional market for these securities, it is not possible to predict exactly how the market for such securities will develop or whether it will continue to exist. A restricted security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid and its value may decline as a result. Restricted securities that are deemed illiquid will count towards the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities. In addition, transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities than for more liquid securities. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering restricted securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.

Energy Sector Risk. The Fund may be sensitive to, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the energy sector. Companies operating in the energy sector are subject to risks including, but not limited to, economic growth, worldwide demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil price volatility, energy conservation, environmental policies, depletion of resources, and the cost of providing the specific utility services and other factors that they cannot control.

The energy sector is cyclical and is highly dependent on commodity prices; prices and supplies of energy may fluctuate significantly over short and long periods of time due to, among other things, national and international political changes, OPEC policies, changes in relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations, the regulatory environment, taxation policies, and the economy of the key energy-consuming countries. Commodity prices have recently been subject to increased volatility and declines, which may negatively affect companies in which the Fund invests.

Companies in the energy sector may be adversely affected by terrorism, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Companies in the energy sector are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters. Disruptions in the oil industry or shifts in fuel consumption may significantly impact companies in this sector. Significant oil and gas deposits are located in emerging markets countries where corruption and security may raise significant risks, in addition to the other risks of investing in emerging markets.


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Companies in the energy sector may also be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, tax treatment, government regulation and intervention, negative perception, efforts at energy conservation and world events in the regions in which the companies operate (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social unrest, violence or labor unrest). Because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector is derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely comprised of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this sector. Entities operating in the energy sector are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations by federal, state and local governmental agencies. Such regulation can change rapidly or over time in both scope and intensity. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may materially adversely affect the financial performance of companies in the energy sector.

A downturn in the energy sector, adverse political, legislative or regulatory developments or other events could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not invest a substantial portion of its assets in the energy sector. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. The price of oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels may decline and/or experience significant volatility, which could adversely impact companies operating in the energy sector.

Call Risk. The Fund may invest in callable debt securities. If interest rates fall, issuers may “call” (or prepay) their debt securities before their maturity date. If the issuer exercises a call during or following a period of declining interest rates, the Fund is likely to have to replace the called security with a lower yielding security or riskier security, decreasing the Fund’s net investment income. The Fund also may fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss.

Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in its Index. As a result, an adverse development respecting an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in its Index. Conversely, a positive development relating to an issuer of securities in the Index that is not held by the Fund could cause the Fund to underperform the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.


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receipts, the purchase of depositary receipts may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to track the performance of the Index and increase tracking error, which may be exacerbated if the issuer of the depositary receipt discontinues issuing new depositary receipts or withdraws existing depositary receipts.

The Fund may value certain of its investments, underlying currencies and/or other assets based on fair value prices. To the extent the Fund calculates its net asset value based on fair value prices and the value of the Index is based on securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track the Index may be adversely affected. In addition, any issues the Fund encounters with regard to currency convertibility (including the cost of borrowing funds, if any), repatriation or economic sanctions may also increase the index tracking risk. The Fund’s performance may also deviate from the performance of the Index due to the impact of withholding taxes, late announcements relating to changes to the Index and high turnover of the Index. When markets are volatile, the ability to sell securities at fair value prices may be adversely impacted and may result in additional trading costs and/or increase the index tracking risk. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses. For tax efficiency purposes, the Fund may sell certain securities, and such sale may cause the Fund to realize a loss and deviate from the performance of the Index. In light of the factors discussed above, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Index. Changes to the composition of the Index in connection with a rebalancing or reconstitution of the Index may cause the Fund to experience increased volatility, during which time the Fund’s index tracking risk may be heightened.


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bid/ask spreads on the exchange and the resulting premium or discount to the Shares’ net asset value may widen. Additionally, in stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s Shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings and a shareholder may be unable to sell his or her Shares.

PERFORMANCE

The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year, ten year and/or since inception periods, as applicable, compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. Prior to May 13, 2015, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of an index called the BofA Merrill Lynch Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index (the “Prior Index”). Therefore, performance information prior to May 13, 2015 reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.vaneck.com.

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total annual return as of June 30, 2023 was 2.41%.


