# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000768847
**File Stem:** 0000768847-25-000164
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 1059947
**Document Hash:** 0fe66ed5a5e56502f0e3a0aff3d0b9db
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000768847-25-000164.hdr.sgml**: 20250820

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000768847-25-000164

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 48

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250820

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250820

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20250820

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** VanEck Funds
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000768847

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NY
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-04297
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251235703

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 666 THIRD AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 212-293-2000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 666 THIRD AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** VAN ECK FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** VanEck Funds
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000768847

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NY
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 002-97596
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251235702

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 666 THIRD AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 212-293-2000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 666 THIRD AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10017

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** VAN ECK FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF (Series ID: S000094755)

| Class ID   | Class Name                       | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000263290 | VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | EMBX            |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? ck0000768847-20250820

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 20, 2025 | AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 20, 2025 |
| 1933 Act File No. 002-97596 | 1933 Act File No. 002-97596 |
| 1940 Act File No. 811-04297 | 1940 Act File No. 811-04297 |
| **UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** | **UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** |
| **Washington, D.C. 20549** | **Washington, D.C. 20549** |
| **FORM N-1A** | **FORM N-1A** |
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]** | **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]** |
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ [ ] | Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ [ ] |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 [X] | Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 [X] |
| and/or | and/or |
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]** | **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]** |
| Amendment No. 184 [X] | Amendment No. 184 [X] |
| **VANECK FUNDS** | **VANECK FUNDS** |
| (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) | (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) |
| **666 Third Avenue** | **666 Third Avenue** |
| **New York, NY 10017** | **New York, NY 10017** |
| (Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code) | (Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code) |
| 212-293-2000 | 212-293-2000 |
| Registrant's Telephone Number | Registrant's Telephone Number |
| **Jonathan R. Simon, Esq.** | **Jonathan R. Simon, Esq.** |
| **Senior Vice President and General Counsel** | **Senior Vice President and General Counsel** |
| **Van Eck Associates Corporation** | **Van Eck Associates Corporation** |
| **666 Third Avenue, 9**<sup>th</sup> **Floor** | **666 Third Avenue, 9**<sup>th</sup> **Floor** |
| **New York, NY 10017** | **New York, NY 10017** |
| (Name and Address of Agent for Service) | (Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
| Copy to: | Copy to: |
| **Fabio Battaglia, Esq.** <br>**Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP** <br>**2005 Market Street** <br>**Suite 2600** <br>**Philadelphia, PA 19103** | **Fabio Battaglia, Esq.** <br>**Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP** <br>**2005 Market Street** <br>**Suite 2600** <br>**Philadelphia, PA 19103** |
| Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: | Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: |
| **As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.** | **As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.** |
| It is proposed that this filing will become effective: (check appropriate box) | It is proposed that this filing will become effective: (check appropriate box) |
| [X] | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ ] | On [date] pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| [ ] | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| [ ] | on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| [ ] | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| [ ] | on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485. |
| If appropriate, check the following box:<br>[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. | If appropriate, check the following box:<br>[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| August 20, 2025<br>**Prospectus** | <br>![VE_Logo_NoTag_k_rgb505050.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g1.jpg) |

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**EMBX** \| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for the Fund: NYSE Arca, Inc.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **TABLE OF CONTENTS** | |
| [Summary Information](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_13) | [3](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_13) |
| [Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Strategies and Risks](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_25) | [13](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_25) |
| [Portfolio Holdings](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_28) | [27](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_28) |
| [Management of the Fund](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_34) | [27](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_34) |
| [Portfolio Manager](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_37)s | [28](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_37) |
| [Shareholder Information](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_40) | [28](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_40) |
| [Financial Highlights](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_43) | [33](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_43) |
| [Premium/Discount Information](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_46) | [35](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_46) |
| [General Information](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_49) | [35](#i0bc975b773ba42128ac4bd2b81f1de52_49) |

---

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**VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF**

**SUMMARY INFORMATION**

**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE**

VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF (the "Fund") seeks total return, consisting of income and capital appreciation.

**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 | 0.75% |
| Other Expenses<sup>(a) (b)</sup> | 0.01% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>(a)</sup> | 0.76% |

---

(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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 May 1, 2027.

(b) "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

**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:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Year** | **Expenses** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | $78 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | $243 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | $422 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;10 | $942 |

---

**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 portfolio turnover rate of Emerging Markets Bond Fund (the "Predecessor Fund") was 206% of the average value of its portfolio.

**PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**

Under normal conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in emerging market debt securities. An instrument will qualify as an emerging market debt security if it is either (i) issued by an emerging market government, quasi-government or corporate entity (regardless of the currency in which it is denominated) or (ii) denominated in the currency of an emerging market country (regardless of the location of the issuer). The Fund may also invest in non-emerging market debt securities. The Fund may also invest in debt securities rated below investment grade ("junk bonds"). The Fund is considered to be "non-diversified" which means that it may invest a larger portion of its assets in a single issuer. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities.

The Fund invests in debt issued in emerging market and developed market currencies by governments and government-owned, controlled, or related entities (and their agencies and subdivisions), and by corporations. The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, debentures, notes, commercial paper, time deposits, and certificates of deposit, as well as debt obligations, which may have a call on a common stock or commodity.

The Fund may also invest in emerging market or developed market currencies. The Fund may use derivative instruments denominated in any currency to enhance return, hedge (or protect) the value of its assets against adverse movements in commodity prices, currency exchange rates, interest rates and movements in the securities markets, manage certain

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investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities, currencies or commodities. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to implement "cross-hedging" strategies, which involve the use of one currency to hedge against the decline in the value of another currency, or to hedge the value of a currency that is embedded in the value of another currency (for example, the value of the Euro that may be embedded in the Polish zloty). The Fund expects to use forward currency contracts; futures on securities, indices, currencies, commodities, swaps and other investments; options; and interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, total return swaps and credit default swaps. The Fund may also invest in credit-linked notes. Credit-linked notes are typically issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative or basket of derivatives instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and/or other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield, sovereign debt, emerging markets, or other fixed income markets. The notional value of a cash-settled forward currency contract or other derivative instrument on an emerging market currency (or a currency that is embedded in an emerging market currency) or security (including any security that is a reference security for a credit default swap) will be treated as an emerging market debt security for purposes of complying with the Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in emerging market debt securities.

The Adviser has broad discretion to identify countries that it considers to qualify as emerging markets. The Adviser selects emerging market countries and currencies that the Fund will invest in based on the Adviser's evaluation of economic fundamentals, legal structure, political developments and other specific factors the Adviser believes to be relevant. The Fund's investment strategy normalizes countries' economic fundamentals and compares them to the valuations of the relevant asset prices, particularly the relevant currency's valuation, the relevant currency's interest rate, and the relevant hard-currency security's credit spread. The analysis of financially material risks and opportunities related to ESG (i.e. Environmental, Social and Governance) factors is a component of the overall investment process. ESG considerations can affect the Adviser's fundamental assessment of a company or country. The Fund may invest in instruments whose return is based on the return of an emerging market security such as a derivative instrument, rather than investing directly in emerging market securities. The Fund may sell or reduce positions at any time, including when they no longer meet its investment criteria as described herein.

The Fund's holdings may include issues denominated in currencies of emerging countries, investment companies (including funds focused on single countries) that invest in emerging countries, depositary receipts, and similar types of investments, representing emerging market debt securities. The Fund may purchase securities of any maturity or duration. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security's duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities issued by other investment companies (each an "Underlying Fund"), including other exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"). The Fund may also invest in money market funds, but these investments are not subject to this limitation. The Fund may invest in ETFs to participate in, or gain exposure to, certain market sectors, or when direct investments in certain countries are not permitted or available. The Fund may also invest in restricted securities, including Rule 144A securities.

**PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND**

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

**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.

**Credit-Linked Notes Risk.** When it buys a credit-linked note, the Fund assumes the risk of default by the issuer and the underlying reference asset or entity. If the underlying investment defaults, the payments and principal received by the Fund will be reduced or eliminated. Also, in the event the issuer defaults or there is a credit event that relates to the reference asset, the recovery rate generally is less than the Fund's initial investment, and the Fund may lose money.

**Currency Management Strategies Risk.** Currency management strategies, including the use of forward currency contracts and other derivatives, may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currencies and currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser anticipates.

**Derivatives Risk.** Derivatives and other similar instruments (referred to collectively as "derivatives") are financial instruments whose values are based on the value of one or more reference assets or indicators, such as a security, currency, interest rate, or index. The Fund's use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with

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investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments. Moreover, although the value of a derivative is based on an underlying asset or indicator, a derivative typically does not carry the same rights as would be the case if the Fund invested directly in the underlying securities, currencies or other assets.

Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as potential changes in value in response to market developments or, in the case of "over-the-counter" derivatives, as a result of a counterparty's credit quality and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not achieve the desired correlation with the underlying asset or indicator. Derivative transactions can create investment leverage and may be highly volatile, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders of the Fund.

Many derivative transactions are entered into "over-the-counter" without a central clearinghouse; as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on, among other factors, the ability and the willingness of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, the Fund's contractual remedies against such counterparty may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor (e.g., the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive). Counterparty risk also refers to the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at any time, and the Fund may not be able to initiate or liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. The Fund may also face the risk that it may not be able to meet margin and payment requirements and maintain a derivatives position.

Derivatives are also subject to operational and legal risks. Operational risk generally refers to risk related to potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls, and human errors. Legal risk generally refers to insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.

**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, nationalization and/or confiscation of assets and property, 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

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from factors such as government or military intervention in decision making, terrorism, civil unrest, extremism or hostilities between neighboring countries. Any of these factors, including an outbreak of hostilities could negatively impact the Fund's returns. Limited political and democratic freedoms in emerging market countries might cause significant social unrest. These factors may have a significant adverse effect on an emerging market country's economy.

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

In addition, 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.

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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.

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

**Foreign Currency 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 may be denominated 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.

**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

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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.

**ESG Investing Strategy Risk.** The Fund's ESG strategy could cause it to perform differently compared to funds that do not have an ESG focus. The Fund's ESG strategy may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform other securities or underperform the market as a whole. The Fund is also subject to the risk that the companies represented in the Fund do not operate as expected when addressing ESG issues. Additionally, the valuation model used for identifying ESG companies may not perform as intended, which may adversely affect an investment in the Fund. Regulatory changes or interpretations regarding the definitions and/or use of ESG criteria could have a material adverse effect on the Fund's ability to implement its ESG strategy.

**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 issuers 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.

**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.

**Hedging Risk.** Losses or gains generated by a derivative or other instrument or practice used by the Fund for hedging purposes (including for hedging interest rate risk and credit risk) should be substantially offset by gains or losses on the hedged investment. However, the Fund is exposed to the risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will not match those of the investment being hedged.

**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.

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**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.

**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.

**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, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers) 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.

**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.

**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.

**Restricted Securities Risk.** The Fund may hold securities that are restricted as to resale under the U.S. Federal securities laws, such as securities in certain privately held companies. Such securities may be highly illiquid and their values may experience significant volatility. Restricted securities may be difficult to value.

**Risk of Investing in Other Funds.** The Fund may invest in shares of other funds, including ETFs. As a result, the Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of an investment in the underlying funds. As a shareholder in a fund, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses. At the same time, the Fund would continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will be absorbing additional levels of fees with respect to investments in other funds, including ETFs.

**Sovereign Bond Risk.** Investment in sovereign bonds involves special risks not present in corporate bonds. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of the bond may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or to otherwise honor its obligations. If an issuer of sovereign bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign bonds, and the Fund's net asset value, may be more volatile than prices of corporate bonds, which may result in losses. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses for holders of sovereign bonds.

**Special Risk Considerations of Investing in African Issuers.** Investments in securities of African issuers, including issuers located outside of Africa that generate significant revenues from Africa, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or

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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, terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, strained international relations related to border disputes, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest and, in certain countries, genocidal warfare. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Additionally, Africa is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters, such as droughts, and is economically sensitive to environmental events.

The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries or geographic regions. A subset of African emerging market countries are considered to be "frontier markets." Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. As a result, securities markets in Africa are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers, investors and financial intermediaries representing a limited number of sectors or industries. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.

Certain economies in African countries depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities such as agricultural products, gold, silver, copper, diamonds and oil. These economies therefore are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, which in turn may be affected by a variety of factors.

Certain governments in Africa may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in countries in Africa. Moreover, certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund's Shares.

There may be a risk of loss due to the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, certain African countries have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar. If such currency pegs are abandoned, such abandonment could cause sudden and significant currency adjustments, which could impact the Fund's investment returns in those countries. There may be limitations or delays in the convertibility or repatriation of certain African currencies, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of the Fund's investments denominated in such African currencies, may impair the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective and/or may impede the Fund's ability to satisfy redemption requests in a timely manner. For these or other reasons, the Fund could seek to suspend redemptions of Creation Units, including in the event that an emergency exists in which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine its net asset value. The Fund could also, among other things, limit or suspend creations of Creation Units. During the period that creations or redemptions are affected, the Fund's shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to their net asset value. In the case of a period during which creations are suspended, the Fund could experience substantial redemptions, which may exacerbate the discount to net asset value at which the Fund's shares trade, cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs, and cause the Fund to make greater taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value.

**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 developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S. or with China, and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect Asian issuers that rely on the U.S. or China for trade. In addition, many Asian countries are subject to social and labor risks associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions. These risks, among others, may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments.

**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

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commodity prices. The economies of Latin American countries are heavily dependent on trading relationships with key trading partners, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other Latin American countries. 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.

**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.

**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.

**Cash Transactions Risk.** Unlike other ETFs, the Fund expects to effect its creations and redemptions at least partially for cash, rather than wholly for in-kind securities. Therefore, it may be required to sell portfolio securities and subsequently incur brokerage costs and/or recognize gains or losses on such sales that the Fund might not have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in kind. As such, investments in Shares may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a conventional ETF.

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Transaction costs, including brokerage costs, will decrease the Fund's net asset value to the extent not offset by the transaction fee payable by an Authorized Participant.

**PERFORMANCE**

It is currently contemplated that the Predecessor Fund will be reorganized into the Fund ("Reorganization"), effective on or about October 6, 2025. The Predecessor Fund's investment objective is identical to the Fund's and the Predecessor Fund is managed in a manner that, in all material respects, complied with the investment guidelines and restrictions of the Fund. The Predecessor Fund is designated as the accounting survivor in the Reorganization. As a result, the Fund will assume the historical performance of the Class I shares of Emerging Markets Bond Fund, a class of shares of the Predecessor Fund.

The following chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Class I shares of the Predecessor Fund by showing changes in the Predecessor Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Predecessor Fund's average annual total returns compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and one or more other performance measures. The Predecessor Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Predecessor Fund's Class I shares and do not reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be lower than those shown. Updated performance information for the Fund will be available on the VanEck website at vaneck.com.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/2024** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Class I Shares** (7/9/12) | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before Taxes | 3.09% | 2.54% | 2.20% |
| **50% J.P. Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index Global Diversified Index/50% J.P. Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets Global Diversified Index** <br>(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | 2.01% | -0.83% | 1.84% |
| **ICE BofA Global Broad Market Plus Index** <br>(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -1.66% | -2.27% | 0.02% |

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**PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT**

**Investment Adviser.** Van Eck Associates Corporation

**Portfolio Managers.** The following individuals will be jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Title with Adviser** | **Date Began Managing the Predecessor Fund** |
| Eric Fine | Portfolio Manager | 2012 |
| David Austerweil | Deputy Portfolio Manager | 2014 |

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**PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES**

Individual Shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through a broker or dealer at a market price. Shares of the Fund are listed on the Exchange, and because Shares trade at market prices rather than net asset value, Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than net asset value (*i.e.*, a "premium") or less than net asset value (*i.e.*, a "discount").

An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

Recent information, including information about the Fund's net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund's website at www.vaneck.com.

**TAX INFORMATION**

The Fund's distributions (other than return of capital distributions) are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.

**PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES**

The Adviser and its related companies may pay broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank) for the sale of the Fund Shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker-dealer or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS**

**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE**

The Fund seeks total return, consisting of income and capital appreciation.

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. To the extent practicable, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' prior written notice before changing its investment objective.

**PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**

Under normal conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in emerging market debt securities. An instrument will qualify as an emerging market debt security if it is either (i) issued by an emerging market government, quasi-government or corporate entity (regardless of the currency in which it is denominated) or (ii) denominated in the currency of an emerging market country (regardless of the location of the issuer). The Fund may also invest in non-emerging market debt securities. The Fund may also invest in debt securities rated below investment grade ("junk bonds"). The Fund is considered to be "non-diversified" which means that it may invest a larger portion of its assets in a single issuer. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities.

The Fund invests in debt issued in emerging market and developed market currencies by governments and government-owned, controlled, or related entities (and their agencies and subdivisions), and by corporations. The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, debentures, notes, commercial paper, time deposits, and certificates of deposit, as well as debt obligations, which may have a call on a common stock or commodity.

The Fund may also invest in emerging market or developed market currencies. The Fund may use derivative instruments denominated in any currency to enhance return, hedge (or protect) the value of its assets against adverse movements in commodity prices, currency exchange rates, interest rates and movements in the securities markets, manage certain investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities, currencies or commodities. The Fund may also use derivative instruments to implement "cross-hedging" strategies, which involve the use of one currency to hedge against the decline in the value of another currency, or to hedge the value of a currency that is embedded in the value of another currency (for example, the value of the Euro that may be embedded in the Polish zloty). The Fund expects to use forward currency contracts; futures on securities, indices, currencies, commodities, swaps and other investments; options; and interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, total return swaps and credit default swaps. The Fund may also invest in credit-linked notes. Credit-linked notes are typically issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative or basket of derivatives instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and/or other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield, sovereign debt, emerging markets, or other fixed income markets. The notional value of a cash-settled forward currency contract or other derivative instrument on an emerging market currency (or a currency that is embedded in an emerging market currency) or security (including any security that is a reference security for a credit default swap) will be treated as an emerging market debt security for purposes of complying with the Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in emerging market debt securities.

The Adviser has broad discretion to identify countries that it considers to qualify as emerging markets. The Adviser selects emerging market countries and currencies that the Fund will invest in based on the Adviser's evaluation of economic fundamentals, legal structure, political developments and other specific factors the Adviser believes to be relevant. The Fund's investment strategy normalizes countries' economic fundamentals and compares them to the valuations of the relevant asset prices, particularly the relevant currency's valuation, the relevant currency's interest rate, and the relevant hard-currency security's credit spread. The analysis of financially material risks and opportunities related to ESG (i.e. Environmental, Social and Governance) factors is a component of the overall investment process. ESG considerations can affect the Adviser's fundamental assessment of a company or country. The Fund may invest in instruments whose return is based on the return of an emerging market security such as a derivative instrument, rather than investing directly in emerging market securities. The Fund may sell or reduce positions at any time, including when they no longer meet its investment criteria as described herein.

The Fund's holdings may include issues denominated in currencies of emerging countries, investment companies (including funds focused on single countries) that invest in emerging countries, depositary receipts, and similar types of investments, representing emerging market debt securities. The Fund may purchase securities of any maturity or duration. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security's duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities issued by other investment companies (each an "Underlying Fund"), including other exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"). The Fund may also invest in money market funds, but these investments are not subject to this limitation. The Fund may invest in ETFs to participate in, or gain exposure to, certain market sectors, or when direct investments in certain countries are not permitted or available. The Fund may also invest in restricted securities, including Rule 144A securities.

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**FUNDAMENTAL AND NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES**

The Fund's investment objective and each of its other investment policies are non-fundamental policies that may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust without shareholder approval, except as noted in this Prospectus or the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") under the section entitled "Fundamental Investment Restrictions." The Fund's policy of investing "at least 80% of its net assets" (which includes net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes) is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without a shareholder vote, as long as shareholders are given 60 days notice of the change.

**RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND**

The following section provides additional information regarding the principal risks identified under "Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund" in the Fund's "Summary Information" section followed by additional risk information.

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

**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.

**Credit-Linked Notes Risk.** When it buys a credit-linked note, the Fund assumes the risk of default by the issuer and the underlying reference asset or entity. If the underlying investment defaults, the payments and principal received by the Fund will be reduced or eliminated. Also, in the event the issuer defaults or there is a credit event that relates to the reference asset, the recovery rate generally is less than the Fund's initial investment, and the Fund may lose money.

**Currency Management Strategies Risk.** This strategy is generally used in an attempt to reduce the risk and impact of adverse currency movements to protect the value of, or seek to mitigate the currency exposure associated with, an investment (including, for example, mitigating the exposure to the Euro that may be embedded in the Polish zloty).

Currency management strategies, including the use of forward currency contracts and cross-hedging, may substantially change the Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as the Adviser anticipates. In addition, currency management strategies, to the extent that such strategies reduce the Fund's exposure to currency risks, may also reduce the Fund's ability to benefit from favorable changes in currency exchange rates. There is no assurance that the Adviser's use of currency management strategies will benefit the Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times. Furthermore, there may not be a perfect correlation between the amount of exposure to a particular currency and the amount of securities in the portfolio denominated in that currency or exposed to that currency. Currency markets are generally less regulated than securities markets. Derivatives transactions, especially forward currency contracts, currency-related futures contracts and swap agreements, may involve significant amounts of currency management strategies risk. Because the Fund may utilize these types of instruments to a significant extent, it will be especially subject to currency management strategies risk.

**Derivatives Risk.** Derivatives and other similar instruments (referred to collectively as "derivatives") are financial instruments whose values are based on the value of one or more reference assets or indicators, such as a security, currency, interest rate, or index. The Fund's use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments. Moreover, although the value of a derivative is based on an underlying asset or indicator, a derivative typically does not carry the same rights as would be the case if the Fund invested directly in the underlying securities, currencies or other assets.

Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as potential changes in value in response to market developments or, in the case of "over-the-counter" derivatives, as a result of a counterparty's credit quality and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not achieve the desired correlation with the underlying asset or indicator. Derivative transactions can create investment leverage and may be highly volatile, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders of the Fund.

Many derivative transactions are entered into "over-the-counter" without a central clearinghouse; as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on, among other factors, the ability and the willingness of the Fund's counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, the Fund's contractual remedies against such counterparty may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws, which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor (e.g*.*, the Fund may not receive the net amount of payments that it is contractually entitled to receive). Counterparty

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risk also refers to the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty. A liquid secondary market may not always exist for the Fund's derivative positions at any time, and the Fund may not be able to initiate or liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. The Fund may also face the risk that it may not be able to meet margin and payment requirements and maintain a derivatives position.

Derivatives are also subject to operational and legal risks. Operational risk generally refers to risk related to potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls, and human errors. Legal risk generally refers to insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.

Under Rule 18f-4 (the "derivatives rule"), funds need to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future fund payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined in the derivatives rule. Under the derivatives rule, when a fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The Securities and Exchange Commission also provided guidance in connection with the derivatives rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that may limit a fund's securities lending activities. In addition, under the derivatives rule, the Fund is permitted to invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security under the Investment Company Act of 1940, provided that (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision"). The Fund may otherwise engage in such transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the Fund treats any such transaction as a "derivatives transaction" for purposes of compliance with the derivatives rule. Furthermore, under the derivatives rule, the Fund is permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement is not subject to the asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due.

**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, nationalization and/or confiscation of assets and property, 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

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Fund. This risk is magnified to the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, the infrastructure for the safe custody of securities and for purchasing and selling securities, settling trades, collecting dividends, initiating corporate actions, and following corporate activity is not as well developed in emerging market countries as is the case in certain more developed markets.