Best Quarter:	15.00%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-15.16%	1Q 2020

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022


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	Past One Year	Past Five Years*	Past Ten Years
VanEck Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (return before taxes)	-12.68%	0.01%	2.31%
VanEck Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-14.91%	-2.38%	-0.29%
VanEck Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	-7.53%	-0.92%	0.64%
ICE BofA Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index* (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.71%	-0.09%	2.57%
ICE BofA US Broad Market Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.16%	0.03%	1.07%

*Prior to May 13, 2015, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Prior Index. Therefore, performance information prior to May 13, 2015 reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. Prior to May 13, 2015, index data reflects that of the Prior Index. From May 13, 2015, the index data reflects that of the Emerging Markets High Yield Index.

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Manager. The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Francis G. Rodilosso

Portfolio Manager

September 2012

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information, and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


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VANECK® FALLEN ANGEL HIGH YIELD BOND ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of ICE US Fallen Angel High Yield 10% Constrained Index (the “Fallen Angel Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.35	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.35	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$36
			3			$113
			5			$197
			10			$443

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Fallen Angel Index is comprised of below investment grade corporate bonds denominated in U.S. dollars that were rated investment grade at the time of issuance. Qualifying securities must be issued in the U.S. domestic market and have a below investment grade rating. Defaulted securities are removed from the Fallen Angel Index at the end of the month in which they default. The Fallen Angel Index is comprised of bonds issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. issuers.

The country of risk of qualifying issuers must be a member of the FX Group of Ten, a Western European nation, or a territory of the United States or a Western European nation. The FX Group of Ten includes all Euro members, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. As of June 30, 2023, the Fallen Angel Index included 163 below investment grade bonds of 72 issuers and approximately 16% of the Fallen Angel Index was comprised of


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Rule 144A securities. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Fallen Angel Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Fallen Angel Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the Fallen Angel Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the Fallen Angel Index.

The Fund may become "non-diversified" as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, solely as a result of a change in relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of the Fallen Angel Index. This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers than would be the case if the Fund were always managed as a diversified management investment company. The Fund intends to be diversified in approximately the same proportion as the Fallen Angel Index. Shareholder approval will not be sought when the Fund crosses from diversified to non-diversified status due solely to a change in the relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of the Fallen Angel Index.

The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Fallen Angel Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, each of the energy, consumer discretionary, information technology and financials sectors represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

High Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as high yield securities or “junk bonds.” High yield securities are often issued by issuers that are restructuring, are smaller or less creditworthy than other issuers, or are more highly indebted than other issuers. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. The prices of high yield securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual issuer developments than higher rated securities, resulting in increased volatility of their market prices and a corresponding volatility in the Fund’s net asset value. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, high yield security issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain additional financing. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities, and high yield securities issued by non-corporate issuers may be less liquid than high yield securities issued by corporate issuers. Illiquidity may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and the Fund’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities when it seeks to do so. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change may result in an increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a corresponding volatility in the Fund's net asset value.


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interest rate changes, usually making them more volatile than debt securities, such as bonds, with shorter durations. A substantial investment by the Fund in debt securities with longer-term maturities during periods of rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline significantly. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates and/or volatility. It is difficult to predict the magnitude, timing or direction of interest rate changes and the impact these changes will have on the markets in which the Fund invests.


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times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. The price of oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels may decline and/or experience significant volatility, which could adversely impact companies operating in the energy sector.

Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. The Fund will be sensitive to, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the consumer discretionary sector. The consumer discretionary sector comprises companies whose businesses are sensitive to economic cycles, such as manufacturers of high-end apparel and automobile and leisure companies. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.

Information Technology Sector Risk. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.


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be adversely impacted and may result in additional trading costs and/or increase the index tracking risk. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses. For tax efficiency purposes, the Fund may sell certain securities, and such sale may cause the Fund to realize a loss and deviate from the performance of the Index. In light of the factors discussed above, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Index. Changes to the composition of the Index in connection with a rebalancing or reconstitution of the Index may cause the Fund to experience increased volatility, during which time the Fund’s index tracking risk may be heightened.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund may become classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 solely as a result of a change in relative market capitalization or index weighting of one or more constituents of the its Index. If the Fund becomes non-diversified, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of a smaller number of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a more diversified fund.


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PERFORMANCE

The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar years shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year, ten year and/or since inception periods, as applicable, compared with the Fund’s former benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. Prior to February 28, 2020, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the ICE BofA US Fallen Angel High Yield Index (the "Prior Index"). Therefore, performance information prior to February 28, 2020 reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. As a result, the Fund’s future performance may differ substantially from the performance information shown below. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.vaneck.com.

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total return as of June 30, 2023 was 4.68%.


Best Quarter:	14.02%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-13.14%	1Q 2020

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022


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	Past One Year	Past Five Years	Past Ten Years
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (return before taxes)	-14.24%	3.05%	5.72%
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-15.81%	0.96%	3.34%
VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	-8.41%	1.46%	3.36%
ICE US Fallen Angel High Yield 10% Constrained Index* (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-14.00%	3.38%	6.40%
ICE BofA US Broad Market Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.16%	0.03%	1.07%

* Prior to February 28, 2020, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Prior Index. Therefore, the performance information included in this table reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. Additionally, the index data included in this table reflects that of the Prior Index. From February 28, 2020, the index data will reflect that of the Fallen Angel Index.

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Manager. The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Francis G. Rodilosso

Portfolio Manager

April 2012

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES


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VANECK® GREEN BOND ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® Green Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index (the “Green Bond Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.20	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%



Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.20	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$20
			3			$64
			5			$113
			10			$255

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Green Bond Index is comprised of bonds issued for qualified “green” purposes and seeks to measure the performance of U.S. dollar denominated “green”-labeled bonds issued globally. The Green Bond Index is sponsored by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, which is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Fund or the Adviser. “Green” bonds are bonds whose proceeds are used principally for climate change mitigation, climate adaptation or other environmentally beneficial projects, such as, but not limited to, the development of clean, sustainable or renewable energy sources, commercial and industrial energy efficiency, or conservation of natural resources. For a bond to be eligible for inclusion in the Green Bond Index, the issuer of the bond must indicate the bond’s “green” label and the rationale behind it, such as the intended use of proceeds. As an additional filter, the bond must be flagged as “green” by Climate Bonds Initiative (“CBI”), an international not-for-profit working to mobilize the bond market for climate


32

change solutions, to be eligible for inclusion in the Green Bond Index. The Green Bond Index is market value-weighted and includes supranational, corporate, government-related, sovereign and securitized “green” bonds issued throughout the world (including emerging market countries), and may include both investment grade and below investment grade securities (commonly referred to as high yield securities or “junk bonds”). “Securitized green bonds” are securities typically collateralized by a specified pool of assets, such as mortgages, automobile loans or other consumer receivables. All bonds must be rated by at least one credit rating agency, except that up to 10% of the Green Bond Index can be invested in unrated bonds that are issued or guaranteed by a government-sponsored enterprise. The maximum weight of below investment grade bonds (excluding any unrated bonds that are issued or guaranteed by a government-sponsored enterprise) in the Green Bond Index is capped at 20%. No more than 10% of the Green Bond Index can be invested in a single issuer. Qualifying securities must have a maturity of at least 12 months at the time of issuance and at least one month remaining until maturity at each rebalancing date.

As of June 30, 2023, the Green Bond Index consisted of 456 bonds issued by 266 issuers and the weighted average maturity of the Green Bond Index was approximately 7.89 years. As of the same date, approximately 19.35% of the Green Bond Index was comprised of Regulation S securities and 28.65% of the Green Bond Index was comprised of Rule 144A securities. The S&P Green Bond Index is rebalanced monthly. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Green Bond Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the Green Bond Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the Green Bond Index. Because of the practical difficulties and expense of purchasing all of the securities in the Green Bond Index, the Fund does not purchase all of the securities in the Green Bond Index. Instead, the Adviser utilizes a “sampling” methodology in seeking to achieve the Fund’s objective. As such, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Green Bond Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of bonds with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Green Bond Index.