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

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

In addition, 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.

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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.

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

**Foreign Currency 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 may be denominated 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.

**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

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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.

**ESG Investing Strategy Risk.** The Fund's ESG strategy could cause it to perform differently compared to funds that do not have an ESG focus. The Fund's ESG strategy may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform other securities or underperform the market as a whole. The Fund is also subject to the risk that the companies represented in the Fund do not operate as expected when addressing ESG issues. Additionally, the valuation model used for identifying ESG companies may not perform as intended, which may adversely affect an investment in the Fund. Regulatory changes or interpretations regarding the definitions and/or use of ESG criteria could have a material adverse effect on the Fund's ability to implement its ESG strategy.

**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 issuers 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.

Several factors may affect the price of euros and the British pound sterling, including the debt level and trade deficit of the Economic and Monetary Union and the United Kingdom, inflation and interest rates of the Economic and Monetary Union and the United Kingdom and investors' expectations concerning inflation and interest rates and global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations. The European financial markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, volatility and have been adversely 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. Notwithstanding the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union and the subsequent transition period, there is likely to be considerable uncertainty as to the United Kingdom's post-transition framework. Significant uncertainty exists regarding the effects such withdrawal will have on the euro, European economies and the global markets. In addition, one or more countries

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may abandon the euro and the impact of these actions, especially if conducted in a disorderly manner, may have significant and far-reaching consequences on the euro.

The value of certain emerging market countries' currencies may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. This fluctuation may be due to changes in interest rates, investors' expectations concerning inflation and interest rates, the emerging market country's debt levels and trade deficit, 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. For example, certain emerging market countries have experienced economic challenges and liquidity issues with respect to their currency. 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 could lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency, which in turn, may have a negative effect on the Fund and its investments.

**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.

Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to changed conditions or new developments. Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and some of the income received by the Fund may be in foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates may negatively impact the Fund's return.

Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact the Fund's ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts which involve similar risks to those associated with investments in foreign securities. In addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to distribute shareholder communications.

Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trade patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. The United States and other nations or international organizations may impose economic sanctions or take other actions that may adversely affect issuers of specific countries. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the Fund's investments in such securities harder to value. These sanctions, any future sanctions or other actions, or even the threat of further sanctions or other actions, may negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund.

Also, certain issuers located in foreign 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.

**Hedging Risk.** Hedging is a strategy in which a derivative or other instrument or practice is used to offset the risks associated with other Fund holdings or the risk associated with the Fund temporarily not being fully invested because of significant cash in-flows.

Losses generated by a derivative or other instrument or practice used by the Fund for hedging purposes (including for hedging interest rate risk and credit risk) should be substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment. However, although hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. In addition, the Fund is exposed to the risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will not match those of the investment being hedged. The Adviser may not be able to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors, which could cause the Fund's hedges to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be effective.

**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.

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**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.

**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.

**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, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers) 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.

**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.

**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.

**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.

**Risk of Investing in Other Funds.** The Fund may invest in shares of other funds, including ETFs. As a result, the Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of an investment in the underlying funds. Shares of other funds have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of such funds' shares is expected to rise and fall as the value of the underlying securities rise and fall. If the shares of such funds are traded on a secondary market, the market value of such funds' shares may differ from the net asset value of the particular fund. As a shareholder in a fund, the Fund will bear its ratable share of the underlying fund's expenses. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the Fund and its shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other funds, including ETFs. The Fund is subject to the conditions set forth in

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provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that limit the amount that the Fund and its affiliates, in the aggregate, can invest in the outstanding voting securities of any one investment company.

**Sovereign Bond Risk.** Investment in sovereign bonds involves special risks not present in corporate bonds. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of the bond may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or to otherwise honor its obligations. If an issuer of sovereign bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign bonds, and the Fund's net asset value, may be more volatile than prices of corporate bonds, which may result in losses. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses for holders of sovereign bonds.

**Special Risk Considerations of Investing in African Issuers.** Investments in securities of African issuers, including issuers located outside of Africa that generate significant revenues from Africa, involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Such heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade, confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, strained international relations related to border disputes, the impact on the economy as a result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest and, in certain countries, genocidal warfare. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Additionally, Africa is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters, such as droughts, and is economically sensitive to environmental events.

The securities markets in Africa are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries or geographic regions. A subset of African emerging market countries are considered to be "frontier markets." Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. In addition, there may be no single centralized securities exchange on which securities are traded. As a result, securities markets in Africa are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry. Additionally, certain countries in Africa generally have less developed capital markets than traditional emerging market countries and, consequently, the risks of investing in foreign securities are magnified in such countries. There may also be a high concentration of trading volume in a small number of issuers, investors and financial intermediaries representing a limited number of sectors or industries. Brokers may be fewer in number and less well capitalized than brokers in more developed regions. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether.

Certain economies in African countries depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities such as agricultural products, gold, silver, copper, diamonds and oil. These economies therefore are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, which in turn may be affected by a variety of factors. Additionally, certain issuers 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. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or had dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks.

Certain governments in Africa may restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in countries in Africa. For example, there may be prohibitions or substantial restrictions on foreign investing in the capital markets of certain countries in Africa or in certain sectors or industries of such countries. Moreover, certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special licenses prior to investments by foreign investors and may limit the amount of investments by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer and may limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of those countries and/or impose additional taxes on foreign investors. A delay in obtaining a government approval or a license would delay investments in a particular country, and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. The government of a particular country may also withdraw or decline to renew a license that enables the Fund to invest in such country.

The governments of certain countries in Africa may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on the economic conditions in such countries, which could have a negative impact on private sector companies. There is also the possibility of diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in certain countries in Africa. Some countries in Africa may be affected by a greater degree of public corruption and crime.

Some investors have suffered losses due to the inability of the newly privatized entities to adjust quickly to a competitive environment or to changing regulatory and legal standards. Additionally, certain African countries, such as South Africa, are characterized by a two-tiered economy, with one rivaling developed countries and the other exhibiting many characteristics of developing countries. This accounts for an uneven distribution of wealth and income and high rates of unemployment.

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Although economic reforms have been enacted to promote growth and foreign investments, there can be no assurance that these programs will achieve the desired results.

Investing in certain African countries involves risks of less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, less reliable securities valuation, and greater risk associated with custody of securities than investing in developed countries. Less information may be available about companies in which the Fund invests because many African companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, or to other regulatory practices and requirements required of U.S. companies. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers located or operating in countries in Africa significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund's Shares.

There may be a risk of loss due to the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, certain African countries have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar. If such currency pegs are abandoned, such abandonment could cause sudden and significant currency adjustments, which could impact the Fund's investment returns in those countries. There may be limitations or delays in the convertibility or repatriation of certain African currencies, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of the Fund's investments denominated in such African currencies, may impair the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective and/or may impede the Fund's ability to satisfy redemption requests in a timely manner. For these or other reasons, the Fund could seek to suspend redemptions of Creation Units, including in the event that an emergency exists in which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine its net asset value. The Fund could also, among other things, limit or suspend creations of Creation Units. During the period that creations or redemptions are affected, the Fund's shares could trade at a significant premium or discount to their net asset value. In the case of a period during which creations are suspended, the Fund could experience substantial redemptions, which may exacerbate the discount to net asset value at which the Fund's shares trade, cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs, and cause the Fund to make greater taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. Political and social unrest in certain regions of Africa may negatively affect the value of an investment in the Fund.

**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 developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S. or with China, and if these relations were to worsen, they could adversely affect Asian issuers that rely on the U.S. or China for trade. In addition, many Asian countries are subject to social and labor risks associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions. These risks, among others, may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments.

Governments of many Asian countries have implemented significant economic reforms in order to liberalize trade policy, promote foreign investment in their economies, reduce government control of the economy and develop market mechanisms. There can be no assurance these reforms will continue or that they will be effective. Despite recent reform and privatizations, significant regulation of investment and industry is still pervasive in many Asian countries and may restrict foreign ownership of domestic corporations and repatriation of assets, which may adversely affect the Fund's investments. Governments in some Asian countries are authoritarian in nature, have been installed or removed as a result of military coups or have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection have led to social turmoil, violence and labor unrest in some countries. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in certain Asian countries involves risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, or confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In addition, several countries in Asia may be impacted by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics and pandemics.

**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. The economies of Latin American countries are heavily dependent on trading relationships with key trading partners, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other Latin American countries. 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

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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. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin America's total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization and capital market development, and ethnic, religious, and racial disaffection may exacerbate social unrest, violence, and labor unrest in a number of Latin American countries. 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.

Certain Latin American countries have entered into regional trade agreements. There is a possibility that these trade arrangements will not be fully implemented or could be reversed, and key participants might abandon them, diminishing their credibility. Any of these occurrences could result in adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including exchange rate volatility, increased economic protectionism, and an undermining of confidence in Latin American markets and economic stability. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Fund's investments in Latin America generally or in specific countries participating in such trade agreements.

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.

**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.

Van Eck Securities Corporation, the distributor of the Shares, does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. Investors purchasing and selling Shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those Authorized Participants creating and redeeming directly with the Fund.

Decisions by market makers or Authorized Participants to reduce their role or "step away" from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying value of the Fund's portfolio securities and the Fund's market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Fund Shares trading at a price which differs materially from net asset value and also in greater than normal intraday bid/ask spreads for Fund Shares.

**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.

**Fund Shares Trading, Premium/Discount Risk and Liquidity of Fund Shares.** 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), as well as other factors, 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. The net asset value of the Shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's securities holdings. The market price of Shares may fluctuate, in some cases materially, in accordance with changes in net asset value

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and the intraday value of the Fund's holdings, as well as supply and demand on the Exchange. Shares may trade below, at or above their net asset value. While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it likely that Shares normally will trade close to the value of the Fund's holdings, market prices are not expected to correlate exactly to the Fund's net asset value due to timing reasons, supply and demand imbalances and other factors. The price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares may be closely related to, but not necessarily identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of the Fund's portfolio of investments trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the 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 that were bought or sold or the shareholder may be unable to sell his or her Shares. Any of these factors, discussed above and further below, may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to the Fund's net asset value. In addition, because certain of the Fund's underlying securities may trade on exchanges that are closed when the exchange that Shares of the Fund trade on is open, there are likely to be deviations between the expected value of an underlying security and the closing security's price (*i.e.*, the last quote from its closed foreign market) resulting in premiums or discounts to net asset value that may be greater than those experienced by other ETFs. In addition, the securities held by the Fund may be traded in markets that close at a different time than the Exchange. 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 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.

When you buy or sell Shares of the Fund through a broker, you will likely incur a brokerage commission or other charges imposed by brokers. In addition, the market price of Shares, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a bid/ask spread charged by the market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. The spread of the Fund's Shares varies over time based on the Fund's trading volume and market liquidity and may increase if the Fund's trading volume, the spread of the Fund's underlying securities, or market liquidity decrease. In times of severe market disruption, including when trading of the Fund's holdings may be halted, the bid/ask spread may increase significantly. This means that Shares may trade at a discount to the Fund's net asset value, and the discount is likely to be greatest during significant market volatility.

**Cash Transactions Risk.** Unlike other ETFs, the Fund effects its creations and redemptions at least partially for cash, rather than wholly for in-kind securities. Because the Fund currently intends to effect all or a portion of redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind distributions, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs that the Fund may not have incurred had it effected redemptions entirely in-kind. These costs may include brokerage costs and/or taxable gains or losses, which may be imposed on the Fund and decrease the Fund's net asset value to the extent such costs are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an Authorized Participant. If the Fund recognizes a gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize a gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional ETF. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. Additionally, transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve considerable transaction fees and taxes.

**ADDITIONAL NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**

The Fund may invest in money market instruments, including repurchase agreements or other funds which invest exclusively in money market instruments, convertible securities, structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more specified factors, such as the movement of a particular stock or stock index) and/or certain derivatives. Depositary receipts may be used by the Fund in managing cash flows, and may count towards compliance with the Fund's 80% policy.

**INVESTING DEFENSIVELY**

The Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in anticipation of or in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is investing defensively.

**ADDITIONAL REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS** 

With respect to the Fund, the Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of a commodity pool operator ("CPO") under the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936 ("CEA") and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and therefore is not subject to CFTC registration or regulation as a CPO. In addition, with respect to the Fund, the Adviser is relying upon a related exclusion from the definition of a "commodity trading advisor ("CTA") under the CEA and the rules of the CFTC. The terms of the CPO exclusion require the Fund, among other things. to to adhere to certain limits on its investments in "commodity interests." Commodity interests include commodity futures, commodity options and swaps, which in turn include non-deliverable currency forward contracts. Because the Adviser and the Fund intend to comply with the terms of the CPO

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exclusion, the Fund may, in the future, need to adjust its investment strategies, consistent with its investment objective to limit its investments in these types of instruments. The Fund is not intended as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps markets. The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved the Adviser's reliance on these exclusions, or the Fund, its investment strategies or this prospectus.

**BORROWING MONEY**

The Fund may borrow money from a bank up to a limit of one-third of the market value of its assets. The Fund may enter into a credit facility to borrow money for temporary, emergency or other purposes, including the funding of shareholder redemption requests, trade settlements and as necessary to distribute to shareholders any income required to maintain the Fund's status as a regulated investment company. To the extent that the Fund borrows money, it may be leveraged. Leverage generally has the effect of increasing the amount of loss or gain the Fund might realize, and may increase volatility in the value of the Fund's investments.

**LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES**

The Fund may lend its securities as permitted under the 1940 Act, including by participating in securities lending programs managed by broker-dealers or other institutions. Securities lending allows the Fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrowings must be collateralized in full with cash, U.S. government securities or high-quality letters of credit.

The Fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the securities lending collateral. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased. Cash received as collateral and which is invested is subject to market appreciation and depreciation.

The Fund may pay fees to the party arranging the loan of securities. In addition, the Fund will bear the risk that it may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Fund could also lose money in the event of a decline in the value of any cash collateral or in the value of investments made with the cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. Substitute payments for dividends received by the Fund for securities loaned out by the Fund will not be considered qualified dividend income.

**ADDITIONAL NON-PRINCIPAL RISKS**

**Shareholder Risk.** Certain shareholders, including other funds advised by the Adviser, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's Shares. In addition, a third party investor, the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser, an Authorized Participant, a market maker, or another entity may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a limited period of time. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder would not redeem its investment. Redemptions by shareholders could have a negative impact on the Fund. In addition, transactions by large shareholders may account for a large percentage of the trading volume on the exchange and may, therefore, have a material effect on the market price of the Shares.

**Leverage Risk.** To the extent that the Fund borrows money or utilizes certain derivatives, it may be leveraged. Leveraging generally exaggerates the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. The Fund is required to comply with the derivatives rule when it engages in transactions that create future Fund payment or delivery obligations. The Fund is required to comply with the asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 when it engages in borrowings and/or transactions treated as borrowings.

**CYBER SECURITY** 

The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems; compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund's operations; and operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; the inability to calculate the Fund's net asset value; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund's investments in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

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**OTHER INFORMATION AND POLICIES**

**BENEFICIARIES OF CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS**

The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Fund's investment adviser, administrator and distributor, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund are not parties to, or intended (or "third-party") beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce such contractual arrangements against the service providers or to seek any remedy under such contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.

This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. None of this prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") or any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

**CHANGING THE FUND'S 80% POLICY**

The Fund's policy of investing "at least 80% of its net assets" (which includes net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes) may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote, as long as shareholders are given 60 days notice of the change.

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**PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

A description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI.

**PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS**

The percentage limitations relating to the composition of Fund's portfolio apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment. A subsequent increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in the value of portfolio securities or the total or net assets of the Fund will not be considered a violation of the restriction.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND**

**Board of Trustees.** The Board of Trustees of the Trust has responsibility for the general oversight of the management of the Fund, including general supervision of the Adviser and other service providers, but is not involved in the day-to-day management of the Trust. A list of the Trustees and the Trust officers, and their present positions and principal occupations, is provided in the Fund's SAI.

**Investment Adviser.** Under the terms of an investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation ("VEAC") with respect to the Fund (the "Investment Management Agreement"), VEAC serves as the adviser to the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund. As of June 30, 2025, VEAC managed approximately $132.94 billion in assets. VEAC has been an investment adviser since 1955 and also acts as adviser or sub-adviser to mutual funds, other ETFs, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. VEAC's principal business address is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees' approval of the Investment Management Agreement will be available in the Trust's filing on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2025.

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, the Adviser is responsible for all expenses of the Fund, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, 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. For its services to the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser an annual unitary management fee equal to 0.75% of its average daily net assets. Offering costs excluded from the annual unitary management fee are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale, (b) Securities and Exchange Commission and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of the Fund to be listed on an exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay all such offering costs until at least May 1, 2027. The Predecessor Fund paid a management fee at the annual rate of: (i) 0.80% of the first $1.5 billion of average daily net assets of the Predecessor Fund and (ii) 0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $1.5 billion. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Predecessor Fund paid total investment advisory compensation (net of fee waivers, if applicable) amounting to 0.80% of the Predecessor Fund's average daily net assets. The Predecessor Fund operated pursuant to a different fee structure than the Fund.

**Manager of Managers Structure.** The Adviser and the Trust may rely on an exemptive order (the "Order") from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Adviser to enter into investment sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated sub-advisers without obtaining shareholder approval. The Adviser, subject to the review and approval of the Board of Trustees, may select one or more sub- advisers for the Fund and supervise, monitor and evaluate the performance of each sub-adviser.

The Order also permits the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to replace sub-advisers and amend investment sub-advisory agreements, including applicable fee arrangements, without shareholder approval whenever the Adviser and the Board of Trustees believe such action will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. The Adviser thus would have the responsibility (subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees) to recommend the hiring and replacement of sub-advisers as well as the discretion to terminate any sub-adviser and reallocate the Fund's assets for management among any other sub-adviser(s) and itself. This means that the Adviser would be able to reduce the sub-advisory fees and retain a larger portion of the management fee, or increase the sub-advisory fees and retain a smaller portion of the management fee. The Adviser would compensate each sub-adviser out of its management fee.

**Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent.** The Adviser is the administrator for the Fund (the "Administrator"), and State Street Bank and Trust Company is the custodian of the Fund's assets and provides transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Fund. The Administrator is responsible for certain clerical, recordkeeping and/or bookkeeping services which are required to be provided pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement.

**Distributor.** Van Eck Securities Corporation is the distributor of the Shares (the "Distributor"). The Distributor will not distribute Shares in less than a specified number of Shares, each called a "Creation Unit," and does not maintain a secondary market in the Shares. The Shares are expected to be traded in the secondary market.

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**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**<br>

The portfolio managers who are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio are Eric Fine and David Austerweil.

Mr. Fine has been portfolio manager of the Predecessor Fund since 2012. Mr. Austerweil has been Deputy Portfolio Manager of the Predecessor Fund since 2014.

See the Fund's SAI for additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and their respective ownership of Shares.

**SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION**

**DETERMINATION OF NAV**

The net asset value ("NAV") per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (*i.e.*, the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of the Fund is determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange.

The values of the Fund's portfolio securities are based on the securities' closing prices on the markets on which the securities trade, when available. Due to the time differences between the United States and certain countries in which the Fund invests, securities on these exchanges may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a last reported sales price, or if no sales were reported, and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of more than 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean price provided by an outside independent pricing service. If an outside independent pricing service is unable to provide a valuation, the instrument is valued at the mean of the highest bid and the lowest asked quotes obtained from one or more brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. Prices obtained by an outside independent pricing service may use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. Short-term debt instruments having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. If a market quotation for a security or other asset is not readily available or the Adviser believes it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security or asset at the time the Fund calculates its NAV, the Board of Trustees has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to perform fair valuation for such security or asset in accordance with the Trust's and Adviser's valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may also use fair value pricing in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to, situations when the value of a security in the Fund's portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. In addition, the Fund currently expects that it will fair value certain of the foreign equity securities held by the Fund, if any, each day the Fund calculates its NAV, except those securities principally traded on exchanges that close at the same time the Fund calculates its NAV.

Accordingly, the Fund's NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices at the time the exchanges on which they principally trade close. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of such security or asset. With respect to securities that are principally traded on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.

**INTRADAY VALUE**

The trading prices of the Fund's Shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Fund's daily NAV and are affected by market forces such as the supply of and demand for Fund Shares and underlying securities held by the Fund, economic conditions and other factors. Information regarding the intraday value of the Fund's Shares ("IIV") may be disseminated throughout each trading day by the Exchange or by market data vendors or other information providers. The IIV is based on the current market value of the securities and/or cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit. The IIV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities held by the Fund at a particular point in time or the best possible valuation of the current portfolio. Therefore, the IIV should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of the Fund's NAV, which is computed only once a day. The IIV is generally determined by using current market quotations and/or price quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries that may trade in the portfolio securities held by the Fund and valuations based on current market rates. The quotations and/or valuations of certain Fund holdings may not be updated during U.S. trading hours if such holdings do not trade in the United States. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no warranty as to its accuracy.

**RULE 144A AND OTHER UNREGISTERED SECURITIES**

An Authorized Participant (*i.e.,* a person eligible to place orders with the Distributor to create or redeem Creation Units of the Fund) that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as

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amended (the "Securities Act"), will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A or other unregistered securities.

**BUYING AND SELLING EXCHANGE-TRADED SHARES**

The Shares of the Fund are expected to be listed on the Exchange. If you buy or sell Shares in the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the "spread," which is any difference between the bid price and the ask price. The spread varies over time for the Fund's Shares based on the Fund's trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund has high trading volume and market liquidity, and generally higher if the Fund has little trading volume and market liquidity (which is often the case for funds that are newly launched or small in size). In times of severe market disruption or low trading volume in the Fund's Shares, this spread can increase significantly. It is anticipated that the Shares will trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the NAV of the Shares. During periods of disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme market volatility, the market prices of Shares are more likely to differ significantly from the Shares' NAV.

The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") serves as securities depository for the Shares. (The Shares may be held only in book- entry form; stock certificates will not be issued.) DTC, or its nominee, is the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares. Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or its participants (described below). Beneficial owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder thereof. Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of: (i) DTC; (ii) "DTC Participants," *i.e.*, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC; and (iii) "Indirect Participants," *i.e.*, brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly, through which such beneficial owner holds its interests. The Trust understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any action of holders of Shares, or a beneficial owner desires to take any action that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding Shares, is entitled to take, DTC would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and beneficial owners acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. As described above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the owner of all Shares for all purposes. For more information, see the section entitled "Book Entry Only System" in the Fund's SAI.

The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when the Fund does not price its Shares, the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's Shares.

The right of redemption by an Authorized Participant may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

**Market Timing and Related Matters.** The Fund imposes no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions. Frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares may attempt to take advantage of a potential arbitrage opportunity presented by a lag between a change in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities after the close of the primary markets for the Fund's portfolio securities and the reflection of that change in the Fund's NAV ("market timing"). The Board of Trustees considered the nature of the Fund *(i.e.*, a fund whose Shares are expected to trade intraday), that the Adviser monitors the trading activity of Authorized Participants for patterns of abusive trading, that the Fund reserves the right to reject orders that may be disruptive to the management of or otherwise not in the Fund's best interests, and that the Fund may fair value certain of its securities. Given this structure, the Board of Trustees determined that it is not necessary to impose restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions for the Fund at the present time.

**DISTRIBUTIONS**

**Net Investment Income and Capital Gains.** As a shareholder of the Fund, you are entitled to your share of the Fund's distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains on its investments. The Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."