The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Green Bond Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, each of the financials and utilities sectors represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

“Green” Bonds Risk. Investments in “green” bonds include bonds whose proceeds are used principally for climate mitigation, climate adaptation or other environmentally beneficial projects, such as, but not limited to, the development of clean, sustainable or renewable energy sources, commercial and industrial energy efficiency, or conservation of natural resources. Investing in “green” bonds carries the risk that, under certain market conditions, the Fund may underperform as compared to funds that invest in a broader range of investments. In addition, some “green” investments may be dependent on government tax incentives and subsidies and on political support for certain environmental technologies and companies. Investing primarily in “green” investments may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain sectors or types of investments and will impact the Fund’s relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. The “green” sector may also have challenges such as a limited number of issuers and limited liquidity in the market. Additionally, there may also be a limited supply of bonds that merit “green” status, which may adversely affect the Fund.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in Chinese Issuers. Investments in securities of Chinese issuers, including issuers outside of China that generate significant revenues from China, involve certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investments in U.S securities. These risks include among others (i) more frequent (and potentially widespread) trading suspensions and government interventions with respect to Chinese issuers resulting in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility, (ii)


33

currency revaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations or blockage, (iii) the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, whether such intervention will continue and the impact of such intervention or its discontinuation, (iv) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, (v) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, (vi) limitations on the use of brokers, (vii) higher rates of inflation, (viii) greater political, economic and social uncertainty, (ix) market volatility caused by any potential regional or territorial conflicts or natural or other disasters, and (x) the risk of increased trade tariffs, embargoes, sanctions, investment restrictions and other trade limitations. Certain securities are, or may in the future become restricted, and the Fund may be forced to sell such securities and incur a loss as a result. In addition, the economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, the Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in China.


34

Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.

Many emerging market countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, may continue to be negatively affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which it trades. They also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.


35

resources in such countries is subject to a high level of government control. Such countries’ governments may strictly regulate the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and set monetary policy. Through their policies, these governments may provide preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The policies set by the government of one of these countries could have a substantial effect on that country’s economy.

Risk of Available Disclosure About Emerging Market Issuers. Issuers located or operating in emerging market countries are not subject to the same rules and regulations as issuers located or operating in more developed countries. Therefore, there may be less financial and other information publicly available with regard to issuers located or operating in emerging market countries and such issuers are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to issuers located or operating in more developed countries.


36

than on more developed securities markets and securities may be generally less liquid. The infrastructure for clearing, settlement and registration on the primary and secondary markets of certain emerging market countries are less developed than in certain other markets and under certain circumstances this may result in the Fund experiencing delays in settling and/or registering transactions in the markets in which it invests, particularly if the growth of foreign and domestic investment in certain emerging market countries places an undue burden on such investment infrastructure. Such delays could affect the speed with which the Fund can transmit redemption proceeds and may inhibit the initiation and realization of investment opportunities at optimum times.


37

principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. The prices of high yield securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual issuer developments than higher rated securities, resulting in increased volatility of their market prices and a corresponding volatility in the Fund’s net asset value. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, high yield security issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain additional financing. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities, and high yield securities issued by non-corporate issuers may be less liquid than high yield securities issued by corporate issuers. Illiquidity may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and the Fund’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities when it seeks to do so. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change may result in an increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a corresponding volatility in the Fund's net asset value.

Supranational Bond Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests in supranational bonds, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the supranational entities that issue such bonds. Certain securities in which the Fund may invest are obligations issued or backed by supranational entities, such as the European Investment Bank. Obligations of supranational organizations are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. If an issuer of supranational bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. A supranational entity’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the relative size of the debt service burden to the entity as a whole and the political constraints to which a supranational entity may be subject. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of supranational bonds, and the Fund’s net asset value, may be more volatile than prices of corporate bonds, which may result in losses. Obligations of a supranational organization that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investment in foreign currencies.

Government-Related Bond Risk. The governmental authority or government-related entity that controls the repayment of the bond may be unable or unwilling to honor its payment obligations. If an issuer of government-related bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. A government-related debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange when a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government-related debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which the debtor may be subject. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of government-related bonds, and the Fund’s net asset value, may be more volatile than prices of corporate bonds, which may result in losses.

Securitized/Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Investments in asset-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, are subject to the risk of significant credit downgrades, dramatic changes in liquidity, and defaults to a greater extent than many other types of fixed-income investments. During periods of falling interest rates, asset-backed securities may be called or prepaid, which may result in the Fund having to reinvest proceeds in other investments at a lower interest rate. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of asset-backed securities may extend, which may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, and reduce the value of the security. The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities issued or backed by federal agencies or government sponsored enterprises or that are part of a government-sponsored program, which may subject the Fund to the risks noted above. The values of assets or collateral underlying asset-backed securities may decline and, therefore, may not be adequate to cover underlying obligations. Enforcing rights against the underlying assets or collateral may be difficult, and the underlying assets or collateral may be insufficient if the issuer defaults.