The Fund typically earns income dividends from stocks and interest from debt securities. These amounts, net of expenses, are typically passed along to Fund shareholders as dividends from net investment income. The Fund realizes capital gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net capital gains are distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions." Distributions from the Fund's net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gains distributions you receive from the Fund are taxable as long-term capital gains.

Net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, is typically distributed to shareholders annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently to comply with the distribution requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). In addition, in situations where the Fund acquires investment securities after the

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beginning of a dividend period, the Fund may elect to distribute at least annually amounts representing the full dividend yield net of expenses on the underlying investment securities, as if the Fund owned the underlying investment securities for the entire dividend period. If the Fund so elects, some portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital, which, for tax purposes, is treated as a return of your investment in Shares. You will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional Shares of the Fund only if the broker through which you purchased Shares makes such option available.

**TAX INFORMATION**

As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund, including the possible application of foreign, state and local taxes. Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when: (i) the Fund makes distributions, (ii) you sell Shares in the secondary market or (iii) you create or redeem Creation Units.

**Taxes on Distributions.** As noted above, the Fund expects to distribute net investment income, if any, at least annually, and any net realized long-term or short-term capital gains, if any, annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at any time to comply with U.S. federal tax requirements.

In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. Distributions of net investment income, including net short-term gains, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Whether distributions of capital gains represent long-term or short-term capital gains is determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Shares. Distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, are generally taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of net long- term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses, if any, that are properly reported as capital gain dividends are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gains of a non-corporate shareholder are generally taxable at a maximum rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the shareholder's income exceeds certain threshold amounts.

The Fund may receive dividends, the distribution of which the Fund may report as qualified dividends. In the event that the Fund receives such a dividend and reports the distribution of such dividend as a qualified dividend, the dividend may be taxed at the maximum capital gains rates of 15% or 20%, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and the Fund level. There can be no assurance that any significant portion of the Fund's distributions will be eligible for qualified dividend treatment.

Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of your investment to the extent of your basis in the Shares, and generally as capital gain thereafter. A return of capital, which for tax purposes is treated as a return of your investment, reduces your basis in Shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of Shares. A distribution will reduce the Fund's NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an economic standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

Dividends, interest and gains from non-U.S. investments of the Fund may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may, in some cases, reduce or eliminate such taxes.

If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the end of its taxable year consist of foreign securities, the Fund may elect to "pass through" to its investors certain foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that each investor will (i) include in gross income, even though not actually received, the investor's pro rata share of the Fund's foreign income taxes, and (ii) either deduct (in calculating U.S. taxable income) or credit (in calculating U.S. federal income), subject to certain holding period and other limitations, the investor's pro rata share of the Fund's foreign income taxes.

**Backup Withholding.** The Fund may be required to withhold a percentage of your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number or otherwise established a basis for exemption from backup withholding. The backup withholding rate for individuals is currently 24%. This is not an additional tax and may be refunded, or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

**Taxes on the Sale or Cash Redemption of Exchange Listed Shares.** Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited. To the extent that the Fund shareholder's Shares are redeemed for cash, this is normally treated as a sale for tax purposes.

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**Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units.** A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of exchange and the sum of the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received. The Internal Revenue Service, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of primarily securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities for Creation Units or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax adviser with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible and the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.

Under current U.S. federal income tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units held as capital assets is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for one year or less.

If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you created or sold and at what price.

**Medicare Tax.** An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund Shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person's "modified adjusted gross income" (in the case of an individual) or "adjusted gross income" (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.

**Non-U.S. Shareholders.** Dividends paid by the Fund to Non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. Dividends paid by the Fund from net tax-exempt income or long-term capital gains are generally not subject to such withholding tax. Properly-reported dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the Fund's "qualified net interest income" (generally, the Fund's U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income); or (ii) are paid in respect of the Fund's "qualified short-term capital gains" (generally, the excess of the Fund's net short-term capital gain over the Fund's long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding.

Any capital gain realized by a Non-U.S. shareholder upon a sale of Shares of the Fund will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the shareholder's trade or business in the United States, or in the case of a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met or (ii) the Fund is or has been a U.S. real property holding corporation, as defined below, at any time within the five-year period preceding the date of disposition of the Fund's Shares or, if shorter, within the period during which the Non-U.S. shareholder has held the Shares. Generally, a corporation is a U.S. real property holding corporation if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations, equals or exceeds 50% of the aggregate fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. The Fund may be, or may prior to a Non-U.S. shareholder's disposition of Shares become, a U.S. real property holding corporation. If the Fund is or becomes a U.S. real property holding corporation, so long as the Fund's Shares are regularly traded on an established securities market, only a Non-U.S. shareholder who holds or held (at any time during the shorter of the five year period preceding the date of disposition or the holder's holding period) more than 5% (directly or indirectly as determined under applicable attribution rules of the Internal Revenue Code) of the Fund's Shares will be subject to United States federal income tax on the disposition of Shares.

As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, ("FATCA"), the Fund may be required to withhold 30% tax on certain types of U.S. sourced income (*e.g.*, dividends, interest, and other types of passive income) paid to (i) foreign financial institutions ("FFIs"), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities ("NFFEs"), unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid possible withholding, FFIs will need to enter into agreements with the Internal Revenue Service which state that they will provide the Internal Revenue Service information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the Internal Revenue Service, or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue authority, should an applicable intergovernmental agreement be implemented. NFFEs will need to provide certain information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree to provide certain information to the Internal Revenue Service.

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The Fund may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform due diligence reviews to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. Investors are required to agree to provide information necessary to allow the Fund to comply with the FATCA rules. If the Fund is required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.

Non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, including the possible applicability of the U.S. estate tax.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal income tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your own tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws. Changes in applicable tax authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above and could adversely affect the Fund, and such changes often occur.

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**FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS**

The Fund has not yet commenced operations and therefore does not have a financial history. The financial highlights table that follows is intended to help you understand the Predecessor Fund's financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Predecessor Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). Subject to approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, it is currently contemplated that the Predecessor Fund will be reorganized into the Fund, effective on or about October 6, 2025. The Fund will adopt the Financial Statements of the Predecessor Fund. Therefore, the financial highlights shown below are those of the Class I shares of the Predecessor Fund, for all periods prior to the Fund's commencement of operations. The information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Predecessor Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Predecessor Fund's financial statements are included in the Predecessor Fund's filings on Form N-CSR, which are available upon request. The information for periods prior to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 has been audited by another independent registered public accounting firm.

800.826.2333 \| vaneck.com 33

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**FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS**

**For a share outstanding throughout each year:**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** | **Class I** |
| | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
| | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** |
| Net asset value, beginning of year | $5.44 | $5.26 | $6.15 | $6.77 | $6.53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net investment income (a) | 0.42 | 0.38 | 0.42 | 0.33 | 0.45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | (0.26) | 0.17 | (0.88) | (0.61) | 0.23 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.16 | 0.55 | (0.46) | (0.28) | 0.68 |
| Distributions from: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net investment income | (0.42) | (0.24) | (0.21) | (0.25) | (0.32) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Return of capital |  | (0.13) | (0.22) | (0.09) | (0.12) |
| Total distributions | (0.42) | (0.37) | (0.43) | (0.34) | (0.44) |
| Net asset value, end of year | $5.18 | $5.44 | $5.26 | $6.15 | $6.77 |
| **Total return (b)** | 3.09% | 10.97% | (7.21)% | (4.30)% | 11.60% |
| **Ratios to average net assets** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Gross expenses | 1.37% | 1.34% | 2.51% | 1.74% | 1.73% |
| Net expenses | 0.86% | 0.88% | 0.97% | 0.96% | 0.95% |
| Net expenses excluding interest and taxes | 0.85% | 0.88% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| Net investment income | 7.77% | 7.22% | 7.69% | 5.01% | 7.31% |
| **Supplemental data** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of year (in millions) | $18 | $29 | $2 | $6 | $16 |
| Portfolio turnover rate (c) | 206% | 238% | 322% | 218% | 253% |
| (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding | (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding | (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding | (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding | (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding | (a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding |
| (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. | (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. | (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. | (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. | (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. | (b) Returns are not annualized and include adjustments required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and may differ from net asset values and performance reported elsewhere by the Fund. |
| (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. | (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. | (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. | (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. | (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. | (c) Portfolio turnover is not annualized. |

---

800.826.2333 \| vaneck.com 34

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**PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION**

The Fund has not yet commenced operations and, therefore, does not have information about the differences between the Fund's daily market price on the Exchange and its NAV. Information regarding how often the closing trading price of the Shares of the Fund was above (*i.e*., at a premium) or below (*i.e*., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund for the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarter(s) since that year (or the life of the Fund, if shorter) will be found at www.vaneck.com once available.

**GENERAL INFORMATION**

**CONTINUOUS OFFERING**

The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act may occur at any point. Broker dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary trading transactions), and thus dealing with Shares that are part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As a result, broker dealer firms should note that dealers who are not underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to Shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

In addition, certain affiliates of the Fund and the Adviser may purchase and resell Fund Shares pursuant to this Prospectus.

**OTHER INFORMATION**

The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 3, 1985. On May 1, 2016, Van Eck Funds changed its name to VanEck Funds. For more information on the VanEck Funds, the Trustees and the Officers of the Trust, see "General Information," "Description of the Trust" and "Trustees and Officers" in the SAI. If shareholders are required to vote on any matters, each Share outstanding would be entitled to one vote. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and other applicable law. See the Fund's SAI for more information concerning the Trust's form of organization. Section 12(d)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including Shares of the Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Fund.

The Prospectus, SAI and any other Fund communication do not create any contractual obligations between the Fund's shareholders and the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser and/or the Trustees. Further, shareholders are not intended third party beneficiaries of any contracts entered into by (or on behalf of) the Fund, including contracts with the Adviser or other parties who provide services to the Fund.

Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young, LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP serves as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Fund's financial statements annually.

800.826.2333 \| vaneck.com 35

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**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the Fund's Shares. The Fund's Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the Fund's SAI and the exhibits are available on the EDGAR database at the Securities and Exchange Commission's website (http://www.sec.gov), and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

The SAI for the Fund, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provides more information about the Fund. The SAI for the Fund is incorporated herein by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Fund's Distributor, at 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017 or by calling the Distributor at the following number: Investor Information: 800.826.2333.

Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Fund in writing to 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017 or by calling 800.826.2333.

The Fund's SAI is available at www.vaneck.com.

(Investment Company Act file no. 811-04297)

800.826.2333 \| vaneck.com 36

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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For more detailed information, see the Statement of Additional Information (SAI), which is legally a part of and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI includes information regarding, among other things: the Fund and its investment policies and risks; management of the Fund, investment advisory and other services, the Fund's Board of Trustees, and tax matters related to the Fund.

Additional information about the investments will be available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

Call VanEck at 800.826.2333, or visit the VanEck website at vaneck.com to request, free of charge, the annual or semi-annual reports, once available, the SAI, information regarding applicable sales loads, breakpoint discounts, reduced or waived sales charges and eligibility minimums, or other information about the Fund.

Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![ve_logonotagkrgba05.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g2.jpg) | |
| Transfer Agent: State Street Bank and Trust Company<br>SEC Registration Number: 002-97596<br>1940 Act Registration Number: 811-04297 | **800.826.2333 \| vaneck.com** |

---

**VANECK FUNDS**

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**Dated May 1, 2025, as revised on May 13, 2025 and August 20, 2025**

**CM COMMODITY INDEX FUND**

**CLASS A: CMCAX / CLASS I: COMIX / CLASS Y: CMCYX**

**EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND**

**CLASS A: EMBAX / CLASS I: EMBUX / CLASS Y: EMBYX**

**EMERGING MARKETS FUND**

**CLASS A : GBFAX / CLASS I: EMRIX / CLASS Y: EMRYX/ CLASS Z: EMRZX**

**GLOBAL RESOURCES FUND**

**CLASS A : GHAAX / CLASS I: GHAIX / CLASS Y: GHAYX**

**INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS GOLD FUND**

**CLASS A : INIVX / CLASS C: IIGCX / CLASS I: INIIX / CLASS Y: INIYX**

**ONCHAIN ECONOMY ETF: NODE**

**VANECK EMERGING MARKETS BOND ETF**<sup>1</sup>**: EMBX**

**VANECK MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT FUND**

**CLASS I: MWMIX / CLASS Z: MWMZX**

This statement of additional information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses for VanEck Funds (the "Trust") (i) dated April 16, 2025, relating to Onchain Economy ETF, (ii) dated May 1, 2025, relating to CM Commodity Index Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, and (iii) dated August 20, 2025, relating to VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF; (each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"), as each may be revised from time to time (each, a "Prospectus"). The <u>[audited financial statements of the Funds (except for](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[each of](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[Onchain Economy ETF](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)</u> are hereby incorporated by reference from the Funds'filings on Form N-CSR. A copy of the Prospectuses, Annual and Semi-Annual Reports for the Trust, and filings on Form N-CSR, relating to the Funds, may be obtained without charge by visiting the VanEck website at vaneck.com, by calling toll-free 800.826.2333 or by writing to the Trust or Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Funds' distributor (the "Distributor"). The Trust's and the Distributor's address is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses, unless otherwise noted.

<sup>1</sup> VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF, a series of the Trust, is expected to commence operations on or about October 6, 2025. The Shares of VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF are expected to be approved for listing, subject to notice of issuance, on the NYSE Arca, Inc.

------

**<u>**TABLE OF CONTENTS**</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **<u>Page</u>** |
| <u>[GENERAL INFORMATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_7)</u> | [1](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_7) |
| <u>[INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_10)</u> | [1](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_10) |
| <u>[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CMCI](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_151)</u> | [26](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_151) |
| <u>[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT FOCUS INDEX](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_154)</u> | [27](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_154) |
| <u>[FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_157)</u> | [28](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_157) |
| <u>[EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)</u>*<u>[(Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)[and VanEck Emerging Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)[kets B](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)[ond ET](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)[F](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)[only)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160)</u>* | [30](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_160) |
| <u>[PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_163)</u> | [31](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_163) |
| <u>[INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_166)</u> | [32](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_166) |
| <u>[THE DISTRIBUTOR](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_169)</u> | [35](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_169) |
| <u>[PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (12B-1 PLAN)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172)</u>*<u>[(All Funds except](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172)[VanEck Emerging Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172)[kets Bond ETF and](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172)[Onchain Economy ETF)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172)</u>* | [37](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_172) |
| <u>[ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCESSING SUPPORT PAYMENTS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_175)</u> | [39](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_175) |
| <u>[PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_178)</u> | [39](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_178) |
| <u>[PORTFOLIO MANAGER SHARE OWNERSHIP](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_181)</u> | [39](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_181) |
| <u>[OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_184)</u> | [40](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_184) |
| <u>[SECURITIES LENDING ARRANGEMENTS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_187)</u> | [42](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_187) |
| <u>[PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_190)</u> | [43](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_190) |
| <u>[BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_193)</u>*<u>[(Onchain Economy ETF only)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_193)</u>* | [45](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_193) |
| <u>[CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS (](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)</u>*<u>[Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[and](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[VanEck Emerging Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[k](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[e](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[ts Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)[only)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196)</u>* | [46](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_196) |
| <u>[TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_199)</u> | [52](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_199) |
| <u>[TRUSTEE INFORMATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_202)</u> | [54](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_202) |
| <u>[OFFICER INFORMATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_205)</u> | [57](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_205) |
| <u>[TRUSTEE SHARE OWNERSHIP](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_208)</u> | [59](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_208) |
| <u>[2024 COMPENSATION TABLE](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_211)</u> | [61](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_211) |
| <u>[PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_214)</u> | [62](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_214) |
| <u>[POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_217)</u> | [78](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_217) |
| <u>[PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_220)</u> | [79](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_220) |
| <u>[CODE OF ETHICS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_223)</u> | [79](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_223) |
| <u>[PURCHASE OF SHARES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226)</u>*<u>[(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226)[and VanEck Emerging Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226)[kets Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226)[)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226)</u>* | [79](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_226) |
| <u>[AVAILABILITY OF DISCOUNTS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_229)</u>*<u>[(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_229)[and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_229)[)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_229)</u>* | [79](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_229) |
| <u>[VALUATION OF SHARES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_232)</u> | [80](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_232) |
| <u>[EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_235)</u> | [83](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_235) |
| <u>[CLASS CONVERSIONS (](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)</u>*<u>[All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)[and VanEck Emer](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)[ging Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)[kets Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)[)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238)</u>* | [83](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_238) |
| <u>[INVESTMENT PROGRAMS (](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)</u>*<u>[All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)[and VanEck Emergi](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)[ng Mar](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)[kets Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)[)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241)</u>* | [83](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_241) |
| <u>[TAXES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_244)</u> | [85](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_244) |
| <u>[TAXATION OF THE FUNDS IN GENERAL](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_247)</u> | [85](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_247) |
| <u>[TAXATION OF THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_250)</u> | [86](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_250) |
| <u>[TAXATION OF U.S. INVESTORS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_253)</u> | [88](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_253) |
| <u>[TAXATION OF NON-U.S. INVESTORS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_256)</u> | [91](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_256) |
| <u>[FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_259)</u> | [91](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_259) |
| <u>[ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262)</u>*<u>[(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262)[and VanEck Emerg](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262)[ing Markets Bond ETF](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262)[)](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262)</u>* | [92](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_262) |
| <u>[DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_265)</u> | [92](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_265) |
| <u>[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_268)</u> | [93](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_268) |
| <u>[FINANCIAL STATEMENTS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_271)</u> | [93](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_271) |

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i

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>[LICENSING AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_274)</u> | [93](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_274) |
| <u>[APPENDIX A: VEAC AND VEARA PROXY VOTING POLICIES](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_277)</u> | A-[1](#i2bbd4de9a80d4d638fd5b1c93d2a2ea7_277) |

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ii

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**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**MAY 1, 2025, as revised on MAY 13, 2025 and AUGUST 20, 2025**

**GENERAL INFORMATION**

The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 3, 1985. On May 1, 2016, Van Eck Funds changed its name to VanEck Funds. The Trust's series which are currently being offered are the following: Emerging Markets Fund, which offers Class A, Class I, Class Y and Class Z shares; International Investors Gold Fund, which offers Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y shares; CM Commodity Index Fund, Global Resources Fund (formerly, Global Hard Assets Fund prior to May 1, 2021), and Emerging Markets Bond Fund, each of which offers Class A, Class I and Class Y shares; and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund which offers Class I and Class Z shares, and Onchain Economy ETF. Additionally, VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF, a series of the Trust, is expected to commence operations on or about October 6, 2025. At a meeting held on June 5, 2025, the Trust's Board of Trustees approved the conversion of Class A, Class I and Class Y shares of Emerging Markets Bond Fund (the "Predecessor Fund") into a single class of shares. Shareholders of the Predecessor Fund will receive shares of the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF on or about October 6, 2025. As such, the information shown in certain tables throughout this SAI is for the Predecessor Fund. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") has authority, without the necessity of a shareholder vote, to create additional series or funds, each of which may issue separate classes of shares.

Emerging Markets Bond Fund, International Investors Gold Fund, Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF are classified as non-diversified funds under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). CM Commodity Index Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund are classified as diversified funds under the 1940 Act. Van Eck Associates Corporation ("VEAC") serves as investment adviser to all the Funds, except for CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF. Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation ("VEARA" and together with VEAC, each an "Adviser" or the "Advisers") serves as investment adviser to CM Commodity Index Fund and the Onchain Economy ETF.

Each of Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF offer and issue Shares at their net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a "Creation Unit"). Similarly, shares are redeemable by the Onchain Economy ETF or the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF, as applicable, only in Creation Units, as further described herein. The Shares of Onchain Economy ETF are listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. ("Cboe" or the "Exchange"), and shares of the Onchain Economy ETF trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the Shares' NAV. The Shares of VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF are expected to be listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE" or the "Exchange") and shares of the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF will trade in the secondary market at market prices that may differ from the Shares' NAV. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require a "cash" option for creations and redemptions of Shares of each of Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF (subject to applicable legal requirements) to the extent Shares are not created or redeemed wholly in cash.

**INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS**

The following is additional information regarding the investment policies and strategies used by the Funds in attempting to achieve their respective objectives, and should be read with the sections of the Funds' Prospectuses titled "Summary Information - Principal Investment Strategies", "Summary Information - Principal Risks" and "Investment Objectives, Strategies, Policies, Risks and Other Information". The Funds, except for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, may take temporary defensive positions in anticipation of or in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. Such a position could have the effect of reducing any benefit a Fund may receive from a market increase. When taking a temporary defensive position, a Fund may invest all or a substantial portion of its total assets in cash or cash equivalents, government securities, short-term or medium-term fixed income securities, which may include, but not be limited to, shares of other mutual funds, U.S. Treasury bills, commercial paper or repurchase agreements. A Fund may not achieve its investment objective while it is investing defensively. Each of the Emerging Markets Bond Fund, VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities.

CM Commodity Index Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in instruments that derive their value from the performance of the UBS Constant Maturity Commodity Total Return Index (the "CMCI"), as described below, and in bonds, debt securities and other fixed income instruments ("Fixed Income Instruments") issued by various U.S. public- or private-sector entities. CM Commodity Index Fund invests in commodity-linked derivative instruments, including commodity index-linked notes, swap agreements, commodity futures contracts and options on futures contracts that provide economic exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets, as represented by the CMCI and its constituents. A derivative is an investment whose value depends on (or is derived from) that value of an underlying security. Commodities are assets that have tangible properties, such as oil, metals, and agricultural products. A commodity-linked derivative is a derivative instrument whose value is linked to the movement of a commodity, commodity index, commodity option or futures contract.

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The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, disease, embargoes, or political and regulatory developments.

The CMCI is a rules-based, composite benchmark index diversified across 29 commodity components from the following five sectors: energy, precious metals, industrial metals, agriculture and livestock. The CMCI is comprised of futures contracts with maturities ranging from three months up to a maximum of about three years for each commodity, depending on liquidity. The return of the CMCI reflects a combination of (i) the returns on the futures contracts comprising the CMCI; and (ii) the fixed-income return that would be earned on a hypothetical portfolio of 13-week U.S. Treasury bills theoretically deposited as full collateral for the notional exposure of the hypothetical positions in the futures contracts comprising the CMCI. The selection and relative weightings of the components of the CMCI are designed to reflect the economic significance and market liquidity of each commodity, as determined based on global economic data, consumption data, commodity futures prices, open interest and volume data. The maturity of each commodity component in the CMCI remains fixed at a predefined time interval from the current date at all times by means of a continuous rolling process, in which a weighted percentage of shorter dated contracts for each commodity are swapped for longer dated contracts on a daily basis. The CMCI is rebalanced monthly back to the target weightings of the commodity components of the CMCI and the target weightings of all commodity components are revised once per year. A more detailed description of the CMCI is contained in the section of this SAI entitled "Additional Information About the CMCI."

CM Commodity Index Fund seeks to track the returns of the CMCI by entering into swap contracts and commodity index-linked notes with one or more counterparties, which contracts and notes will rise and fall in value in response to changes in the value of the CMCI. As of the date of this SAI, UBS was the only available counterparty with which CM Commodity Index Fund may enter into such swap contracts on the CMCI. CM Commodity Index Fund may enter into such contracts and notes directly or indirectly through a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund (the "CMCI Subsidiary"). Commodity index-linked notes are derivative debt instruments with principal and/or coupon payments linked to the performance of commodity indices (such as the CMCI). These commodity index-linked notes are sometimes referred to as "structured notes" because the terms of these notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. CM Commodity Index Fund may also seek to gain exposure to the individual commodity components of the CMCI by investing in futures contracts that comprise the CMCI, either directly or indirectly through the CMCI Subsidiary.

Under normal conditions, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities that comprise the Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus Index<sup>SM</sup> (the "Wide Moat Index"). The Wide Moat Index is comprised of securities issued by companies that Morningstar, Inc. ("Morningstar") determines to have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors ("wide moat companies"). Wide moat companies are selected from the universe of companies represented in the Morningstar® US Market Index<sup>SM</sup>, a broad market index representing 97% of U.S. market capitalization. The Wide Moat Index targets a select group of wide moat companies: those that according to Morningstar's equity research team are attractively priced as of each Wide Moat Index review. Out of the companies in the Morningstar US Market Index that Morningstar determines are wide moat companies, Morningstar selects companies to be included in Index as determined by the ratio of Morningstar's estimate of fair value of the issuer's common stock to the price. Morningstar's equity research fair value estimates are calculated using a standardized, proprietary valuation model. Wide moat companies may include medium-capitalization companies. VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund's 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders. In seeking to achieve its investment objective, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may also invest in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (the "underlying fund"), an affiliated fund, which also seeks to replicate the price and yield performance of the Wide Moat Index, and such investment will count towards the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund's 80% investment policy. VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, using a "passive" or indexing investment approach, attempts to replicate the price and yield performance of the Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate the performance of the Wide Moat Index.

***ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES***

The Funds may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities, directly or indirectly, represent interests in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of consumer loans (generally unrelated to mortgage loans) and most often are structured as pass-through securities. Interest and principal payments ultimately depend on payment of the underlying loans, although the securities may be supported by letters of credit or other credit enhancements. The value of asset-backed securities may also depend on the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing the credit enhancement.

Asset-backed securities are subject to certain risks. These risks generally arise out of the security interest in the assets collateralizing the security. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to a number of protections from the state and through federal consumer laws, many of which give the debtor the right to offset certain amounts of credit card debts and thereby reducing the amounts due.

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***BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES***

The Funds may invest in below investment grade debt securities. Investments in securities rated below investment grade that are eligible for purchase by a Fund are described as "speculative" by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, Inc. Investments in lower rated corporate debt securities ("high yield securities" or "junk bonds") generally provide greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk.

These high yield securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities that are high yield may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities.

High yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest-rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in high yield security prices because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make principal and interest payments on its debt securities. If an issuer of high yield securities defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, a Fund by investing in such securities may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In the case of high yield securities structured as zero-coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.

The secondary market on which high yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the price at which a Fund could sell a high yield security, and could adversely affect the daily net asset value of the shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. When secondary markets for high yield securities are less liquid than the market for higher grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation because there is less reliable, objective data available.

***BORROWING; LEVERAGE***

Borrowing to invest more is called "leverage." A Fund may borrow from banks provided that the amount of borrowing is no more than one third of the net assets of the Fund plus the amount of the borrowings. A Fund is required to be able to restore borrowing to its permitted level within three days, if it should increase to more than one-third of its net assets as stated above. Methods that may be used to restore borrowings in this context include selling securities, even if the sale hurts a Fund's investment performance. Leverage exaggerates the effect of rises or falls in prices of securities bought with borrowed money. Borrowing also costs money, including fees and interest. The Funds expect to borrow only through negotiated loan agreements with commercial banks or other institutional lenders.

***COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS***

***COMMERCIAL PAPER***

The Funds may invest in commercial paper that is indexed to certain specific foreign currency exchange rates which may entail the risk of loss of principal. The terms of such commercial paper typically provide that its principal amount is adjusted upwards or downwards (but not below zero) at maturity to reflect changes in the exchange rate between two currencies while the obligation is outstanding. The Funds purchase such commercial paper with the currency in which it is denominated and, at maturity, will typically receive interest and principal payments thereon in that currency, but the amount or principal payable by the issuer at maturity will change in proportion to the change (if any) in the exchange rate between two specified currencies between the date the instrument is issued and the date the instrument matures.

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The Funds may invest in commercial paper with the principal amount indexed to the difference, up or down, in value between two foreign currencies. The Funds segregate asset accounts with an equivalent amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other highly liquid securities equal in value to this commercial paper.

***COMMODITIES AND COMMODITY-LINKED DERIVATIVES***

Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Funds to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in overall market movements, political and economic events and policies, war, disease, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and changes in interest rates or inflation rates. Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities.

***Commodity-Linked "Structured" Securities***. Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity, the value of the commodity-linked derivative instrument may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry. The value of these securities typically rises or falls in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index of investment.

***Structured Notes***. Structured notes expose CM Commodity Index Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. The performance of a structured note is determined by the price movement of the commodity underlying the note. A liquid secondary market may not exist for structured notes, and there can be no assurance that one will develop. These notes are often leveraged, increasing the volatility of each note's market value relative to changes in the underlying commodity, commodity futures contract or commodity index.

Based on Onchain Economy ETF's and its wholly-owned subsidiary's (the "Onchain Subsidiary") current investment strategies, the Onchain Economy ETF and the Onchain Subsidiary are each a "commodity pool" and VEARA, which is currently registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") and commodity trading adviser under the CEA, is considered a CPO with respect to the Onchain Economy ETF and the Onchain Subsidiary. Accordingly, the Fund and VEARA are subject to dual regulation by the CFTC and the SEC. Pursuant to certain CFTC regulations, the Onchain Economy ETF and VEARA have elected to meet the requirements of certain CFTC regulations by complying with specific SEC rules and regulations relating to disclosure and reporting requirements. The CFTC could deem the Onchain Economy ETF or VEARA in violation of an applicable CFTC regulation if the Onchain Economy ETF or VEARA failed to comply with a related SEC regulatory requirement. In addition, the Onchin Economy ETF and VEARA will remain subject to certain CFTC-mandated disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regulations with respect to the Onchain Economy ETF and the Onchain Subsidiary. Compliance with the CFTC regulations could increase the Onchain Economy ETF's expenses, adversely affecting the Onchain Economy ETF's total return.

***CONCENTRATION***

To the extent that the Wide Moat Index is concentrated in a particular sector or sectors or industry or group of industries, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on that sector or industry may negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund's assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.

***CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES***

The Funds may invest in securities that are convertible into common stock or other securities of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities are generally fixed income securities (but may include preferred stock) and generally rank senior to common stocks in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, entail less risk than the corporation's common stock. The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value" (its value as if it did not have a conversion privilege), and its "conversion value" (the security's worth if it were to be exchanged for the underlying security, at market value, pursuant to its conversion privilege).

To the extent that a convertible security's investment value is greater than its conversion value, its price will generally be primarily a reflection of such investment value and its price will be likely to increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, as with a fixed-income security (the credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security's value). If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of the convertible security will generally rise above its investment value and, in addition, will generally sell at some premium over its conversion value. (This premium represents the price investors are willing to pay for the privilege of purchasing a fixed-income security

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with a possibility of capital appreciation due to the conversion privilege.) At such times, the price of the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the underlying equity security. Convertible securities may be purchased by the Funds at varying price levels above their investment values and/or their conversion values in keeping with the Funds' objectives.

***CREDIT***

Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security or the counterparty to an over-the-counter ("OTC") contract (including many derivatives) will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or otherwise honor its obligations. The Funds invest in debt securities that are subject to varying degrees of risk that the issuers of the securities will have their credit ratings downgraded or will default, potentially reducing the value of the securities. A Fund may enter into financial transactions that involve a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund's exposure to credit risk. The Fund does not specifically limit its credit risk with respect to any single counterparty. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

***CURRENCY FORWARDS***

A currency forward transaction is a contract to buy or sell a specified quantity of currency at a specified date in the future at a specified price which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties. Currency forward contracts may be used to increase or reduce exposure to currency price movements.

The use of currency forward transactions involves certain risks. For example, if the counterparty under the contract defaults on its obligation to make payments due from it as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, a Fund may lose such payments altogether or collect only a portion thereof, which collection could involve costs or delays.

***CURRENCY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES***

Currency management strategies are generally used in an attempt to reduce the risk and impact of adverse currency movements to protect the value of, or seek to mitigate the currency exposure associated with, an investment (including, for example, mitigating the exposure to the Euro that may be embedded in the Polish zloty). Currency management strategies, including currency forward contracts (described above) and cross-hedging, may substantially change a Fund's exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses to the Fund if currencies do not perform as an Adviser expects. In addition, currency management strategies, to the extent that such strategies reduce a Fund's exposure to currency risks, may also reduce the Fund's ability to benefit from favorable changes in currency exchange rates. There is no assurance that an Adviser's use of currency management strategies will benefit a Fund or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate times. Furthermore, there may not be a perfect correlation between the amount of exposure to a particular currency and the amount of securities in the portfolio denominated in that currency or exposed to that currency. Currency markets are generally less regulated than securities markets. Derivatives transactions, especially currency forward contracts, currency related futures contracts and swap agreements, may involve significant amounts of currency management strategies risk. The Emerging Markets Bond Fund and the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF, which may utilize these types of instruments to a significant extent, will be especially subject to currency management strategies risk.

***CYBER SECURITY***

The Funds and their service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems; compromises to networks or devices that the Funds and their service providers use to service the Funds' operations; and operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Funds and their service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Funds or their service providers may adversely impact the Funds and their shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Funds to process transactions; the inability to calculate the Funds' NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Funds may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Funds invest, which may cause the Funds' investments in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Funds or their service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

***DEBT SECURITIES***

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The Funds may invest in debt securities. The market value of debt securities generally varies in response to changes in interest rates and the financial condition of each issuer and the value of a global resource if linked to the value of a global resource. Debt securities with similar maturities may have different yields, depending upon several factors, including the relative financial condition of the issuers. Investment grade means a rating of Baa3 or better by Moody's or BBB- or better by S&P, or of comparable quality in the judgment of a Fund's Adviser or if no rating has been given by either service. Many securities of foreign issuers are not rated by these services. Therefore, the selection of such issuers depends to a large extent on the credit analysis performed by an Adviser. During periods of declining interest rates, the value of debt securities generally increases. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally declines. These changes in market value will be reflected in a Fund's net asset value. Debt securities with similar maturities may have different yields, depending upon several factors, including the relative financial condition of the issuers. For example, higher yields are generally available from securities in the lower rating categories of S&P or Moody's. However, the values of lower-rated securities generally fluctuate more than those of high-grade securities. Many securities of foreign issuers are not rated by these services. Therefore the selection of such issuers depends to a large extent on the credit analysis performed by an Adviser.

New issues of certain debt securities are often offered on a when-issued basis. That is, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment, but delivery and payment for the securities normally take place after the date of the commitment to purchase. The value of when-issued securities may vary prior to and after delivery depending on market conditions and changes in interest rate levels. However, the Funds do not accrue any income on these securities prior to delivery. The Funds may also invest in low rated or unrated debt securities. Low rated debt securities present a significantly greater risk of default than do higher rated securities, in times of poor business or economic conditions, the Funds may lose interest and/or principal on such securities.

The Funds may also invest in various money market securities for cash management purposes or when assuming a temporary defensive position. Money market securities may include commercial paper, bankers' acceptances, bank obligations, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, U.S. government securities and obligations of savings institutions.

***DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS***

The Funds may invest in Depositary Receipts, which represent an ownership interest in securities of foreign companies (an "underlying issuer") that are deposited with a depositary. Depositary Receipts are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities. Depositary Receipts include American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other types of Depositary Receipts (which, together with ADRs and GDRs, are hereinafter collectively referred to as "Depositary Receipts"). ADRs are dollar-denominated Depositary Receipts typically issued by a U.S. financial institution which evidence an ownership interest in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs are listed and traded in the United States. GDRs and other types of Depositary Receipts are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they also may be issued by U.S. financial institutions, and evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. Generally, Depositary Receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. securities market and Depositary Receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the United States.

Depositary Receipts may be "sponsored" or "unsponsored." Sponsored Depositary Receipts are established jointly by a depositary and the underlying issuer, whereas unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be established by a depositary without participation by the underlying issuer. Holders of unsponsored Depositary Receipts generally bear all the costs associated with establishing unsponsored Depositary Receipts. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying unsponsored Depository Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.

***DERIVATIVES***

The Funds may also use derivatives, such as futures contracts, options, forward contracts and swaps as part of various investment techniques and strategies, such as creating non-speculative "synthetic" positions (covered by segregation of liquid assets) or implementing "cross-hedging" strategies. A "synthetic" position is the duplication of a cash market transaction. "Cross-hedging" involves the use of one currency to hedge against the decline in the value of another currency. The use of such instruments as described herein involves several risks. First, there can be no assurance that the prices of such instruments and the hedge security or the cash market position will move as anticipated. If prices do not move as anticipated, a Fund may incur a loss on its investment, may not achieve the hedging protection it anticipated and/or may incur a loss greater than if it had entered into a cash market position. Second, investments in such instruments may reduce the gains which would otherwise be realized from the sale of the underlying securities or assets which are being hedged. Third, positions in such instruments can be closed out only on an exchange that provides a market for those instruments. There can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular derivative. If the Fund cannot close out an exchange traded derivative which it holds, it may have to

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perform its contract obligation or exercise its option to realize any profit and may incur transaction cost on the sale of the underlying assets. In addition, the use of derivative instruments involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the derivatives contract to make required payments or otherwise comply with the contract's terms.

When the Funds intend to acquire securities (or gold bullion or coins as the case may be) for their portfolio, they may use call derivatives as a means of fixing the price of the security (or gold) they intend to purchase at the exercise price or contract price depending on the derivative. An increase in the acquisition cost may be offset, in whole or part, by a gain on the derivative. Options and futures contracts requiring delivery of a security may also be useful to the Funds in purchasing a large block of securities that would be more difficult to acquire by direct market purchases. If the Funds hold a call option rather than the underlying security itself, the Funds are partially protected from any unexpected decline in the market price of the underlying security and in such event could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only to the extent of the premium paid for the option. Using a futures contract would not offer such partial protection against market declines and the Funds may experience a loss as if they had owned the underlying security.

In addition, the Funds may invest in Participation Notes or P-Notes which are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to the performance of a particular underlying equity security or market. P-Notes can have the characteristics or take the form of various instruments, including, but not limited to, certificates or warrants. The holder of a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security is entitled to receive any dividends paid in connection with the underlying security. However, the holder of a P-Note generally does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security. P-Notes constitute direct, general and unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them, which therefore subject a Fund to counterparty risk, as discussed below. Investments in P-Notes involve certain risks in addition to those associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies or foreign securities markets whose return they seek to replicate. For instance, there can be no assurance that the trading price of a P-Note will equal the underlying value of the foreign company or foreign securities market that it seeks to replicate. As the purchaser of a P-Note, a Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of the counterparty issuing the P-Note and has no rights under a P-Note against the issuer of the underlying security. Therefore, if such counterparty were to become insolvent, a Fund would lose its investment. The risk that a Fund may lose its investments due to the insolvency of a single counterparty may be amplified to the extent the Fund purchases P-Notes issued by one issuer or a small number of issuers. P-Notes also include transaction costs in addition to those applicable to a direct investment in securities. In addition, the use of P-Notes by VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may cause the Fund's performance to deviate from the performance of the portion of the Wide Moat Index to which the Fund is gaining exposure through the use of P-Notes.

Due to liquidity and transfer restrictions, the secondary markets on which P-Notes are traded may be less liquid than the markets for other securities, which may lead to the absence of readily available market quotations for securities in a Fund's portfolio. The ability of a Fund to value its securities becomes more difficult and the judgment in the application of fair value procedures may play a greater role in the valuation of a Fund's securities due to reduced availability of reliable objective pricing data. Consequently, while such determinations will be made in good faith, it may nevertheless be more difficult for a Fund to accurately assign a daily value to such securities.

Under Rule 18f-4 (the "derivatives rule"), funds need to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future fund payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined in the derivatives rule. Under the derivatives rule, when a fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") also provided guidance in connection with the derivatives rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that may limit a fund's securities lending activities. In addition, under the derivatives rule, the Fund is permitted to invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security under the 1940 Act, provided that (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision"). The Fund may otherwise engage in such transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the Fund treats any such transaction as a "derivatives transaction" for purposes of compliance with the derivatives rule. Furthermore, under the derivatives rule, the Fund will be permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due.

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***DIRECT INVESTMENTS***

The Funds, except CM Commodity Index Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Onchain Economy ETF, VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, may not invest more than 10% of their total assets in direct investments. Direct investments include (i) the private purchase from an enterprise of an equity interest in the enterprise, and (ii) the purchase of such an equity interest in an enterprise from an investor in the enterprise. In each case, a Fund may, at the time of making an investment, enter into a shareholder or similar agreement with the enterprise and one or more other holders of equity interests in the enterprise.

Certain of the Funds' direct investments may include investments in smaller, less seasoned companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In some cases, the Funds' direct investments may fund new start-up operations for an enterprise. With respect to Emerging Markets Fund, such direct investments may be made in entities that are reasonably expected in the foreseeable future to become growth companies, either by expanding current operations or establishing significant operations.

Direct investments may involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses. Because of the absence of any public trading market for these investments, the Funds may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices on these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Funds. Furthermore, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to public disclosure and other investor protection requirements applicable to publicly traded securities. If such securities are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Funds may be required to bear the expense of the registration. Direct investments are generally considered illiquid and will be aggregated with other illiquid investments for purposes of the limitation on illiquid investments. Direct investments can be difficult to price. The pricing of direct investments may not be reflective of the price at which these assets could be liquidated.

***EQUITY SECURITIES***

The Funds may invest in equity securities. Equity securities, such as common stock, represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer.

Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation. The value of a company's stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or lower demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value also may fall because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or in a number of different industries, such as increases in production costs. The value of a company's stock also may be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company or its industry, such as changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates. In addition, a company's stock generally pays dividends only after the company invests in its own business and makes required payments to holders of its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. For this reason, the value of a company's stock usually reacts more strongly than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies. Stocks of companies that the portfolio manager believes are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The value of such stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks.

Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy and/or insolvency of the issuer. In addition to common stock, equity securities may include preferred stock, convertible securities and warrants, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information. Equity securities other than common stock are subject to many of the same risks as common stock, although possibly to different degrees.

Environmental, social and governance ("ESG") considerations, may be utilized as a component of a Fund's investment process to implement its investment strategy in pursuit of its investment objective. ESG factors may be incorporated to evaluate an issuer, as part of risk analysis, opportunity analysis, or in other manners. ESG factors may vary across types of investments and issuers, and not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated. The incorporation of ESG factors may affect a Fund's exposure to certain issuers or industries and may not work as intended. A Fund may underperform other funds that do not assess an issuer's ESG factors as part of the investment process or that use a different methodology to identify and/or incorporate ESG factors. Because ESG considerations may be used as one part of an overall investment process, a Fund may still invest in securities of issuers that are not considered ESG-focused or that may be viewed as having a high ESG risk profile. As investors can differ in their views regarding ESG factors, a Fund may invest in issuers that do not reflect the views with respect to ESG of any particular investor. Information used by a Fund to evaluate such factors, including information from reliance on third-party research and/or proprietary research, may not be readily available, complete or accurate, and may vary across providers and issuers as ESG is not a uniformly defined characteristic, which could negatively impact a Fund's ability to accurately assess

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an issuer, which could negatively impact a Fund's performance. There is no guarantee that the evaluation of ESG considerations will be additive to a Fund's performance.

***FOREIGN SECURITIES***

Foreign securities include securities issued by a foreign government, quasi-government or corporate entity, traded in foreign currencies or issued by companies with most of their business interests in foreign countries. Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities involves certain special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in United States securities. Since investments in foreign companies frequently involve currencies of foreign countries, and since the Funds may hold securities and funds in foreign currencies, the Funds may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations, if any, and may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Most foreign stock markets, while growing in volume of trading activity, have less volume than the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), and securities of some foreign companies may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies. Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets may be less than in the United States, and at times volatility of price can be greater than in the United States. Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on United States exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies in foreign countries than in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of exchange control restrictions, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability, which could affect investments in those countries. Foreign securities such as those purchased by the Funds may be subject to foreign government taxes, higher custodian fees, higher brokerage commissions and dividend collection fees which could reduce the yield on such securities.

Trading in futures contracts traded on foreign commodity exchanges may be subject to the same or similar risks as trading in foreign securities.

***FOREIGN SECURITIES - EMERGING MARKET SECURITIES***

The Funds, except for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, may have a substantial portion of their assets invested in emerging markets. A Fund's Adviser has broad discretion to identify countries that it considers to qualify as emerging markets. Each Fund's Adviser selects emerging market countries and currencies that the Fund will invest in based on the Adviser's evaluation of economic fundamentals, legal structure, political developments and other specific factors the Adviser believes to be relevant. An instrument may qualify as an emerging market debt security if it is either (i) issued by an emerging market government, quasi-government or corporate entity (regardless of the currency in which it is denominated) or (ii) denominated in the currency of an emerging market country (regardless of the location of the issuer).

Investing in the equity and fixed income markets of emerging market countries involves exposure to potentially unstable governments, the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, prohibitions on repatriation of assets and a system of laws that may offer less protection of property rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local and global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, 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. In addition, a 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, a 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 a Fund to invest in such country. These factors make investing in issuers located or operating in emerging market countries significantly riskier than investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any one of them could cause a decline in the value of a Fund's shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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, a Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Furthermore, investments in

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emerging market countries may require a Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to a Fund.

The securities markets in emerging markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the shares of many issuers may be held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the portfolio. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the bond markets in Asia, Eastern and Central Europe and other emerging markets are less than in the United States and, at times, price volatility can be greater than in the United States. A limited number of issuers in Asian and emerging market securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in these regions may also affect a Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. Accordingly, during periods of rising securities prices in the more illiquid regions' securities markets, a Fund's ability to participate fully in such price increases may be limited by its investment policy of investing not more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Conversely, the inability of a Fund to dispose fully and promptly of positions in declining markets may cause such Fund's net asset values to decline as the values of the unsold positions are marked to lower prices. In addition, these securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities. Also, stockbrokers and other intermediaries in emerging markets may not perform in the same way as their counterparts in the United States and other more developed securities markets. The prices at which a Fund may acquire investments may be affected by trading by persons with material non-public information and by securities transactions by brokers in anticipation of transactions by the Fund in particular securities.

The Funds may invest in Latin American, Asian, Eurasian and other countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Political and economic structures in many such countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of the United States. Certain such countries have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value of the Fund's investments in those countries and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in those countries. Emerging market countries may have different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and may employ other regulatory practices and requirements as compared to more developed markets.

The Russian, Eastern and Central European, Chinese and Taiwanese stock markets are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations.

***Certain Risks of Investing in Asia-Pacific Countries.*** In addition to the risks of foreign investing and the risks of investing in developing markets, the developing market Asia-Pacific countries in which a Fund may invest are subject to certain additional or specific risks. A Fund may make substantial investments in Asia-Pacific countries. In many of these markets, there is 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. Many of these markets also may be affected by developments with respect to more established markets in the region such as in Japan and Hong Kong. Brokers in developing market Asia-Pacific countries typically are fewer in number and less well capitalized than brokers in the United States. These factors, combined with the U.S. regulatory requirements for open-end investment companies, result in potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund and may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of a Fund.

Many of the developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. Public health crises or major health-related developments may have a substantial impact on the economy of certain Asian-Pacific countries. Outbreaks of contagious viruses and diseases, including the novel viruses commonly known as SARS, MERS, and Covid-19 (Coronavirus), may reduce business activity or disrupt market activity, and have the potential to exacerbate market risks such as volatility in exchange rates or the trading of Asian-Pacific securities listed domestically or abroad.