38

operations. Increased government involvement in the financials sector, including measures such as taking ownership positions in financial institutions, could result in a dilution of the Fund’s investments in financial institutions.

Utilities Sector Risk. The Fund will be sensitive to, and its performance will depend to a greater extent on, the overall condition of the utilities sector. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and international competition, difficulty in raising adequate amounts of capital and governmental limitation on rates charged to customers.


39

changes to the Index and high turnover of the Index. When markets are volatile, the ability to sell securities at fair value prices may be adversely impacted and may result in additional trading costs and/or increase the index tracking risk. The Fund may also need to rely on borrowings to meet redemptions, which may lead to increased expenses. For tax efficiency purposes, the Fund may sell certain securities, and such sale may cause the Fund to realize a loss and deviate from the performance of the Index. In light of the factors discussed above, the Fund’s return may deviate significantly from the return of the Index. Changes to the composition of the Index in connection with a rebalancing or reconstitution of the Index may cause the Fund to experience increased volatility, during which time the Fund’s index tracking risk may be heightened.


40

PERFORMANCE

The bar chart that follows shows how the Fund performed for the calendar year shown. The table below the bar chart shows the Fund’s average annual returns (before and after taxes). The bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one year, five year, ten year and/or since inception periods, as applicable, compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of market performance. Prior to September 1, 2019, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the S&P Green Bond Select Index (the “Prior Index”). Therefore, performance information prior to September 1, 2019 reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. All returns assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.vaneck.com.

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total return as of June 30, 2023 was 2.53%.


Best Quarter:	5.28%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-6.01%	1Q 2022

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022



	Past One Year	Past Five Years	Since Inception (3/2/2017)
VanEck Green Bond ETF (return before taxes)	-11.85%	-1.19%	0.58%
VanEck Green Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-12.75%	-1.93%	-0.15%
VanEck Green Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	-7.00%	-1.18%	0.16%
S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index* (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-12.14%	-0.86%	1.00%
ICE BofA US Broad Market Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.16%	0.03%	0.59%


41

* Prior to September 1, 2019, the Fund sought to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Prior Index. Therefore, performance information prior to September 1, 2019 reflects the performance of the Fund while seeking to track the Prior Index. Prior to September 1, 2019, index data reflects that of the Prior Index. From September 1, 2019, the index data reflects that of the Green Bond Index.

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Manager. The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Francis G. Rodilosso

Portfolio Manager

March 2017

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information, and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


42


VANECK® IG FLOATING RATE ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® IG Floating Rate ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS® US Investment Grade Floating Rate Index (the “Floating Rate Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.14	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.14	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$14
			3			$45
			5			$79
			10			$179

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Floating Rate Index is comprised of U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes issued by corporate entities or similar commercial entities that are public reporting companies in the United States and rated investment grade. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in Rule 144A securities. As of June 30, 2023, the Floating Rate Index included 124 notes of 65 issuers and approximately 27% of the Floating Rate Index was comprised of Rule 144A securities. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Floating Rate Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the Floating Rate Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the Floating Rate Index. Because of the practical difficulties and expense of purchasing all of the securities


43

in the Floating Rate Index, the Fund does not purchase all of the securities in the Floating Rate Index. Instead, the Adviser utilizes a “sampling” methodology in seeking to achieve the Fund’s objective. As such, the Fund may purchase a subset of the bonds in the Floating Rate Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of bonds with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Floating Rate Index.

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund and, therefore, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer. The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Floating Rate Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, the financials sector represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND


44

securities than for more liquid securities. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering restricted securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.


45


46

PERFORMANCE

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total return as of June 30, 2023 was 3.88%.


Best Quarter:	5.58%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-5.13%	1Q 2020

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022


47



	Past One Year	Past Five Years	Past Ten Years
VanEck IG Floating Rate ETF (return before taxes)	0.68%	1.77%	1.58%
VanEck IG Floating Rate ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-0.25%	0.93%	0.94%
VanEck IG Floating Rate ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	0.40%	1.00%	0.93%
MVIS US Investment Grade Floating Rate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	0.48%	1.87%	1.83%
ICE BofA US Broad Market Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.16%	0.03%	1.07%

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Manager. The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Francis G. Rodilosso

Portfolio Manager

September 2012

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information, and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


48


VANECK® INTERNATIONAL HIGH YIELD BOND ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® International High Yield Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of ICE BofA Global ex-US Issuers High Yield Constrained Index (the “International High Yield Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.40	%

Other Expenses(a)	0.00	%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.40	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) will pay all expenses of the Fund, except for the fee payment under the investment management agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay the offering costs until at least September 1, 2024.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$41
			3			$128
			5			$224
			10			$505

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The International High Yield Index is comprised of below investment grade bonds issued by corporations located throughout the world (which may include emerging market countries) excluding the United States, denominated in euros, U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars or pound sterling and issued in the major domestic or eurobond markets. Qualifying securities must have a below investment grade rating. As of June 30, 2023, the International High Yield Index included 1,597 below investment grade securities of 773 issuers and approximately 37% of the International High Yield Index was comprised of Rule 144A securities. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.


49

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the International High Yield Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the International High Yield Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the International High Yield Index. Because of the practical difficulties and expense of purchasing all of the securities in the International High Yield Index, the Fund does not purchase all of the securities in the International High Yield Index. Instead, the Adviser utilizes a “sampling” methodology in seeking to achieve the Fund’s objective. As such, the Fund may purchase a subset of the bonds in the International High Yield Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of bonds with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the International High Yield Index.

The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the International High Yield Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, each of the financials, industrials, information technology and energy sectors represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

High Yield Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as high yield securities or “junk bonds.” High yield securities are often issued by issuers that are restructuring, are smaller or less creditworthy than other issuers, or are more highly indebted than other issuers. High yield securities are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. The prices of high yield securities are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual issuer developments than higher rated securities, resulting in increased volatility of their market prices and a corresponding volatility in the Fund’s net asset value. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, high yield security issuers may experience financial stress that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain additional financing. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities, and high yield securities issued by non-corporate issuers may be less liquid than high yield securities issued by corporate issuers. Illiquidity may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and the Fund’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities when it seeks to do so. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change may result in an increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a corresponding volatility in the Fund's net asset value.


50

trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. These factors, coupled with restrictions on foreign investment and other factors, limit the supply of securities available for investment by the Fund. This will affect the rate at which the Fund is able to invest in emerging market countries, the purchase and sale prices for such securities and the timing of purchases and sales. Emerging markets can experience high rates of inflation, deflation and currency devaluation. The prices of certain securities listed on securities markets in emerging market countries have been subject to sharp fluctuations and sudden declines, and no assurance can be given as to the future performance of listed securities in general. Volatility of prices may be greater than in more developed securities markets. Moreover, securities markets in emerging market countries may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether due to political or civil unrest. Market volatility may also be heightened by the actions of a small number of investors. Brokerage firms in emerging market countries may be fewer in number and less established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since the Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions, and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging market countries as is the case in certain more developed markets.


51


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speed with which the Fund can transmit redemption proceeds and may inhibit the initiation and realization of investment opportunities at optimum times.

Special Risk Considerations of Investing in United Kingdom Issuers. Investments in securities of United Kingdom issuers, including issuers located outside of the United Kingdom that generate significant revenues from the United Kingdom, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Investments in United Kingdom issuers may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security and economic risks specific to the United Kingdom. The British economy relies heavily on the export of financials to the United States and other European countries. The British economy, along with the United States and certain other European Union economies, experienced a significant economic slowdown during the recent financial crisis. In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, voters in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, creating economic and political uncertainty in its wake. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union. On December 30, 2020, the European Union and United Kingdom signed the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation


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Agreement, an agreement on the terms governing certain aspects of the European Union’s and the United Kingdom’s relationship following the end of the transition period. Notwithstanding the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, following the transition period, there is likely to be considerable uncertainty as to the United Kingdom’s post-transition framework.


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Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector comprises companies who produce capital goods used in construction and manufacturing, such as companies that make and sell machinery, equipment and supplies that are used to produce other goods. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and exchange rates.


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PERFORMANCE

Annual Total Returns (%)—Calendar Years

The year-to-date total return as of June 30, 2023 was 4.31%.