In addition, the governments of many of such countries, such as Indonesia, have a substantial role in regulating and supervising the economy. Another risk common to most such countries is that the economy is heavily export oriented and, accordingly, is dependent upon international trade. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also presents risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems. Certain economies also depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors.

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Governments of many developing market Asia-Pacific countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including the largest in the country. Accordingly, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in developing market Asia-Pacific countries, which could affect private sector companies and a Fund itself, as well as the value of securities in the Fund's portfolio. In addition, economic statistics of developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be less reliable than economic statistics of more developed nations.

***Investments through Stock Connect****.* The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in A-shares listed and traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (together, "Stock Connect"), or on such other stock exchanges in China which participate in Stock Connect from time to time or in the future. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to a number of restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. For example, purchases of A-shares through Stock Connect are subject to a daily quota which does not belong to the Fund and can only be utilised on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once the daily quota is exceeded, buy orders may be rejected. The the Fund's ability to invest in A-shares may therefore be limited. In addition, investments made through Stock Connect are subject to trading, clearance and settlement procedures that are relatively untested in the PRC, which could pose risks to the Fund. Furthermore, securities purchased via Stock Connect will be held via a book entry omnibus account in the name of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC"), Hong Kong's clearing entity, at the China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited ("CSDCC"). These Funds' ownership interest in Stock Connect securities will not be reflected directly in book entry with CSDCC and will instead only be reflected on the books of its Hong Kong sub-custodian. The Fund may therefore depend on HKSCC's ability or willingness as record-holder of Stock Connect securities to enforce the Fund's shareholder rights. PRC law did not historically recognize the concept of beneficial ownership; while PRC regulations and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have issued clarifications and guidance supporting the concept of beneficial ownership via Stock Connect, the interpretation of beneficial ownership in the PRC by regulators and courts may continue to evolve. Moreover, Stock Connect A-shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules.

A primary feature of Stock Connect is the application of the home market's laws and rules applicable to investors in A-shares. Therefore, the Fund's investments in Stock Connect A-shares are generally subject to PRC securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions.The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SZSE") and Shanghai Stock Exchange ("SSE") reserve the right to suspend trading if necessary for ensuring an orderly and fair market and managing risks prudently, which could adversely affect the Fund's ability to access the mainland China market. A stock may be recalled from the scope of eligible SSE securities or SZSE securities for trading via the Stock Connect for various reasons, and in such event, the stock can only be sold but is restricted from being bought. Stock Connect is only available on days when markets in both the PRC and Hong Kong are open, which may limit the Fund's ability to trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so.

Uncertainties in permanent PRC tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in Stock Connect A-shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund may, through the Stock Connect, access securities listed on the ChiNext market and STAR Board of the SZSE. Listed companies on the ChiNext market and STAR Board are usually of an emerging nature with smaller operating scale. Listed companies on the ChiNext Market and STAR Board are subject to wider price fluctuation limits and due to higher entry thresholds for investors, may have limited liquidity, compared to other boards. They are subject to higher fluctuation in stock prices and liquidity and have higher risks and turnover ratios than companies listed on the main board of the SZSE. Securities listed on the ChiNext Market may be overvalued and such exceptionally high valuation may not be sustainable. Stock prices may be more susceptible to manipulation due to fewer circulating shares. It may be more common and faster for companies listed on the ChiNext to delist. This may have an adverse impact on the Fund if the companies that it invests in are delisted. Also, the rules and regulations regarding companies listed on the ChiNext Market and STAR Board are less stringent in terms of profitability and share capital than those on the main board. Investments in the ChiNext Market and STAR Board may result in significant losses for the Fund and its investors. STAR Board is a newly established board and may have a limited number of listed companies during the initial stage. Investments in STAR board may be concentrated in a small number of stocks and subject the Fund to higher concentration risk.

The Stock Connect only operates on days when both the PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. So it is possible that there are occasions when it is a normal trading day for the PRC market but the Fund cannot carry out any China A-Shares trading via the Stock Connect. The Fund may be subject to a risk of price fluctuations in China A-Shares during the time when any of the Stock Connect is not trading as a result.

PRC regulations require that before an investor sells any share, there should be sufficient shares in the account; otherwise the SSE or SZSE will reject the sell order concerned. SEHK will carry out pre-trade checking on China A-Shares sell

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orders of its participants (i.e. the stock brokers) to ensure there is no over-selling. If the Fund intends to sell certain China A-Shares it holds, it must transfer those China A-Shares to the respective accounts of its broker(s) before the market opens on the day of selling ("trading day"). If it fails to meet this deadline, it will not be able to sell those shares on the trading day. Because of this requirement, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its holdings of China A-Shares in a timely manner.

The Stock Connect program is a relatively new program and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to the program's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns. In addition, the application and interpretation of the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and the PRC, and the rules, policies or guidelines published or applied by relevant regulators and exchanges in respect of the Stock Connect program are uncertain, and they may have a detrimental effect on the Fund's investments and returns. Moreover, the rules and regulations may have potential retrospective effect. There can be no assurance that the Stock Connects will not be abolished. Investments in mainland China markets through the Stock Connects may adversely affect the Funds as a result of such changes.

**Chinese Variable Interest Entities Risks**

Chinese operating companies sometimes rely on variable interest entity ("VIE") structures to raise capital from non Chinese investors. In a VIE structure, a China-based operating company establishes an entity (typically offshore) that enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese company designed to provide economic exposure to the company. The offshore entity then issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as a Fund). Shares of the offshore entity are not equity ownership interests in the Chinese operating company and therefore the ability of the offshore entity to control the activities of the Chinese company are limited and the Chinese company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. The VIE structure is designed to provide the offshore entity (and in turn, investors in the entity) with economic exposure to the Chinese company that replicates equity ownership, without actual equity ownership. VIE structures are used due to Chinese government prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies in certain industries and it is not clear that the contracts are enforceable or that the structures will otherwise work as intended.

Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could adversely affect the Chinese operating company's performance, the enforceability of the offshore entity's contractual arrangements with the Chinese company and the value of the offshore entity's shares. Further, if the Chinese government determines that the agreements establishing the VIE structure do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to prohibitions on foreign ownership, the Chinese government could subject the Chinese company to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses or forfeiture of ownership interests. The offshore entity's control over the Chinese company may also be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable. If any of the foregoing were to occur, the market value of a Fund's associated portfolio holdings would likely fall, causing substantial investment losses for the Fund.

In addition, Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.

**Risks Relating to Investing in India** *(VanEck Emerging Markets Fund only)*

Investments in securities of Indian issuers involve risks and special considerations not typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. Such heightened risks include, among others, greater government control over the economy, including the risk that the Indian government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs, political and legal uncertainty, competition from low-cost issuers of other emerging economies in Asia, currency fluctuations or blockage of foreign currency exchanges and the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets. Large portions of many Indian companies remain in the hands of individuals and corporate governance standards of Indian companies may be weaker and less transparent, which may increase the risk of loss and unequal treatment of investors. In addition, religious and border disputes persist in India. India has experienced civil unrest and hostilities with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, and the Indian government has confronted separatist movements in several Indian states. India has also experienced acts of terrorism that have targeted foreigners, which have had a negative impact on tourism, an important sector of the Indian economy. India has tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder development of the Indian economy and escalating tensions could impact the broader region.

The Indian securities markets are smaller and less liquid than securities markets in more developed economies and are subject to greater price volatility. Issuers in India are subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing and financial reporting than are issuers in more developed markets, and therefore, all material information may not be available or

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reliable. India also has less developed clearance and settlement procedures, and there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities and have been significantly delayed. Indian stock exchanges have experienced problems such as temporary exchange closures, broker defaults, settlement delays and strikes by brokers that have affected the market price and liquidity of the securities of Indian companies. In addition, the governing bodies of the Indian stock exchanges have from time to time restricted securities from trading, limited price movements and restricted margin requirements. Further, from time to time, disputes have occurred between listed companies and the Indian stock exchanges and other regulatory bodies that, in some cases, have had a negative effect on market sentiment. In addition, inflation in India may be at very high levels. High inflation may lead to the adoption of corrective measures designed to moderate growth, regulate prices of staples and other commodities and otherwise contain inflation. Such measures could inhibit economic activity in India. Additionally, each of the factors described below could have a negative impact on the Fund's performance and increase the volatility of the Fund.

*Economic Risk*. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy. The Indian government has experienced chronic structural public sector deficits. High amounts of debt and public spending could have an adverse impact on India's economy. Services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for half of India's output with less than one quarter of its labor force. Additionally, the Indian economy may be dependent upon agriculture. About two thirds of the workforce is in agriculture. The Fund's investments may be susceptible to adverse weather changes including the threat of monsoons and other natural disasters. Despite strong growth, the World Bank and others express concern about the combined state and federal budget deficit.

*Regulatory Risk.* A foreign portfolio investor ("FPI") in India is subject to certain restrictions on buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities.

The Fund is registered as an FPI with the Securities and Exchange Board of India in order to obtain the ability to make and dispose of investments. There can be no assurance that the Fund will continue to qualify for the FPI license. Loss of the FPI registration could adversely impact the ability of the Fund to make investments in India. The Securities and Exchange Board of India imposes certain limitations on participation in an FPI. The Fund may compulsorily redeem units held by such investor(s) or take other actions in order to comply with applicable Indian law.

*Investment and Repatriation Restrictions.* The Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India impose certain limits on the foreign ownership of Indian securities. These restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers located or operating in India and may inhibit the Fund's ability to pursue its investment objective.

In the case of an ultimate beneficial owner who has direct or indirect common shareholding/beneficial ownership/beneficial interest of more than 50% in an FPI and an offshore derivative instrument ("ODI") subscriber entity or two or more FPIs/ODI subscribers, the participation through ODIs would be aggregated with the direct holding of FPIs or the other concerned ODI subscribers while determining whether the above investment cap in an Indian company has been triggered.

*Tax Risks.* The taxation of income and capital gains of the Fund is subject to the fiscal laws and practices of different jurisdictions. Any of those jurisdictions may change their fiscal laws and practices (or interpretation thereof) and enforcement policies, possibly with retroactive effect.

a. *Indirect Transfer Risk:* Indian capital gains tax can be imposed on income arising from the transfer of shares in

a company registered outside India which derives, directly or indirectly, its value substantially from the assets located in India. Being a Category I FPI, the Fund is currently exempt from the application of these rules. In case of loss of the Fund's registration as a Category I FPI or changes in Indian rules, the Fund could be subject to the indirect transfer tax provisions in the future.

b. *Exposure to Permanent Establishment ("PE"):* While the Fund believes that its activities should not create a PE in India, the Indian tax authorities may claim that these activities have resulted in a PE in India. Under such circumstances, the profits of the Fund to the extent attributable to the PE would be subject to taxation in India.

c. *Exposure to Place of Effective Management ("POEM") risk:* While the Fund believes that its activities or the activities of the Adviser described in the Prospectus or this SAI should not lead to a situation where the POEM of the Fund or the Adviser is considered to be in India, there may be a risk that the Indian tax authorities will claim that these activities have resulted in a POEM of the Fund and/or the Adviser in India. If for any reason the activities are held to be a POEM of the Fund and/or the Adviser in India, then the worldwide profits of the Fund would be subject to taxation in India.

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***FOREIGN SECURITIES - FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS***

Although the Funds value their assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, they do not generally physically convert their holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Funds may do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Funds at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Funds desire to resell that currency to the dealer. The Funds may use forward contracts, along with futures contracts, foreign exchange swaps and put and call options (all types of derivatives) as part of their overall hedging strategy. The Funds generally conduct their 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 purchasing put and call options on, or entering into futures contracts or forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. See "Options, Futures, Warrants and Subscription Rights."

Changes in currency exchange rates may affect the Funds' net asset value and performance. The Adviser may not be able to anticipate currency fluctuations in exchange rates accurately. The Funds may invest in a variety of derivatives and enter into hedging transactions to attempt to moderate the effect of currency fluctuations. The Funds may purchase and sell put and call options on, or enter into futures contracts or forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. This may reduce a Fund's losses on a security when a foreign currency's value changes. Hedging against a change in the value of a foreign currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such hedging transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should change relative to the other currency. Finally, when the Funds use options and futures in anticipation of the purchase of a portfolio security to hedge against adverse movements in the security's underlying currency, but the purchase of such security is subsequently deemed undesirable, a Fund may incur a gain or loss on the option or futures contract.

The Funds may enter into forward contracts to duplicate a cash market transaction. See also "Options, Futures, Warrants and Subscription Rights."

A Fund may (but is not required to) engage in these transactions in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities. A Fund may also use foreign currency options and foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. Suitable currency hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances and an Adviser may decide not to use hedging transactions that are available.

In those situations where foreign currency options or futures contracts, or options on futures contracts may not be readily purchased (or where they may be deemed illiquid or unattractive) in the primary currency in which the hedge is desired, the hedge may be obtained by purchasing or selling an option, futures contract or forward contract on a secondary currency. There can be no assurances that the exchange rate or the primary and secondary currencies will move as anticipated, or that the relationship between the hedged security and the hedging instrument will continue. If they do not move as anticipated or the relationship does not continue, a loss may result to a Fund on its investments in the hedging positions.

A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Although forwards are intended to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currencies, at the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currencies increase.

The forecasting of currency market movement is extremely difficult, and whether any hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. Moreover, it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a foreign currency forward contract. Accordingly, a Fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such transaction) if an Adviser's predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate. In addition, the use of cross-hedging transactions may involve special risks, and may leave the Fund in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been established.

At the maturity of a forward contract, the Funds may either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or they may retain the security and terminate their contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency prior to maturity by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the same currency trader, obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency. There can be no assurance, however, that the Funds will be able to effect such a closing purchase transaction.

It is impossible to forecast the market value of a particular portfolio security at the expiration of the contract. Accordingly, if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency that a Fund is obligated to deliver.

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If a Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund may incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. Additionally, although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time, they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.

***FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS***

The Funds may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, warrants, swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use or which are not currently available, but which may be developed, to the extent such investments are considered suitable for the Funds by each Adviser.

***GLOBAL RESOURCES SECURITIES***

Global resources securities include securities of global resource companies and instruments that derive their value from global resources. Global resources include precious metals (including gold), base and industrial metals, energy (including, but not limited to, gas, petroleum, petrochemicals and other hydrocarbons, and renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, or biofuel), natural resources and other commodities. A global resource company is a company that derives, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of its revenues from exploration, development, production, distribution or facilitation of processes relating to global resources.

Since the market action of global resources securities may move against or independently of the market trend of industrial shares, the addition of such securities to an overall portfolio may increase the return and reduce the price fluctuations of such a portfolio. There can be no assurance that an increased rate of return or a reduction in price fluctuations of a portfolio will be achieved. Global resources securities are affected by many factors, including movement in the stock market.

Inflation may cause a decline in the market, including global resource securities. The Global Resources Fund has a fundamental policy of concentrating in "global resource" industries, and more than 50% of the Global Resources Fund's assets may be invested in any one of the above sectors. Precious metal and natural resource securities are at times volatile and there may be sharp fluctuations in prices, even during periods of rising prices.

***HEDGING***

Hedging is a strategy in which a derivative or other instrument or practice is used to offset the risks associated with other Fund holdings. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. Hedging can reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by a Fund or if the cost of the derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves correlation risk, i.e. the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by a Fund, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may be increased. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by a Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option. There can be no assurance that a Fund's hedging strategies will be effective. The use of hedging may invoke the application of the mark-to-market and straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If such provisions are applicable, there could be an increase (or decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by a Fund and may impact whether dividends paid by the Fund are classified as capital gains or ordinary income. The use of derivatives increases the risk that a Fund will be unable to close out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences.

***ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS***

Each Fund may not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. For purposes of the above 15% limitation, illiquid investment means any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment, as determined pursuant to the 1940 Act and applicable rules and regulations thereunder.

***INDEXED SECURITIES AND STRUCTURED NOTES***

The Funds may invest in indexed securities, i.e., structured notes securities and index options, whose value is linked to one or more currencies, interest rates, commodities, or financial or commodity indices. An indexed security enables the investor to purchase a note whose coupon and/or principal redemption is linked to the performance of an underlying asset. Indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed (i.e., their value may increase or decrease if the underlying instrument appreciates). Indexed securities may have return characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying instrument or to one or more options on the underlying instrument. Indexed securities may be more volatile than the underlying instrument itself, and present many of the same risks as investing in futures and options. Indexed securities are also subject to credit risks

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associated with the issuer of the security with respect to both principal and interest. Securities linked to one or more non-agriculture commodities or commodity indices may be considered a global resources securities.

Indexed securities may be publicly traded or may be two-party contracts (such two-party agreements are referred to hereafter collectively as structured notes). When a Fund purchases a structured note, it makes a payment of principal to the counterparty. Some structured notes have a guaranteed repayment of principal while others place a portion (or all) of the principal at risk. Notes determined to be illiquid will be aggregated with other illiquid securities and will be subject to the Funds' limitations on illiquid investments.

***Credit Linked Notes.*** The Funds may invest in credit linked securities or credit linked notes ("CLNs"). CLNs are typically issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle (the "CLN trust") that, in turn, invests in a derivative or basket of derivatives instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and/or other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield, sovereign debt, emerging markets, or other fixed income markets. Generally, investments in CLNs represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the CLN. However, these payments are conditioned on the CLN trust's receipt of payments from, and the CLN trust's potential obligations, to the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the CLN trust invests. For example, the CLN trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the CLN trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default were to occur, the stream of payments may stop and the CLN trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that the Fund would receive as an investor in the CLN trust. A Fund may also enter in CLNs to gain access to sovereign debt and securities in emerging markets particularly in markets where the Fund is not able to purchase securities directly due to domicile restrictions or tax restrictions or tariffs. In such an instance, the issuer of the CLN may purchase the reference security directly and/or gain exposure through a credit default swap or other derivative. The Fund's investments in CLNs is subject to the risks associated with the underlying reference obligations and derivative instruments.

***INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS***

The Funds may invest in initial public offerings (IPOs) of common stock or other primary or secondary syndicated offerings of equity or debt securities issued by a corporate issuer. A purchase of IPO securities often involves higher transaction costs than those associated with the purchase of securities already traded on exchanges or markets. IPO securities are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. The market value of recently issued IPO securities may fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading and speculation, a potentially small number of securities available for trading, limited information about the issuer, and other factors. A Fund may hold IPO securities for a period of time, or may sell them soon after the purchase. Investments in IPOs could have a magnified impact – either positive or negative – on the Fund's performance while the Fund's assets are relatively small. The impact of an IPO on the Fund's performance may tend to diminish as the Fund's assets grow.

***INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND POOLED INVESTMENT VEHICLES***

Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities issued by other investment companies (excluding money market funds), including open end and closed end funds and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), subject to the limitations under the 1940 Act. The Funds' investments in money market funds are not subject to this limitation. CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF may invest in securities issued by other investment companies, including open end and closed end funds and ETFs, subject to the limitations of under the 1940 Act. Onchain Economy ETF may invest in other pooled investment vehicles. The Funds may invest in investment companies or pooled investment vehicles which are sponsored or advised by each Adviser and/or their affiliates (each, a "VanEck Investment Company").

A Fund's investment in another investment company may subject such Fund indirectly to the underlying risks of the investment company. Such Fund also will bear its share of the underlying investment company's fees and expenses, which are in addition to the Fund's own fees and expenses. Shares of closed-end funds and ETFs may trade at prices that reflect a premium above or a discount below the investment company's net asset value, which may be substantial in the case of closed-end funds. If investment company securities are purchased at a premium to net asset value, the premium may not exist when those securities are sold and the Fund could incur a loss.

Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, which became effective January 19, 2022, created a regulatory framework for Funds' investments in other funds. Rule 12d1-4 allows a fund to acquire the securities of another investment company in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 without obtaining an exemptive order from the SEC, subject to certain limitations and conditions. Among those conditions is the requirement that, prior to a fund relying on Rule 12d1-4 to acquire securities of another fund in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1), the acquiring fund must enter into a Fund of Funds Agreement with the acquired fund, unless the acquiring fund's investment adviser acts as the acquired fund's investment adviser and does not act as

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sub-adviser to either fund. In connection with the adoption of Rule 12d1-4, the SEC also rescinded certain prior exemptive relief. These regulatory changes may adversely impact a Fund's investment strategies and operations to the extent that it invests, or might otherwise have invested, in shares issued by other investment companies.

***MARKET***

**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The prices of the securities in a Fund 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. Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments and may be influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. These risks may be magnified if certain social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes, supply chain disruptions, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers) adversely interrupt the global economy; in these and other circumstances, such events or developments might affect companies world-wide. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

***MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS***

Other equity securities in which Global Resources Fund may invest include master limited partnerships ("MLPs"). MLPs are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to oil and gas industries, but they also may finance research and development and other projects. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the partnership. The risks of investing in an MLP are generally those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. Investments in securities of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. Holders of the units of MLPs have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of MLPs. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of an MLP, including a conflict arising as a result of incentive distribution payments.

***OPTIONS, FUTURES, WARRANTS AND SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS***

***Options Transactions.*** Each Fund may purchase and sell (write) exchange-traded and OTC call and put options on domestic and foreign securities, foreign currencies, stock and bond indices and financial futures contracts. Global Resources Fund may also buy and sell options linked to the price of global resources.

***Purchasing Call and Put Options.*** Each of Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources, International Investors Gold Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund and the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF may invest up to 5% of its total assets in premiums on call and put options. The purchase of a call option would enable a Fund, in return for the premium paid, to lock in a purchase price for a security or currency during the term of the option. The purchase of a put option would enable a Fund, in return for a premium paid, to lock in a price at which it may sell a security or currency during the term of the option. OTC options are typically purchased from or sold (written) to dealers or financial institutions which have entered into direct agreements with a Fund. With OTC options, such variables as expiration date, exercise price and premium are typically agreed upon between the Fund and the transacting dealer.

The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date. Accordingly, the successful use of options depends on the ability of an Adviser to forecast correctly interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or market movements.

When a Fund sells put or call options it has previously purchased, the Fund may realize a net gain or loss, depending on whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put or call option which is sold. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for options, particularly in the case of OTC options. In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which a Fund engages in transactions in options, such Fund could experience delays and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. In the case of OTC options, if the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the securities underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms of that option, due to insolvency or otherwise, a Fund would lose the premium paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. If trading were suspended

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in an option purchased by a Fund, the Fund would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased.

A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. The markets in foreign currency options are relatively new and the Fund's ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits, which may limit the ability of a Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.

***Writing Covered Call and Put Options.*** VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund and Onchain Economy ETF may write covered call options on portfolio securities. Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund, International Investors Gold Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF may write covered call options on portfolio securities to the extent that the value of all securities with respect to which covered calls are written does not exceed 10% of the Fund's net asset value. When a Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund incurs an obligation to sell the security underlying the option to the purchaser of the call, at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period, at the purchaser's election. When a Fund writes a put option, the Fund incurs an obligation to buy the security underlying the option from the purchaser of the put, at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period, at the purchaser's election.

Such Fund may be required, at any time during the option period, to deliver the underlying security (or currency) against payment of the exercise price on any calls it has written, or to make payment of the exercise price against delivery of the underlying security (or currency) on any puts it has written. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option period or at such earlier time as the writer effects a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will typically be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction.

During the option period, the Fund gives up, in return for the premium on the option, the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying security (or the value of its denominated currency) increase, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security (or the value of its denominated currency) decline.

***Futures Contracts.*** The Funds may buy and sell financial futures contracts which may include security and interest-rate futures, stock and bond index futures contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. Global Resources Fund may also buy and sell futures contracts and options thereon linked to the price of global resources. CM Commodity Index Fund may engage in these transactions for hedging purposes or other purposes. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security for a set price on a future date. An interest rate, commodity, foreign currency or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, commodity, foreign currency or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time.

Futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be used to reduce a Fund's exposure to fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities and may prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Similarly, such investments may protect a Fund against fluctuation in the value of securities in which a Fund is about to invest.

The Funds may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on futures contracts and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right (in return for the premium paid), and the writer the obligation, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option is accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at the time of exercise exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option contract.

Future contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, either party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the security or commodity. However, there is no assurance that a Fund will be able to enter into a closing transaction.

***Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts and Related Options.*** There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund securities being hedged. In addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. As a result, a hedge may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.

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Investments in options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts may reduce the gains which would otherwise be realized from the sale of the underlying securities or assets which are being hedged. Additionally, positions in futures contracts and options can be closed out only on an exchange that provides a market for those instruments. There can be no assurances that such a market will exist for a particular futures contract or option. If a Fund cannot close out an exchange traded futures contract or option which it holds, it would have to perform its contractual obligation or exercise its option to realize any profit, and would incur transaction costs on the sale of the underlying assets.

There is a risk of loss by a Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the futures commission merchant ("FCM") with which the Fund has an open position in a futures contract.

Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.

There can be no assurance that an active market will exist at a time when a Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position, and that Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed. In such situations, if a Fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell securities to meet margin requirements at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so. Losses incurred in futures transactions and the costs of these transactions will affect the performance of a Fund. Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into (or through a linked exchange). No secondary market for such contract exists.

It is the policy of each Fund to meet the requirements of the Code, to qualify as a regulated investment company and thus to prevent double taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. One of the requirements is that at least 90% of a Fund's gross income be derived from dividends, interest, payment with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks or other securities. Gains from commodity futures contracts do not currently qualify as income for purposes of the 90% test. The extent to which a Fund may engage in options and futures contract transactions may be materially limited by this test.

***Risks Associated With Commodity Futures Contracts.*** There are several additional risks associated with transactions in commodity futures which are discussed below:

<u>Storage.</u> Unlike the financial futures markets, in the commodity futures markets there are costs of physical storage associated with purchasing the underlying commodity. The price of the commodity futures contract reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity, including the time value of money invested in the physical commodity. To the extent that the storage costs for an underlying commodity change while the Fund is invested in futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.

<u>Reinvestment.</u> In the commodity futures markets, producers of the underlying commodity may decide to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity by selling futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to purchase the other side of the same futures contract, the commodity producer generally must sell the futures contract at a lower price than the expected future spot price. Conversely, if most hedgers in the futures market are purchasing futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators tend to only sell the other side of the futures contract at a higher futures price than the expected future spot price of the commodity. The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the commodity markets influence whether futures prices are above or below the expected future spot price, which can have significant implications for the Fund. If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted when it is time for the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a maturing contract in a new futures contract, the Fund might reinvest at higher or lower futures prices, or choose to pursue other investments.

<u>Other Economic Factors.</u> The commodities which underlie commodity futures contracts may be subject to additional economic and non-economic variables, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. These factors may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked instruments, including futures contracts, than on traditional securities. Certain commodities are also subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject the Fund's investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.

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<u>Combined Positions.</u> CM Commodity Index Fund may purchase and write options in any combination. For example, the Fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

***Warrants and Subscription Rights.*** The Funds may invest in warrants, which are instruments that permit, but do not obligate, the holder to subscribe for other securities. Subscription rights are similar to warrants, but normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Warrants and rights are not dividend-paying investments and do not have voting rights like common stock. They also do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than direct equity investments. In addition, the value of warrants and rights do not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and may cease to have value if they are not exercised prior to their expiration dates.

***PARTLY PAID SECURITIES***

Securities paid for on an installment basis. A partly paid security trades net of outstanding installment payments—the buyer "takes over payments." The buyer's rights are typically restricted until the security is fully paid. If the value of a partly-paid security declines before a Fund finishes paying for it, the Fund will still owe the payments, but may find it hard to sell and as a result may incur a loss.

***PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC EQUITY***

The Funds may acquire equity securities of an issuer that are issued through a private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction, including on a when-issued basis. See "When, As and If Issued Securities." A Fund will earmark an amount of cash or high quality securities equal (on a daily mark to market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the when-issued securities. PIPE transactions typically involve the purchase of securities directly from a publicly traded company or its affiliates in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's securities. See also "Direct Investments." There is a risk that if the market price of the securities drops below a set threshold, the company may have to issue additional stock at a significantly reduced price, which may dilute the value of a Fund's investment. Shares in PIPES generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPES are restricted as to resale and a Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPES to be illiquid during this time. PIPES may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect. See "Rule 144A and Section 4(a)(2) Securities."

***PREFERRED STOCK***

The Funds may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as holders of a company's common stock, and thus also represent an ownership interest in that company.

Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stock is subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred stock generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Preferred stock of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stock of larger companies.

***REAL ESTATE SECURITIES***

The Funds may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Funds may invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein. These include equity securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and other real estate industry companies or companies with substantial real estate investments. Global Resources Fund may invest more than 50% of its assets in such securities. The Funds are therefore subject to certain risks associated with direct ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; extended vacancies of properties; risks related to general and local economic conditions;

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overbuilding; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents; and changes in interest rates.

REITs are pooled investment vehicles whose assets consist primarily of interests in real estate and real estate loans. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs. Equity REITs own interest in property and realize income from the rents and gain or loss from the sale of real estate interests. Mortgage REITs invest in real estate mortgage loans and realize income from interest payments on the loans. Hybrid REITs invest in both equity and debt. Equity REITs may be operating or financing companies. An operating company provides operational and management expertise to and exercises control over, many if not most operational aspects of the property. REITS are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders, provided they comply with several requirements of the Code.

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risk (i.e., as interest rates rise, the value of the REIT may decline).

Under recent tax legislation, individuals (and certain other non-corporate entities) are generally eligible for a 20% deduction with respect to taxable ordinary dividends from REITs and certain taxable income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") enable the Fund to pass through the special character of "qualified REIT dividends" (i.e., ordinary REIT dividends other than capital gain dividends and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income), but not qualified publicly traded partnership income, to a shareholder, provided both the Fund and a shareholder meet certain holding period requirements with respect to their shares. A noncorporate shareholder receiving such dividends would treat them as eligible for the 20% deduction, provided the RIC shares were held by the shareholder for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. The amount of a RIC's dividends eligible for the 20% deduction for a taxable year is limited to the excess of the RIC's qualified REIT dividends for the taxable year over allocable expenses.

***REGULATORY***

Changes in the laws or regulations of the United States or the Cayman Islands, including any changes to applicable tax laws and regulations, could impair the ability of the CM Commodity Index Fund, the International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF to achieve their investment objective and could increase the operating expenses of each of these Funds or the wholly owned subsidiary of the International Investors Gold Fund (the "Gold Subsidiary"), the CMCI Subsidiary or the Onchain Subsidiary (the Gold Subsidiary, the CMCI Subsidiary and the Onchain Subsidiary, each a "Subsidiary"). For example, in 2012, the CFTC adopted amendments to its rules that affect the ability of certain investment advisers to registered investment companies and other entities to rely on previously available exclusions or exemptions from registration under the CEA and regulations thereunder. In addition, the CFTC or the SEC could at any time alter the regulatory requirements governing the use of commodity futures, options on commodity futures, structured notes or swap transactions by investment companies, which could result in the inability of the International Investors Gold Fund, the CM Commodity Index Fund or the Onchain Economy ETF to achieve its investment objective through its current strategies.

***REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS***

Each of the Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements, which may be viewed as a type of secured lending by a Fund, typically involve the acquisition by a Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreements typically provide that a Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the institution will repurchase, the underlying security serving as collateral at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the date of purchase. The collateral is marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral, as specified in the agreement, does not decrease below the purchase price plus accrued interest. If such decrease occurs, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization. A Fund accrues interest from the institution until the time when the repurchase is to occur.

The Funds may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by the Funds of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. Such transactions are advantageous only if the interest cost to the Funds of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than

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the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. Opportunities to achieve this advantage may not always be available, and the Funds seek to use the reverse repurchase technique only when it will be advantageous to the Funds. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements may be viewed as a form of borrowing, and borrowed assets used for investment creates leverage risk. Leverage can create interest expense that may lower the Funds' overall returns. Leverage may exaggerate the Funds' volatility and risk of loss.

***RULE 144A AND SECTION 4(a)(2) SECURITIES***

The Funds may invest in securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or which are otherwise not readily marketable.

Rule 144A under the 1933 Act allows a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act of resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers.

Each Adviser monitors the liquidity determinations of restricted securities in the Funds' holdings pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The determination of whether a Rule 144A security is liquid or illiquid generally takes into account relevant market, trading, and investment-specific considerations consistent with applicable SEC guidance. Additional factors that may be considered include: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanisms of the transfer).

In addition, commercial paper may be issued in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. Such commercial paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and, therefore, any resale of such securities must be effected in a transaction exempt from registration under the 1933 Act.

Securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and commercial paper issued in reliance on the Section 4(a)(2) exemption under the 1940 Act may be determined to be liquid in accordance with Rule 22e-4 for purposes of complying with investment restrictions applicable to investments by the Funds in illiquid investments. To the extent such securities are determined to be illiquid, they will be aggregated with other illiquid investments for purposes of the limitation on illiquid investments.

***RISKS RELATED TO RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE***

In late February 2022, Russian military forces invaded Ukraine, significantly amplifying already existing geopolitical tensions among Russia, Ukraine, Europe, NATO, and the West. Russia's invasion, the responses of countries and political bodies to Russia's actions, and the potential for wider conflict may increase financial market volatility and could have severe adverse effects on regional and global economic markets, including the markets for certain securities and commodities such as oil and natural gas. Following Russia's actions, various countries, including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, as well as the European Union, issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. The sanctions consist of the prohibition of trading in certain Russian securities and engaging in certain private transactions, the prohibition of doing business with certain Russian corporate entities, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs, and the freezing of Russian assets. The sanctions include a commitment by certain countries and the European Union to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, commonly called "SWIFT," the electronic network that connects banks globally, and imposed restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. A number of large corporations and U.S. states have also announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses.

The imposition of these current sanctions (and potential further sanctions in response to continued Russian military activity) and other actions undertaken by countries and businesses may adversely impact various sectors of the Russian economy, including but not limited to, the financials, energy, metals and mining, engineering, and defense and defense-related materials sectors. Such actions also may result in a weakening of the ruble, a downgrade of Russia's credit rating, and the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, and could impair the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, receive, or deliver those securities. Moreover, the measures could adversely affect global financial and energy markets and thereby negatively affect the value of a Fund's investments beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. In response to sanctions, the Russian Central Bank raised its interest rates and banned sales of local securities by foreigners, which may include a Fund. Russia may take additional counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities and Fund investments. Such actions could, for example, include restricting gas exports to other countries, seizure of U.S. and European residents' assets, conducting cyberattacks on other governments, corporations or individuals, or undertaking or provoking other military conflict elsewhere in Europe, any of which could exacerbate negative consequences on global financial markets and the economy. The actions discussed above could have a negative effect on the performance of Funds that have exposure to Russia. While diplomatic efforts have been ongoing, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is currently unpredictable and has the potential to result in broadened military actions. The duration of ongoing

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hostilities and corresponding sanctions and related events cannot be predicted and may result in a negative impact on performance and the value of Fund investments, particularly as it relates to Russia exposure.

Due to difficulties transacting in impacted securities, a Fund may experience challenges liquidating the applicable positions to continue to seek a Fund's investment objective. Additionally, due to current and potential future sanctions or potential market closure impacting the ability to trade Russian securities, a Fund may experience higher transaction costs. Furthermore, any exposure that a Fund may have to Russian counterparties or counterparties that are otherwise impacted by sanctions also could negatively impact the Fund's portfolio.

***SECURITIES LENDING***

The Funds may lend securities to approved borrowers, including affiliates of the Funds' securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"). Securities lending allows a Fund to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the same time, earn additional income. The borrower provides cash or non-cash collateral equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the value of the securities loaned. Collateral is maintained by State Street on behalf of the Funds. Cash received as collateral through loan transactions is generally invested in shares of a money market fund. Investing this cash subjects that investment, as well as the securities loaned, to market appreciation or depreciation. Non-cash collateral consists of securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or one of its agencies and cannot be re-hypothecated by the Funds. The Funds maintain the ability to vote or consent on proxy proposals involving material events affecting securities loaned. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a Fund could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities loaned or in gaining access to the collateral. These delays and costs could be greater for foreign securities. If a Fund is not able to recover the securities loaned, the collateral may be sold and a replacement investment may be purchased in the market. The value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased.

***SHORT SALES***

The Funds may short sell equity securities. A short sale of an equity security is the sale of a security that the seller does not own. In order to deliver the security to the purchaser, the short seller borrows the security, typically from a broker-dealer or an institutional investor, for a fee. The short seller later closes out the position by returning the security to the lender, typically by purchasing the same security on the open market. A short sale theoretically carries the risk of an unlimited loss, because the price of the underlying security could increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying that security to cover the short position. In addition, there can be no assurance that the security needed to cover a short position will be available for purchase. Also, the purchase of a security to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the security to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. Short selling is often used to profit from an expected downward price movement in a security.

***SPECIAL PURPOSE ACQUISITION COMPANIES***

The Funds may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) or similar special purpose entities. A SPAC is typically a publicly traded company that raises investment capital via an IPO for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein) via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. A Fund may acquire an interest in a SPAC in an IPO or a secondary market transaction. See also "Equity Securities" and "Options, Futures, Warrants and Subscription Rights."

Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may negatively affect a Fund's performance. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank check companies without operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which a Fund invests will complete an acquisition or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the over-the-counter market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

Other risks of investing in SPACs include that a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target transaction; an attractive transaction may not be identified at all (or any requisite approvals may not be obtained) and the SPAC may dissolve and be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders, causing a Fund to incur the opportunity cost of missed investment opportunities the Fund otherwise could have benefited from; a transaction once identified or effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; the warrants or

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other rights with respect to the SPAC held by a Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; and an investment in a SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC. In addition, a SPAC target company may have limited operating experience, a smaller size, limited product lines, markets, distribution channels and financial and managerial resources. Investing in the securities of smaller companies involves greater risk, and portfolio price volatility.

***SUBSIDIARY***

International Investors Gold Fund's investments in the Gold Subsidiary and CM Commodity Index Fund's investments in the CMCI Subsidiary are expected to provide such Funds with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") revenue rulings, as discussed below under "Taxation." Onchain Economy ETF's investments in the Onchain Subsidiary are expected to provide such Fund with exposure to Digital Assets Instruments (as defined in the Prospectus) within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Code and the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") revenue rulings, as discussed below under "Taxation." Each of the Subsidiaries is a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and is overseen by its own board of directors. International Investors Gold Fund is the sole shareholder of the Gold Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Gold Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. CM Commodity Index Fund is the sole shareholder of the CMCI Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the CMCI Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. Onchain Economy ETF is the sole shareholder of the Onchain Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Onchain Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. It is expected that the Gold Subsidiary will primarily invest in gold bullion, gold futures and other instruments that provide direct or indirect exposure to gold, including ETFs, and also may invest in silver, platinum and palladium bullion and futures. It is expected that the CMCI Subsidiary will primarily invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments, including swap agreements, futures and options on futures. It is expected Onchain Economy ETF's investment in the Onchain Subsidiary generally provides Onchain Economy ETF with exposure to Digital Asset Instruments (as defined in the Onchain Economy ETF's prospectus) within the limits of the federal tax laws, which limit the ability of investment companies like the Onchain Economy ETF to invest directly in such instruments. To the extent that International Investors Gold Fund invests in the Gold Subsidiary, such Fund may be subject to the risks associated with those instruments and other securities. To the extent that the CM Commodity Index Fund invests in the CMCI Subsidiary, such Fund may be subject to the risks associated with those derivative instruments and other securities. To the extent that the Onchain Economy ETF invests in the Onchain Subsidiary, such Fund may be subject to the risks associated with those derivative instruments and other securities.

While each of the Subsidiaries may be considered similar to investment companies, they are not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the applicable Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of such Funds and/or their respective subsidiaries to operate as described in the applicable Prospectus and this SAI and could eliminate or severely limit such Fund's ability to invest in their respective Subsidiary which may adversely affect such Funds and their shareholders.

***SWAPS***

The Funds may enter into swap agreements. A swap is a derivative in the form of an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. The payment streams are calculated by reference to a specified index and agreed upon notional amount. The term "specified index" includes currencies, fixed interest rates, prices, total return on interest rate indices, fixed income indices, stock indices and commodity indices (as well as amounts derived from arithmetic operations on these indices). For example, a Fund may agree to swap the return generated by a fixed income index for the return generated by a second fixed income index. The currency swaps in which a Fund may enter will generally involve an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified index in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Such swaps may involve initial and final exchanges that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount. The swaps in which the CM Commodity Index Fund may engage also include rate caps, floors and collars under which one party pays a single or periodic fixed amount(s) (or premium), and the other party pays periodic amounts based on the movement of a specified index.

A Fund may also enter into credit default swaps, index swaps and interest rate swaps. Credit default swaps may have as reference obligations one or more securities or a basket of securities that are or are not currently held by the Fund. The protection "buyer" in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection "seller" an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Index swaps, also called total return swaps, involves a Fund entering into a contract with a counterparty in which the counterparty makes payments to the Fund based on the positive returns of an index, such as a corporate bond

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index, in return for the Fund paying to the counterparty a fixed or variable interest rate, as well as paying to the counterparty any negative returns on the index. In a sense, a Fund is purchasing exposure to an index in the amount of the notional principal in return for making interest rate payments on the notional principal. As with interest-rate swaps, the notional principal does not actually change hands at any point in the transaction. Cross-currency swaps are interest rate swaps in which the notional amount upon which the fixed interest rate is accrued is denominated in another currency and the notional amount upon which the floating rate is accrued is denominated in another currency. The notional amounts are typically determined based on the spot exchange rate at the inception of the trade. The swaps in which a Fund may engage also include rate caps, floors and collars under which one party pays a single or periodic fixed amount(s) (or premium), and the other party pays periodic amounts based on the movement of a specified index. Global Resources Fund may also enter into other asset swaps. Asset swaps are similar to swaps in that the performance of one global resource (e.g., gold) may be "swapped" for another (e.g., energy).

Swaps do not typically involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets, or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps is limited to the net amount of payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap defaults, a Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that a Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. In addition, as of the date of this SAI, UBS Financial Services, Inc. was the only available counterparty with which the CM Commodity Index Fund may enter into swaps contracts on the CMCI. Accordingly, this increases the CM Commodity Index Fund's exposure to these counterparty risks. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary fund securities transactions. If an Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used. Also, if a counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap would likely decline.

Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and exchange-trading. Central clearing is intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, but central clearing does not eliminate these risks and may involve additional costs and risks not involved with uncleared swaps. Credit risk of cleared swap participants is concentrated in a few clearinghouses, and the consequences of insolvency of a clearinghouse are not clear. There is also a risk of loss by a Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position, or the central counterparty in a swap contract.

***TRACKING ERROR***

The returns of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund and CM Commodity Index Fund's return may not match the return of the indexes that each of these funds seeks to track due to, among other factors, the Fund incurring operating expenses, and not being fully invested at all times as a result of cash inflows and cash reserves to meet redemptions.

***U.S. GOVERNMENT AND RELATED OBLIGATIONS***

U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government or by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government differ in their interest rates, maturities and time of issuance, as well as with respect to whether they are guaranteed by the U.S. government. U.S. government and related obligations may be structured as fixed-, variable- or floating-rate obligations.

While U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government, securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality and, as a result, may be subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Obligations of U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises historically have involved limited risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law. Additionally, from time to time uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt limit, commonly called the "debt ceiling," could increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on certain U.S. government securities, cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded, increase volatility in the stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates, reduce prices of U.S. Treasury securities, and/or increase the costs of various kinds of debt. If a U.S. government-sponsored entity is negatively impacted by legislative or regulatory action, is unable to meet its obligations, or its creditworthiness declines, the performance of a Fund that holds securities of that entity will be adversely impacted.

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***WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES***

Each Fund may purchase securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis, under which the issuance of the security depends upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring. At that time, the Fund will record the transaction and, in determining its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security daily. An increase in the percentage of the Fund assets committed to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value. A Fund may also sell securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis provided that the issuance of the security will result automatically from the exchange or conversion of a security owned by the Fund at the time of sale.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CMCI**

The following is a more complete description of the UBS Constant Maturity Commodity Total Return Index (the "CMCI" or the "Index"), including, without limitation, information about the composition, weighting, method of calculation and procedures for changes in components and weights.

**Overview of the CMCI**

The CMCI represents a basket of commodity futures contracts with 29 commodity components (as of February 28, 2025). Exposure to each component is allocated across a range of maturity pillars ranging from three months up to a maximum of three years. Not all commodities have the full range of maturity exposures. In contrast, traditional commodity indices typically invest in front-month and next-month futures contracts which have shorter tenors (time to maturity) than the average CMCI tenor.

The CMCI also employs a "constant maturity" approach by relying on a continuous roll methodology in which the Index invests in and out of future contracts on a daily basis in order to maintain the average maturity of each pillar. This methodology differs from traditional commodity indices, which usually are pre-defined to roll during a fixed window of days on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. The CMCI represents commodities in five primary sectors: Energy, Agriculture, Industrial Metals, Precious Metals and Livestock. The underlying commodities trade on various exchanges.

The return of the CMCI is generated by two components: (i) uncollateralized returns from holding and rolling of futures contracts comprising the Index and (ii) the fixed income return reflecting the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR")-based interest earned on a hypothetical portfolio theoretically deposited as full collateral for the notional exposure of hypothetical positions in the futures contracts comprising the Index.

As of February 28, 2025, the Index consisted of the following commodity sectors with the following relative target weights: Energy (32.1%), Agriculture (30.8%), Industrial Metals (26.0%), Precious Metals (6.5%) and Livestock (4.6%).

**Component Selection and Target Weights**

The weighting process for the Index is designed to reflect the economic significance and market liquidity of each commodity. The Index sponsors use a two-step approach to determine Target Weights: first, economic indicators (regional Consumer Price Indexes (CPI), Producer Price Indexes (PPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP)), along with liquidity analysis, are used to determine the sector weights (Energy, Agriculture, Industrial Metals, Precious Metals and Livestock); secondly, global consumption data in conjunction with further liquidity analysis is used to calculate the individual component target weights.

**Changes in the Target Weights and/or Index Composition**

Target weights for each Index commodity futures contract are established on an annual basis. The Index is rebalanced to the new Target Weights during the maintenance period, which is the final three business days of July.

**Tenors of Contracts**

The CMCI represents a weighted average of all available CMCI constant maturities (ranging from three months to over three years). The distribution of weights to available tenors (time to maturity) is a function of relative liquidity of the underlying futures contracts. As of February 28, 2025, the average tenor of the futures contracts comprising the Index is approximately 6.4 months. Since the relative liquidity of commodity futures contracts for a given commodity tends to decline as time to maturity increases, the weights of the longer-dated tenors are typically lower than those for the short-dated tenors for a given commodity.