Best Quarter:	13.19%	2Q 2020
Worst Quarter:	-14.44%	1Q 2020

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022



	Past One Year	Past Five Years	Past Ten Years
VanEck International High Yield Bond ETF (return before taxes)	-14.52%	-0.60%	1.92%
VanEck International High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions)	-16.20%	-2.41%	0.00%
VanEck International High Yield Bond ETF (return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund Shares)	-8.59%	-1.14%	0.66%
ICE BofA Global ex-US Issuers High Yield Constrained Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-15.34%	-0.52%	2.37%
ICE BofA US Broad Market Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	-13.16%	0.03%	1.07%

See “License Agreements and Disclaimers” for important information.


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PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Investment Adviser. Van Eck Associates Corporation.

Portfolio Manager. The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

Name

Title with Adviser

Date Began Managing the Fund

Francis G. Rodilosso

Portfolio Manager

April 2012

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information, and payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries, please turn to the “Summary Information about Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares, Taxes and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” section of this Prospectus.


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VANECK® J.P. MORGAN EM LOCAL CURRENCY BOND ETF

SUMMARY INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

VanEck® J.P. Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index (the “Emerging Markets Global Core Index” or the “Index”).

FUND FEES AND EXPENSES


Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)			None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)



Management Fee	0.27	%

Other Expenses	0.04	%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)	0.31	%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a)	-0.01	%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursement(a)	0.30	%

(a)Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 0.30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least September 1, 2024. During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Fund’s Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell or hold all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% annual return and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the example incorporates the fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:



			YEAR			EXPENSES
			1			$31
			3			$99
			5			$173
			10			$392

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Fund’s benchmark index. The Emerging Markets Global Core Index is comprised of bonds issued by emerging market governments and denominated in the local currency of the issuer. As of June 30, 2023, the Emerging Markets Global Core Index included 344 bonds of 20 sovereign issuers. This


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80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

The Fund, using a “passive” or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of the Emerging Markets Global Core Index. Unlike many investment companies that try to “beat” the performance of a benchmark index, the Fund does not try to “beat” the Emerging Markets Global Core Index and does not take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its investment objective of seeking to replicate the Emerging Markets Global Core Index. Because of the practical difficulties and expense of purchasing all of the securities in the Emerging Markets Global Core Index, the Fund does not purchase all of the securities in the Emerging Markets Global Core Index. Instead, the Adviser utilizes a “sampling” methodology in seeking to achieve the Fund’s objective. As such, the Fund may purchase a subset of the bonds in the Emerging Markets Global Core Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of bonds with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Emerging Markets Global Core Index.

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund and, therefore, may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer. The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Emerging Markets Global Core Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. As of April 30, 2023, the government sector represented a significant portion of the Fund.

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND


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emerging market countries may be fewer in number and less established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since the Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions, and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging market countries as is the case in certain more developed markets.


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countries may also withdraw or decline to renew a license that enables the Fund to invest in such country. These factors make investing in issuers located or operating in emerging market countries significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the net asset value of the Fund.

Foreign Currency Risk Considerations. The Fund’s assets that are invested in securities of issuers in emerging market countries will generally be denominated in foreign currencies, and the proceeds received by the Fund from these investments will be principally in foreign currencies. The value of an emerging market country’s currency may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. This fluctuation may be due to changes in interest rates, the effects of monetary policies issued by the United States, foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities, the imposition of currency controls or other national or global political or economic developments. The economies of certain emerging market countries can be significantly affected by currency devaluations. Certain emerging market countries may also have managed currencies which are maintained at artificial levels relative to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors.

The Fund’s exposure to an emerging market country’s currency and changes in value of such foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar may reduce the Fund’s investment performance and the value of your investment in the Fund. Meanwhile, the Fund will compute and expects to distribute its income in U.S. dollars, and the computation of income will be made on the date that the income is earned by the Fund at the foreign exchange rate in effect on that date. Therefore, if the value of the respective emerging market country’s currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar between the earning of the income and the time at which the Fund converts the relevant emerging market country’s currency to U.S. dollars, the Fund may be required to liquidate certain positions in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. dollars to meet distribution requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The liquidation of investments, if required, could be at disadvantageous prices or otherwise have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance.

Certain emerging market countries also restrict the free conversion of their currency into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many such currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies. Furthermore, if permitted, the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between U.S. dollars and an emerging market country’s currency. Foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer normally will offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire immediately to resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward, futures or options contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.


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securities or cash from the other party. Settlement systems in emerging market countries also have a higher risk of failed trades and back to back settlements may not be possible.