**Rebalancing of the Index Components**

Due to price movements, the weight of each component in the Index will fluctuate from its Target Weight over time. The weight of each Index component is rebalanced over the final three CMCI Business Days of each month in order to bring

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each underlying commodity risk position back to its Target Weight for each tenor. The process is automatic and is implemented via a pre-defined methodology. The Index provider may delay or change a scheduled rebalancing or reconstitution of the CMCI or the implementation of certain rules at its sole discretion.

**Calculation of the Index**

The CMCI is calculated and disseminated by MerQube, Inc. with a daily closing Index level published on each Trading Day. Index information is available via Bloomberg on pages CUBS, CMCN or CMCX and from Reuters on page UBSCMCI. For further information on CMCI methodology and CMCI index values, investors can go to http://www.ubs.com/cmci or https://merqube.com/index/CMCITR.

**Total Return**

CMCI is a "total return" index. In addition to uncollateralized returns generated from the futures contracts comprising the Index, a daily fixed-income return is added, which reflects the interest earned on a hypothetical fixed income portfolio which theoretically collateralizes 100% of the notional value of the hypothetical positions in the futures contracts comprising the Index. The rate used to calculate the daily fixed income return is the SOFR, as published by the New York Federal Reserve Bank every business day and generally made effective with respect to the Index on the following Trading Day.

UBS may delay or change a scheduled rebalancing or reconstitution of the Index or the implementation of certain rules as its sole discretion.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT FOCUS INDEX**

The Wide Moat Focus Index is a rules-based index intended to offer exposure to companies that the Index Provider determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors ("wide moat companies"). Wide moat companies are selected from the universe of companies represented in the Morningstar® US Market Index<sup>SM</sup>, a broad market index representing 97% of U.S. market capitalization. The Wide Moat Focus Index targets a select group of wide moat companies: those that according to Morningstar's equity research team are attractively priced as of each Wide Moat Focus Index review. Out of the companies in the Morningstar US Market Index that the Index Provider determines are wide moat companies, the Index Provider selects companies to be included in the Wide Moat Focus Index as determined by the ratio of the Index Provider's estimate of fair value of the issuer's common stock to the price. The Index Provider's equity research team's fair value estimates are calculated using a standardized, proprietary valuation model.

A selection committee, comprising members of Morningstar's equity research team, makes the final determination of whether a company is a wide moat company. Only those companies with one or more of the identifiable competitive advantages, as determined by the Index Provider's equity research team and agreed to by the selection committee, are wide moat companies. The quantitative factors used to identify competitive advantages include historical and projected returns on invested capital relative to cost of capital. The qualitative factors used to identify competitive advantages include customer switching cost (i.e., the costs of customers switching to competitors), internal cost advantages, intangible assets (e.g., intellectual property and brands), network effects (i.e., whether products or services become more valuable as the number of customers grows) and efficient scale (i.e., whether the company effectively serves a limited market that potential rivals have little incentive to enter into). The Index Provider's equity research team uses a standardized, proprietary valuation model to assign fair values to potential Wide Moat Focus Index constituents' common stock.

The Index Provider's equity research team estimates the issuer's future free cash flows and then calculates an enterprise value using weighted average costs of capital as the discount rate. The Index Provider's equity research team then assigns each issuer's common stock a fair value by adjusting the enterprise value to account for net debt and other adjustments.

A buffer rule is applied to the current Wide Moat Focus Index constituents. Those that are ranked in the top 150% of stocks representing the lowest current market price/fair value price eligible for inclusion in the Wide Moat Focus Index will remain in the Wide Moat Focus Index at the time of reconstitution and those that fall outside of the top 150% are excluded from the Index. The maximum weight of an individual sector in the Wide Moat Focus Index is capped at 10% more than its corresponding weight in the Morningstar US Market Index at the time of reconstitution, or 40%, whichever is higher.

As of December 31, 2024, the Wide Moat Focus Index included 51 securities of companies with a market capitalization range of between approximately $7.51 billion to $3.13 trillion and a weighted average market capitalization of $171.27 billion. These amounts are subject to change.

The Wide Moat Focus Index employs a staggered rebalance methodology. The Wide Moat Focus Index is divided into two equally-weighted sub-portfolios, and each is reconstituted and rebalanced semi-annually on alternating quarters. Each subportfolio will contain 40 equally-weighted securities at its semi-annual reconstitution and weights will vary with market prices until the next reconstitution date. Due to the staggered rebalance methodology, constituents and weightings may vary

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between sub-portfolios. Each sub-portfolio is reweighted to 50% of the total Wide Moat Focus Index every six months. Adjustments to one sub-portfolio are performed after the close of business on the third Friday of March and September and adjustments to the other sub-portfolio are performed after the close of business on the third Friday of June and December, and all adjustments are effective on the following Monday. If the Monday is a market holiday, reconstitution and rebalancing occurs on the Tuesday immediately following. The Index provider may delay or change a scheduled rebalancing or reconstitution of the Wide Moat Focus Index or the implementation of certain rules at its sole discretion.

Rebalancing data, including constituent weights and related information, is posted on the Index Provider's website at the end of each quarter-end month. Target weights of the constituents are not otherwise adjusted between quarters except in the event of certain types of corporate actions.

**FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS**

The following investment restrictions are in addition to those described in the Prospectuses. These investment restrictions are "fundamental" and may be changed with respect to the Fund only with the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's "outstanding voting securities", (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act, means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). As to any of the following investment restrictions, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in value of portfolio securities or amount of net assets will not be considered a violation of the investment restriction. In the case of borrowing, however, a Fund will promptly take action to reduce the amount of the Fund's borrowings outstanding if, because of changes in the net asset value of the Fund due to market action, the amount of such borrowings exceeds one-third of the value of the Fund's net assets. The fundamental investment restrictions are as follows:

Each Fund may not:

1. Borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended and as interpreted or modified by regulation from time to time.

2. Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted securities or in connection with its investments in other investment companies.

3. Make loans, except that the Fund may (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities, and (iv) participate in an interfund lending program with other registered investment companies.

4. Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended and as interpreted or modified by regulation from time to time.

5. Purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (i) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (ii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, and (iii) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities.

Each of the Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund and International Investors Gold Fund may not:

6. Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, except that International Investors Gold Fund may invest in gold and silver coins which are legal tender in the country of issue and gold and silver bullion, and palladium and platinum group metals bullion.

7. Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry, except that (i) Global Resources Fund will invest 25% or more of its total assets in "global resource" industries as defined in its Prospectus; and (ii) International Investors Gold Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in the gold-mining industry. This limit does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

Emerging Markets Bond Fund may not:

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities.

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7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry. This limit does not apply to (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or (ii) securities of other investment companies.

CM Commodity Index Fund may not:

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund's investments in (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (ii) securities of other investment companies, and provided further that (iii) to the extent the benchmark index for the Fund is concentrated in a particular industry, the Fund will necessarily be concentrated in that industry.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may not:

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry, except that the Fund may invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry or group of industries if the index that the Fund replicates concentrates in an industry or group of industries. This limit does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

Onchain Economy ETF may not:

6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry, except that the Fund will invest 25% or more of its total assets in investments that provide exposure to the digital asset economy. This limit does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF may not:

6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of owning securities or other instruments, but it may

purchase, sell or enter into financial options and futures, forward and spot currency contracts, swap transactions and

other financial contracts or derivative instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments backed by

commodities.

7. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase any security if, as a result of that purchase, 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in securities of

issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry. This limit does not apply to (i) securities issued

or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or (ii) securities of other investment

companies.

In addition, each of CM Commodity Index Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may not invest in a manner inconsistent with each of their classifications as a "diversified company" as provided by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

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For purposes of Restriction 1, the 1940 Act generally permits a Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund's total assets from banks, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act generally requires a Fund to maintain at all times an "asset coverage" of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage generally means the ratio that the value of a Fund's total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings.

For purposes of Restriction 4, "senior securities" are generally Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The 1940 Act generally prohibits a Fund from issuing senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund's total assets from banks. A Fund also may borrow an amount equal to up to 5% of the Fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities.

For the purposes of Restriction 7, companies in different geographical locations will not be deemed to be in the same industry if the investment risks associated with the securities of such companies are substantially different. For example, although generally considered to be "interest rate-sensitive," investing in banking institutions in different countries is generally dependent upon substantially different risk factors, such as the condition and prospects of the economy in a particular country and in particular industries, and political conditions. Similarly, each foreign government issuing securities (together with its agencies and instrumentalities) will be treated as a separate industry. Additionally, the securities of state and municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. Also, for the purposes of Restriction 7, investment companies are not considered to be part of an industry. To the extent a Fund invests its assets in underlying investment companies, 25% or more of such Fund's total assets may be indirectly exposed to a particular industry or group of related industries through its investment in one or more underlying investment companies. In accordance with each of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund's principal investment strategies as set forth in its Prospectus, each Fund invests its assets in underlying investment companies.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund may invest its remaining assets in securities not included in the Moat Index, money market instruments or funds which reinvest exclusively in money market instruments, exchange traded products, in stocks that are in the relevant market but not the Fund's Index, and/or in combinations of certain stock index futures contracts, options on such futures contracts, stock options, stock index options, options on the shares, and stock index swaps and swaptions, each with a view towards providing the Fund with exposure to the securities in its respective Index. These investments may be made to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions. The Fund will not invest in money market instruments as part of a temporary defensive strategy to protect against potential stock market declines.

**EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING *(Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only)***

A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Fund's Prospectus under the headings "Summary Information—Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Strategies and Risks—Risks of Investing in the Fund," "Shareholder Information—Determination of NAV" and "Shareholder Information—Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares." The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Fund's Prospectus.

The Shares of Onchain Economy ETF are listed on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange") and trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. The Shares of VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF are expected to be listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. and will trade in the secondary market at prices that may differ to some degree from their NAV. The Exchange may but is not required to remove the Shares of the Fund from listing if: (1) following the initial twelve-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Shares, (2) the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, (3) the Fund no longer complies with certain listing exchange rules, or (4) such other event shall occur or condition exists that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. In addition, the Exchange will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of the Trust. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of the Fund will continue to be met.

As in the case of other securities traded on the Exchange, brokers' commissions on secondary market transactions in Shares of the Fund will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

In order to provide investors with a basis to gauge whether the market price of the Shares on the Exchange is approximately consistent with the current value of the assets of the Fund on a per Share basis, an "intra-day indicative value" ("IIV" and also known as the Indicative Optimized Portfolio Value) for the Fund may be disseminated through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association's Network B. IIVs are disseminated during regular Exchange trading hours. The

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Fund is not involved in or responsible for the calculation or dissemination of the IIVs and makes no warranty as to the accuracy of the IIVs.

The IIV has a securities component and a cash component reflecting cash and other assets that may be held by the Fund. The securities values included in the IIV are the values of the Deposit Securities (as defined below under the heading "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units—Fund Deposit") for the Fund. While the IIV reflects the approximate current value of the Deposit Securities required to be deposited in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit, it does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the current portfolio of securities held by the Fund at a particular point in time because the current portfolio of the Fund may include securities that are not a part of the current Deposit Securities. Therefore, the Fund's IIV that may be disseminated during the Exchange trading hours should not be viewed as a real-time update of the Fund's NAV, which is calculated only once a day.

The cash component included in the IIV could consist of estimated accrued interest, dividends and other income, less expenses. If applicable, the IIV also reflects changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the applicable currency.

**PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE**

The Funds have adopted policies and procedures governing the disclosure of information regarding the Funds' portfolio holdings. They are reasonably designed to prevent selective disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings to third parties, other than disclosures that are consistent with the best interests of the Funds' shareholders. The Board is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these policies and procedures, and will review them annually to ensure their adequacy.

These policies and procedures apply to employees of the Advisers, administrator, principal underwriter, and all other service providers to the Funds that, in the ordinary course of their activities, come into possession of information about the Funds' portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are made available to each service provider.

The following outlines the policies and procedures adopted by the Funds regarding the disclosure of portfolio-related information:

Generally, it is the policy of the Funds that no current or potential investor (or their representative), including any Fund shareholder (collectively, "Investors"), shall be provided information about a Fund's portfolio on a preferential basis in advance of the provision of that same information to other investors.

***Disclosure to Investors (all Funds except for Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF).*** Portfolio holdings information for the Funds is available to all investors on the VanEck website at vaneck.com. Information regarding the Funds' top holdings and country and sector weightings, updated as of each month-end, is located on this website. Generally, this information is posted to the website within 10 business days of the end of the applicable month. The Funds may also publish a detailed list of the securities held by such Fund as of each month-end, which is generally posted to the website within 10 business days after the end of the applicable month. This information generally remains available on the website until new information is posted. Each Fund reserves the right to exclude any portion of these portfolio holdings from publication when deemed in the best interest of the Fund, and to discontinue the posting of portfolio holdings information at any time, without prior notice.

**Disclosure to Investors *(Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only)***. Each of Onchain Economy ETF's and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF's portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day such Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services, including publicly accessible Internet web sites, such as www.vaneck.com. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for Creation Units, together with estimates and actual cash components is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the "NSCC"), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC. The basket represents one Creation Unit of such Fund. The Trust, Adviser, Custodian (defined below) and Distributor (defined below) will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust.

***Best Interest of the Funds:*** Information regarding the Funds' specific security holdings, sector weightings, geographic distribution, issuer allocations and related information ("Portfolio-Related Information"), shall be disclosed to the public only (i) as required by applicable laws, rules or regulations, (ii) pursuant to the Funds' Portfolio-Related Information disclosure policies and procedures, or (iii) otherwise when the disclosure of such information is determined by the Trust's officers to be in the best interest of Fund shareholders.

***Conflicts of Interest:*** Should a conflict of interest arise between a Fund and any of the Fund's service providers regarding the possible disclosure of Portfolio-Related Information, the Trust's officers shall resolve any conflict of interest in favor of the Fund's interest. In the event that an officer of the Fund is unable to resolve such a conflict of interest, the matter shall be referred to the Trust's Audit Committee for resolution.

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***Equality of Dissemination:*** Shareholders of the same Fund shall be treated alike in terms of access to the Fund's portfolio holdings. With the exception of certain selective disclosures, noted in the paragraph below, Portfolio-Related Information with respect to a Fund shall not be disclosed to any Investor prior to the time the same information is disclosed publicly (e.g., posted on the Fund's website). Accordingly, all Investors will have equal access to such information.

***Selective Disclosure of Portfolio-Related Information in Certain Circumstances:*** In some instances, it may be appropriate for a Fund to selectively disclose a Fund's Portfolio-Related Information (e.g., for due diligence purposes, disclosure to a newly hired adviser or sub-adviser, or disclosure to a rating agency) prior to public dissemination of such information.

***Conditional Use of Selectively-Disclosed Portfolio-Related Information:*** To the extent practicable, each of the Trust's officers shall condition the receipt of Portfolio-Related Information upon the receiving party's written agreement to both keep such information confidential and not to trade Fund shares based on this information.

***Compensation:*** No person, including officers of the Funds or employees of other service providers or their affiliates, shall receive any compensation in connection with the disclosure of Portfolio-Related Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Funds reserve the right to charge a nominal processing fee, payable to the Funds, to non-shareholders requesting Portfolio-Related Information. This fee is designed to offset the Fund's costs in disseminating such information.

***Source of Portfolio-Related Information:*** All Portfolio-Related Information shall be based on information provided by the Fund's administrator(s)/accounting agent.

The Funds may provide non-public portfolio holdings information to third parties in the normal course of their performance of services to the Funds, including to the Funds' auditors; custodian; financial printers; counsel to the Funds or counsel to the Funds' independent trustees; regulatory authorities; and securities exchanges and other listing organizations. In addition, the Funds may provide non-public portfolio holdings information to data providers, fund ranking/rating services, and fair valuation services. The entities to which the Funds voluntarily disclose portfolio holdings information are required, either by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the Funds, to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed.

There can be no assurance that the Funds' policies and procedures regarding selective disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings will protect the Funds from potential misuse of that information by individuals or entities to which it is disclosed.

The Board shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these policies and procedures. These policies and procedures shall be reviewed by the Board on an annual basis for their continuing appropriateness.

Additionally, the Funds shall maintain and preserve permanently in an easily accessible place a written copy of these policies and procedures. The Fund shall also maintain and preserve, for a period not less than six years (the first two years in an easily accessible place), all Portfolio-Related Information disclosed to the public.

**INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectuses entitled "Shareholder Information – Management of the Funds."

Van Eck Associates Corporation acts as investment manager to all the Funds (except CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF) and, subject to the supervision of the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Funds. VEAC is a private company with headquarters in New York and acts as adviser or sub-adviser to other mutual funds, ETFs, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation acts as investment manager to each of CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF, and, subject to the supervision of the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of CM Commodity Index Fund. VEARA is a private company with headquarters in New York and acts as adviser to other pooled investment vehicles. VEARA is a wholly owned subsidiary of VEAC and is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA under the CEA.

VEAC and VEARA each serve as investment manager to the applicable Funds pursuant to investment advisory agreements between the Trust and such Adviser (each, an "Advisory Agreement"). The advisory fee paid pursuant to each Advisory Agreement is computed daily and paid monthly by each Fund to its Adviser at the following annual rates: CM Commodity Index Fund pays VEARA a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets, which includes the fee paid to VEARA for accounting and administrative services; Emerging Markets Fund pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Fund; Global Resources Fund pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.95% of the first $2.5 billion of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.90% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion, which

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includes the fee paid to VEAC for accounting and administrative services; International Investors Gold Fund pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.65% of the next $250 million of average daily net assets and 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $750 million; Emerging Markets Bond Fund pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.80% of the first $1.5 billion of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $1.5 billion, which includes the fee paid to VEAC for accounting and administrative services; VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Fund; VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund pays VEAC a fee at the annual rate of 0.45% of average daily net assets, which includes the fee paid to VEAC for accounting and administrative services; and Onchain Economy ETF pays VEARA a fee at the annual rate of 0.69% of the Fund's average daily net assets, which includes the fee paid to VEARA for accounting and administrative services. Each class of a Fund's shares, if applicable, pays its proportionate share of the Fund's fee. For purposes of calculating these fees for the International Investors Gold Fund, CM Commodity Index Fund, and Onchain Economy ETF, the net assets of each Fund include the value of each Fund's interest in its respective Subsidiary. Each of the Subsidiaries does not pay VEAC or VEARA, as applicable, a fee for managing the such Subsidiary's portfolio. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fees.

Under its respective Advisory Agreement, each Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund to which it serves as an adviser, manages the investment of such Fund's assets. Each Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of the Funds it manages.

*Onchain Economy ETF only.* Under the Investment Management Agreement for such Fund, the Adviser is responsible for all expenses of the Fund (inclusive of any Subsidiary expenses), including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, except for the fee payment under the Investment Management Agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes (including accrued deferred tax liability) and extraordinary expenses. Offering costs excluded from the annual unitary management fee are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of the Fund to be listed on an exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay such offering costs until at least May 1, 2026.

*VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only.* Under the Investment Management Agreement for the Fund, the Adviser is responsible for all expenses of the Fund, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, except for the fee payment under the Investment Management Agreement, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, taxes (including accrued deferred tax liability) and extraordinary expenses. Offering costs excluded from the annual unitary management fee are: (a) legal fees pertaining to the Fund's Shares offered for sale; (b) SEC and state registration fees; and (c) initial fees paid for Shares of the Fund to be listed on an exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser has agreed to pay such offering costs until at least May 1, 2027.

*All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF.* Each Adviser has agreed to waive fees and/or pay Fund expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, dividends and interest payments on securities sold short, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding the following:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **FUND** | **EXPENSE CAP** | **FEE ARRANGEMENT <br>DURATION DATE** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 0.95% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 0.65% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 0.70% | May 1, 2026 |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 1.60% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 1.00% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 1.10% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Z | 0.90% | May 1, 2026 |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 1.38% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 0.95% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 1.13% | May 1, 2026 |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 1.45% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | 2.20% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 1.00% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 1.10% | May 1, 2026 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 1.20% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 0.85% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 0.95% | May 1, 2026 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | 0.59% | May 1, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Z | 0.49% | May 1, 2026 |

---

During such time, the expense limitation is expected to continue until the Board of Trustees acts to discontinue all or a portion of such expense limitation.

In addition to providing investment advisory services, VEAC also performs accounting and administrative services for Emerging Markets Fund and International Investors Gold Fund pursuant to a written agreement. For these accounting and administrative services, a fee is calculated daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: Emerging Markets Fund pays VEAC a fee of 0.25% of average daily net assets and International Investors Gold Fund pays the VEAC a fee equal to 0.25% on the first $750 million of average daily net assets, and 0.20% of average daily net assets in excess of $750 million.

Pursuant to each Advisory Agreement, the Trust has agreed to indemnify each Adviser for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.

Investments in the securities of underlying funds or pooled investment vehicles involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in an underlying fund or pooled investment vehicle, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that underlying fund or pooled investment vehicle. As a result, such Fund's shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the underlying fund or pooled investment vehicle, in addition to the fees and expenses the Fund's shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. To minimize the duplication of fees, VEAC has agreed to waive the management fee it charges to VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat

------

Fund by any amount it collects as a management fee from an underlying fund managed by VEAC or its affiliates, as a result of an investment of the Fund's assets in such underlying fund. To minimize the duplication of fees, VEARA has agreed to waive the management fee it charges to Onchain Economy ETF by any amount it collects as a management fee from an underlying pooled investment vehicle managed by VEARA or its affiliates, as a result of an investment of the Fund's assets in such underlying pooled investment vehicle.

The management fees earned and the expenses waived or assumed by each Adviser for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **MANAGEMENT FEES** | **EXPENSES<br>WAIVED/ASSUMED<br>BY THE ADVISERS** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | 2024 | $3511117 | $1126345 |
|  | 2023 | $3664535 | $1331993 |
|  | 2022 | $5482985 | $2156029 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | 2024 | $3951333 | $788502 |
|  | 2023 | $6519555 | $1397165 |
|  | 2022 | $10272610 | $1817800 |
| Global Resources Fund<sup>1</sup> | 2024 | $5973986 | $911771 |
|  | 2023 | $8373950 | $1062790 |
|  | 2022 | $9585474 | $927930 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | 2024 | $5213205 | $278661 |
|  | 2023 | $5150544 | $300843 |
|  | 2022 | $5378333 | $194811 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | 2024 | $629432 | $346018 |
|  | 2023 | $465161 | $268801 |
|  | 2022 | $97787 | $183588 |
| Onchain Economy ETF<sup>2</sup> | 2024 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2023 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2022 | N/A | N/A |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF<sup>3</sup> | 2024 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2023 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2022 | N/A | N/A |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | 2024 | $136482 | $197381 |
|  | 2023 | $85801 | $167345 |
|  | 2022 | $75893 | $155382 |

---

<sup>1</sup> Effective July 1, 2024, Global Resources Fund's management fee rate changed from 1.00% to 0.95% of the first $2.5 billion of average daily net assets of the Fund and 0.90% of average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion, which includes the fee paid to VEAC for accounting and administrative services.

<sup>2</sup> Onchain Economy ETF commenced operations on May 13, 2025.

<sup>3</sup> VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF is expected to commence operations on or about October 6, 2025.

Each Advisory Agreement provides that it shall continue in effect from year to year as long as it is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Each Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. Each Advisory Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the applicable Adviser and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

**THE DISTRIBUTOR**

***All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF***

------

Shares of the Funds are offered on a continuous basis and are distributed through Van Eck Securities Corporation, the Distributor, 666 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10017, a wholly owned subsidiary of VEAC and an affiliate of VEARA. The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement appointing the Distributor as distributor of shares of the Funds.

The Trust has authorized one or more intermediaries (who are authorized to designate other intermediaries) to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when the authorized broker or its designee accepts the order. Orders will be priced at the net asset value next computed after they are accepted by the authorized broker or its designee.

The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with printing and distributing prospectuses and reports for use in offering and selling shares of the Funds and preparing, printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials. The Funds will pay all fees and expenses in connection with registering and qualifying their shares under federal and state securities laws. The Distribution Agreement is reviewed and approved annually by the Board.

The Distributor retained underwriting commissions on sales of shares of the Funds during the past three fiscal years, after reallowance to dealers, as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **VAN ECK SECURITIES<br>CORPORATION** | **REALLOWANCE TO<br>DEALERS** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | 2024 | $1835 | $12916 |
|  | 2023 | $8044 | $65350 |
|  | 2022 | $3207 | $21192 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | 2024 | $1072 | $7125 |
|  | 2023 | $1032 | $46709 |
|  | 2022 | $2492 | $28249 |
| Global Resources Fund | 2024 | $4500 | $98731 |
|  | 2023 | $12851 | $85266 |
|  | 2022 | $34890 | $314006 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | 2024 | $22818 | $187969 |
|  | 2023 | $19671 | $289018 |
|  | 2022 | $28961 | $229891 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | 2024 | $431 | $4837 |
|  | 2023 | $217 | $1526 |
|  | 2022 | $2085 | $13142 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | 2024 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2023 | N/A | N/A |
|  | 2022 | N/A | N/A |

---

***Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only***

VESC is the principal underwriter and distributor of Shares. Its principal address is 666 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and investor information can be obtained by calling 800.826.2333. The Distributor has entered into an agreement with the Trust (the "Distribution Agreement"), pursuant to which it distributes Shares. Shares of each of Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in Creation Units, as described below under "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units—Procedures for Creation of Creation Units." Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver a prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust.

The Distributor may also enter into sales and investor services agreements with broker-dealers or other persons that are Participating Parties and DTC Participants (as defined below) to provide distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services but must pay such broker-dealers or other persons, out of its own assets.

------

**PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (12B-1 PLAN) *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETFand VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

Each Fund has adopted a plan of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (collectively, the "Plan") on behalf of its Class A and Class C shares (where applicable) which provides for the compensation of brokers and dealers who sell shares of the Funds and/or provide servicing. The Plan is a compensation-type plan. Pursuant to the Plan, the Distributor provides the Funds at least quarterly with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. The Board reviews such reports on a quarterly basis.

The Plan is reapproved annually for each Fund's Class A and Class C shares (where applicable) by the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan.

The Plan shall continue in effect as to each Fund's Class A and Class C shares, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of the Board in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval of the Class A or Class C shareholders of the Funds (as applicable), and all material amendments to the Plan must also be approved by the Board in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of a Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's Class A or Class C shares (as applicable) on written notice to any other party to the Plan. The Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). So long as the Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not "interested persons." The Board has determined that, in its judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Funds and their shareholders. The Funds will preserve copies of the Plan and any agreement or report made pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, for a period of not less than six years from the date of the Plan or such agreement or report, the first two years in an easily accessible place. For additional information regarding the Plan, see the Prospectuses.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, it is estimated that the Distributor spent the amounts received under the Plan in the following ways:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **CM COMMODITY INDEX<br>FUND** |
| | Class A |
| Total 12b-1 Fees | $59202 |
| Compensation to Dealers | (59141) |
| Net 12b-1 Fees | 61 |
| Expenditures: |  |
| Printing and Mailing | (80) |
| Telephone and Internal Sales | (413) |
| Marketing Department | (25560) |
| External Wholesalers | (47214) |
| Total Expenditures | (73267) |
| Expenditures in Excess of Net 12b-1 Fees | (73206)<sup>(1)</sup> |

---

(1) Represents 0.01% of the Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2024.

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **EMERGING MARKETS FUND** | **EMERGING MARKETS FUND** | **GLOBAL RESOURCES<br>FUND** | **GLOBAL RESOURCES<br>FUND** |
| | Class A | Class C<sup>+</sup> | Class A | Class C<sup>+</sup> |
| Total 12b-1 Fees | $132382 | $72758 | $287265 | $79062 |
| Compensation to Dealers | (115196) | (72672) | (267088) | (79053) |
| Net 12b-1 Fees | 17186 | 86 | 20177 | 9 |
| Expenditures: |  |  |  |  |
| Printing and Mailing | (80) | (80) | (80) | (80) |
| Telephone and Internal Sales | (1506) | (108) | (4435) | (117) |
| Marketing Department | (64041) | (9031) | (171751) | (11198) |
| External Wholesalers | (141072) | (24225) | (346180) | (28473) |
| Total Expenditures | (206699) | (33444) | (522446) | (39868) |
| Expenditures in Excess of Net 12b-1 Fees | (189513)<sup>(2)</sup> | (33358)<sup>(1)</sup> | (502269)<sup>(3)</sup> | (39859)<sup>(1)</sup> |

---

+ Class C Shares of Emerging Markets Fund and Global Resources Fund are no longer offered.

(2) Represents 0.05% of the Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2024.

(3) Represents 0.10% of the Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2024.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS<br>GOLD FUND** | **INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS<br>GOLD FUND** | **EMERGING<br> MARKETS BOND FUND** |
| | Class A | Class C | Class A |
| Total 12b-1 Fees | $664369 | $311118 | $20816 |
| Compensation to Dealers | (545407) | (310249) | (18236) |
| Net 12b-1 Fees | 118962 | 869 | 2580 |
| Expenditures: |  |  |  |
| Printing and Mailing | (80) | (80) | (80) |
| Telephone and Internal Sales | (13148) | (446) | (133) |
| Marketing Department | (447348) | (51171) | (14383) |
| External Wholesalers | (869384) | (120294) | (25137) |
| Total Expenditures | (1329960) | (171991) | (39733) |
| Expenditures in Excess of Net 12b-1 Fees | (1210998)<sup>(4)</sup> | (171122)<sup>(5)</sup> | (37153)<sup>(2)</sup> |

---

(4) Represents 0.18% of the Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2024.

(5) Represents 0.03% of the Fund's net assets as of December 31, 2024.

------

**ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCESSING SUPPORT PAYMENTS *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

The Funds may make payments (either directly or as reimbursement to the Distributor or an affiliate of the Distributor for payments made by the Distributor) to financial intermediaries (such as brokers or third party administrators) for providing the types of services that would typically be provided by the Funds' transfer agent, including sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency or similar recordkeeping services, shareholder reporting, shareholder transaction processing, and/or the provision of call center support. These payments will be in lieu of, and may differ from, amounts paid to the Funds' transfer agent for providing similar services to other accounts. These payments may be in addition to any amounts the intermediary may receive as compensation for distribution or shareholder servicing pursuant to the Plan or as part of any revenue sharing or similar arrangement with the Distributor or its affiliates, as described elsewhere in the Prospectuses.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION**

The Advisers' portfolio managers are paid a fixed base salary and a bonus. The bonus is based upon the quality of investment analysis and management of the funds for which they serve as portfolio manager. Portfolio managers who oversee accounts with significantly different fee structures are generally compensated by discretionary bonus rather than a set formula to help reduce potential conflicts of interest. At times, the Adviser and affiliates may manage accounts with incentive fees.

The Advisers' portfolio managers may serve as portfolio managers to other clients. Such "Other Clients" may have investment objectives or may implement investment strategies similar to those of the Funds. When the portfolio managers implement investment strategies for Other Clients that are similar or directly contrary to the positions taken by a Fund, the prices of the Fund's securities may be negatively affected. The compensation that a Fund's portfolio manager receives for managing other client accounts may be higher than the compensation the portfolio manager receives for managing the Fund. The portfolio managers do not believe that their activities materially disadvantage the Fund. The Advisers have implemented procedures to monitor trading across funds and its Other Clients.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER SHARE OWNERSHIP**

As of December 31, 2024, the dollar range of equity securities in a Fund beneficially owned by such Fund's portfolio manager(s) and deputy portfolio manager (if any) is shown below.

Onchain Economy ETF commenced operations on May 13, 2025, and as such is not reflected in the table below.

VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF is expected to commence operations or about October 6, 2025, and as such is not reflected in the table below.

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **None** | **$1 to<br>$10,000** | **$10,001 to<br>$50,000** | **$50,001 to<br>$100,000** | **$100,001 to<br>$500,000** | **$500,001 to<br>$1,000,000** | **Over $1,000,000** |
| **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** | **David Austerweil** |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund (Deputy Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** | **Charles Cameron** |
| Global Resources Fund (Deputy Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** | **Imaru Casanova** |
| International Investors Gold Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** | **Ola El-Shawarby** |
| Emerging Markets Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | **X** |  |  |
| **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** | **Eric Fine** |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> | **Chris Mailloux, CFA**<sup>1</sup> |
| CM Commodity Index Fund (Deputy Portfolio Manager) |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **None** | **$1 to<br>$10,000** | **$10,001 to<br>$50,000** | **$50,001 to<br>$100,000** | **$100,001 to<br>$500,000** | **$500,001 to<br>$1,000,000** | **Over $1,000,000** |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund (Deputy Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** | **Peter H. Liao** |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** | **Roland Morris, Jr.** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |
| **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** | **Shawn Reynolds** |
| Global Resources Fund (Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** | **Angus Shillington** |
| Emerging Markets Fund (Deputy Portfolio Manager) |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |

---

<sup>1</sup> Mr. Mailloux became Deputy Portfolio Manager on May 1, 2024.

**OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The following table provides the number of other accounts managed (excluding the Fund) and the total assets managed of such accounts by each Fund's portfolio manager(s) and deputy portfolio manager (if any) within each category of accounts, as of December 31, 2024.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name of Portfolio<br>Manager/Deputy<br>Portfolio Manager** | **Category of Account** | **Other Accounts Managed<br>(As of December 31, 2024)** | **Other Accounts Managed<br>(As of December 31, 2024)** | **Accounts with respect to which the<br>advisory fee is based on the<br>performance of the account** | **Accounts with respect to which the<br>advisory fee is based on the<br>performance of the account** |
| **Fund** | **Name of Portfolio<br>Manager/Deputy<br>Portfolio Manager** | **Category of Account** | **Number of<br>Accounts** | **Total Assets in<br>Accounts** | **Number of<br>Accounts** | **Total Assets in<br>Accounts** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Roland Morris, Jr.<br>(Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 1 | $2.42 Million | 0 | $0 |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Roland Morris, Jr.<br>(Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Roland Morris, Jr.<br>(Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Registered investment companies | 1 | $31.99 Million | 0 | $0 |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Registered investment companies | 1 | $545.51 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Chris Mailloux, CFA (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>1</sup> | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Ola El-Shawarby (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 2 | $158.89 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Ola El-Shawarby (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $84.43 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Ola El-Shawarby (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 1 | $79.63 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Angus Shillington (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 2 | $158.89 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Angus Shillington (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $84.43 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Angus Shillington (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 1 | $79.63 Million | 0 | $0 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name of Portfolio<br>Manager/Deputy<br>Portfolio Manager** | **Category of Account** | **Other Accounts Managed<br>(As of December 31, 2024)** | **Other Accounts Managed<br>(As of December 31, 2024)** | **Accounts with respect to which the<br>advisory fee is based on the<br>performance of the account** | **Accounts with respect to which the<br>advisory fee is based on the<br>performance of the account** |
| **Fund** | **Name of Portfolio<br>Manager/Deputy<br>Portfolio Manager** | **Category of Account** | **Number of<br>Accounts** | **Total Assets in<br>Accounts** | **Number of<br>Accounts** | **Total Assets in<br>Accounts** |
| Global Resources Fund | Charles Cameron (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 2 | $983.77 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Global Resources Fund | Charles Cameron (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $17.12 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Global Resources Fund | Charles Cameron (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Global Resources Fund | Shawn Reynolds (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 3 | $987.02 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Global Resources Fund | Shawn Reynolds (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $17.12 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Global Resources Fund | Shawn Reynolds (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | Imaru Casanova (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 1 | $58.01 Million | 0 | $0 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | Imaru Casanova (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | Imaru Casanova (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | David Austerweil (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 1 | $16.24 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | David Austerweil (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $214.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | David Austerweil (Deputy Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 1 | $16.24 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $214.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Onchain Economy ETF | Matthew Sigel (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Onchain Economy ETF | Matthew Sigel (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $12.10 Million | 0 | $0 |
| Onchain Economy ETF | Matthew Sigel (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup> | Registered investment companies | 2 | 92.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup> | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $214.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | Eric Fine (Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup> | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | David Austerweill (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup>  | Registered investment companies | 2 | 92.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | David Austerweill (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup>  | Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $214.87 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF | David Austerweill (Deputy Portfolio Manager)<sup>2</sup>  | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Peter H. Liao (Portfolio Manager) | Registered investment companies | 43 | $52,477.43 Million | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Peter H. Liao (Portfolio Manager) | Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Peter H. Liao (Portfolio Manager) | Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |

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<sup>1</sup> Mr. Mailloux became Deputy Portfolio Manager on May 1, 2024.

<sup>2</sup> Messrs. Fine and Austerweill will be Portfolio Manager and Deputy Portfolio Manager, respectively, upon commencement of operation.

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**SECURITIES LENDING ARRANGEMENTS**

Pursuant to a securities lending agreement (the "Securities Lending Agreement") between the Funds and State Street (in such capacity, the "Securities Lending Agent"), the Funds may lend their securities through the Securities Lending Agent to certain qualified borrowers. The Securities Lending Agent administers the Funds' securities lending program. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, these services include arranging the securities loans with approved borrowers and collecting fees and rebates due to the Funds from each borrower. The Securities Lending Agent maintains records of loans made and income derived therefrom and makes available such records that the Funds deem necessary to monitor the securities lending program.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF did not participate in securities lending.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, each of the Funds listed below earned income and incurred the following costs and expenses, during its respective fiscal year, as a result of its securities lending activities:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Fund | Gross Income<sup>(1)</sup> | Revenue Split<sup>(2)</sup> | Cash Collateral Management Fees<sup>(3)</sup> | Administrative Fees<sup>(4)</sup> | Indemnification Fees<sup>(5)</sup> | Rebates to Borrowers | Other Fees | Total Costs of the Securities Lending Activities | Net Income from the Securities Lending Activities |
| **CM Commodity Index Fund** | $331375 | $10868 | $— | $— | $— | $222774 | $— | $233642 | $97733 |
| **Emerging Markets Bond Fund** | 49721 | 617 |  |  |  | 43518 |  | 44135 | 5586 |
| **Emerging Markets Fund** | 66162 | 2292 |  |  |  | 43204 |  | 45496 | 20666 |
| **Global Resources Fund** | 487598 | 14391 |  |  |  | 343570 |  | 357961 | 129637 |
| **International Investors Gold Fund** | 951497 | 42464 |  |  |  | 523708 |  | 566172 | 385325 |
| **VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund** | 156 | 15 |  |  |  |  |  | 15 | 141 |

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<sup>1</sup>Gross income includes income from the reinvestment of cash collateral and rebates paid by the borrower.

<sup>2</sup>Revenue split represents the share of revenue generated by the securities lending program and paid to the Securities Lending Agent.

<sup>3</sup>Cash collateral management fees include fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle that are not included in the revenue split.

<sup>4</sup>These administrative fees are not included in the revenue split.

<sup>5</sup>These indemnification fees are not included in the revenue split.

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

When selecting brokers and dealers to handle the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, each Adviser looks for prompt execution of the order at a favorable price. Generally, an Adviser works with recognized dealers in these securities, except when a better price and execution of the order can be obtained elsewhere. The Funds will not deal with affiliates in principal transactions unless permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation. Each Adviser owes a duty to its clients to provide best execution on trades effected.

Each Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Trust and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by an Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by the Adviser. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Trust is concerned.

The portfolio managers may deem it appropriate for one fund or account they manage to sell a security while another fund or account they manage is purchasing the same security. Under such circumstances, the portfolio managers may arrange to have the purchase and sale transactions effected directly between the funds and/or accounts ("cross transactions"). Cross transactions will be effected in accordance with procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses, additional taxable income at the Fund level and additional taxable distributions. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions is evaluated by each Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.

The Advisers may cause the Funds to pay a broker-dealer who furnishes brokerage and/or research services, a commission that is in excess of the commission another broker-dealer would have received for executing the transaction, if it is determined that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services as defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which have been provided. Such research services may include, among other things, analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends and portfolio strategy. Any such research and other information provided by brokers to an Adviser is considered to be in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser under its Advisory Agreement with the Trust. The research services provided by broker-dealers can be useful to an Adviser in serving its other clients or clients of the Adviser's affiliates. The Board periodically reviews an Adviser's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Funds. The Board also reviews the commissions paid by the Funds over representative periods of time to determine if they are reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Funds.

Because the Onchain Economy ETF and the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF had not commenced operations as of December 31, 2024, they are not reflected in the table below.

The aggregate amount of brokerage transactions directed to a broker during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 for, among other things, research services, and the commissions and concessions related to such transactions were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Transaction<br>Amount** | **Commissions and<br>Concessions** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | $0 | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | $184744694 | $283179 |
| Global Resources Fund | $599830226 | $491779 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | $451490004 | $583784 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | $0 | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | $0 | $0 |

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The table below shows the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of portfolio securities by each Fund during the Fund's three most recent fiscal years ended December 31. None of such amounts were paid to brokers or dealers which furnished daily quotations to the Fund for the purpose of calculating daily per share net asset value or to brokers and dealers which sold shares of the Fund.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **2024**<br>**<u>COMMISSIONS</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | $513263 |
| Global Resources Fund | $557812 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | $690701 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | $10175 |
|  | **2023**<br>**<u>COMMISSIONS</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | $490808 |
| Global Resources Fund | $552473 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | $359487 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | $0 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | $8255 |
|  | **2022**<br>**<u>COMMISSIONS</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | $0 |
| Emerging Markets Fund | $860703 |
| Global Resources Fund | $413191 |
| International Investors Gold Fund | $395885 |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | $32 |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | $4612 |

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Each Adviser does not consider sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Funds. Each Adviser has implemented policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 12b-1(h) that are reasonably designed to prevent the consideration of the sales of fund shares when selecting broker-dealers to execute trades.

Due to the potentially high rate of turnover, the Funds may pay a greater amount in brokerage commissions than a similar size fund with a lower turnover rate. The portfolio turnover rates of all Funds may vary greatly from year to year. See "Taxes" in the Prospectus and the SAI.

**BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM *(Onchain Economy ETFand VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only)***

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Buying and Selling Exchange-Traded Shares."

The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Certificates will not be issued for Shares.

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").

Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the depositary agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares holdings of each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in Shares as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to the Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a

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replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.

**CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS *(Onchain Economy ETFand VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only)***

***General***

Each of the Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF issues and sells Shares only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without an initial sales load, at their NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

A "Business Day" with respect to the Fund is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day (Washington's Birthday), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The times described below may change due to certain events such as the early closing of trading on the NYSE.

***Fund Deposit***

The consideration for a purchase of Creation Units generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the "Deposit Securities") and an amount of cash computed as described below (the "Cash Component"). The Cash Component together with the Deposit Securities, as applicable, are referred to as the "Fund Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for Shares. The Cash Component represents the difference between the NAV of a Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities plus applicable transaction fees (as described below).

The Administrator, through the NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required amounts of each Deposit Security that the Fund would accept as Fund Deposit that day. Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit composition is made available.

The Fund reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash—referred to as "cash in lieu" - to replace any Deposit Security. This may occur, for example, if a Deposit Security is not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC, the Federal Reserve System or the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC, not permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust as a result of an in-kind purchase order pursuant to local law or market convention, restricted under the securities laws or not eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting. In such cases where the Trust makes Market Purchases (as defined below) because a Deposit Security may not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Trust as a result of an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities were purchased by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser's discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees and taxes. Brokerage commissions incurred in connection with the Trust's acquisition of Deposit Securities may be at the expense of the Fund and, to the extent such commissions are at the expense of the Fund, will affect the value of all Shares of the Fund, but the Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to protect ongoing shareholders.

The Administrator, through the NSCC, also makes available on each Business Day, the estimated Cash Component effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding Shares of the Fund.

***Procedures for Creation of Creation Units***

To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor to create Creation Units of the Fund, an entity or person must be an "Authorized Participant" which is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has a written agreement with the Fund that allows the Authorized Participant to place order ("Participant Agreement").

All orders to create Creation Units, whether through the Clearing Process or outside the Clearing Process, must be received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular trading session on the NYSE ("Closing Time") (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the date such order is placed in order for creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as determined on such date. The Business Day on which a creation order (or order to redeem as

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discussed below) is placed is herein referred to as the "Transmittal Date." Orders must be transmitted by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor, as generally described below (see "—Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process"). Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

Creation Units may be created in advance of the receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the Fund Deposit. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will remain liable for the full deposit of the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit and will be required to post collateral with the Trust consisting of cash at least equal to a percentage of the marked-to-market value of such missing portion(s). The Trust may use such collateral to buy the missing portion(s) of the Fund Deposit at any time and will subject such Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such securities and the value of such collateral. The Trust will have no liability for any such shortfall. The Trust will return any unused portion of the collateral to the Authorized Participant once the entire Fund Deposit has been properly received by the Distributor and deposited into the Trust.

Orders to create Creation Units of the Fund shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Fund may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. At any given time there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders to create Creation Units of the Fund through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date.

Orders for creation that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the Authorized Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and Cash Component.

Orders to create Creation Units of the Fund may be placed through the Clearing Process utilizing procedures applicable to funds holding domestic securities ("Domestic Funds") (see "Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process") or outside the Clearing Process utilizing the procedures applicable to either Domestic Funds or funds holding foreign securities ("Foreign Funds") (see "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process--Domestic Funds" and "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds"). In the event that the Fund includes both domestic and foreign securities, the time for submitting orders is as stated in the "Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds" and "Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds" sections below shall operate.

***Placement of Creation Orders Using Clearing Process***

Fund Deposits created through the Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement.

The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor to transmit to NSCC on behalf of the Authorized Participant such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Authorized Participant's creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions from the Distributor to NSCC, the Authorized Participant agrees to transfer the requisite Deposit Securities (or contracts to purchase such Deposit Securities that are expected to be delivered in a "regular way" manner) and the Cash Component to the Trust by the prescribed settlement date. An order to create Creation Units of the Fund through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur by the prescribed settlement date.

***Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Domestic Funds***

Fund Deposits created outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. An Authorized Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units of the Fund to be effected outside the Clearing Process must state in such order that the Authorized Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a manner so as to ensure the timely delivery of the requisite amounts of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Trust.

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All questions as to the amounts of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Distributor through the Federal Reserve wire system in a timely manner. An order to create Creation Units of the Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Distributor does not receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component in a timely fashion, such order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such cancelled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur by the prescribed settlement date.

Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside the Clearing Process (through an Authorized Participant) and in circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit Securities to create Creation Units. (See "Creation Transaction Fee" section below.)

***Placement of Creation Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds***

The Distributor will inform the Transfer Agent, the Adviser and the Custodian upon receipt of a Creation Order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate sub-custodian. The Custodian will cause the sub-custodian of the Fund to maintain an account into which the Deposit Securities (or the cash value of all or part of such securities, or "cash in lieu" amount) will be delivered. Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local custodian. The Trust must also receive, on or before the contractual settlement date, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Custodian to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after receipt in proper form of the purchase order, together with the creation transaction fee described below.

Once the Transfer Agent has accepted a creation order, the Transfer Agent will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit of the Fund against receipt of payment, at such NAV as will have been calculated after receipt in proper form of such order. The Transfer Agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance of such order.

Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the sub-custodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant sub-custodian, the Distributor and the Adviser will be notified of such delivery and the Transfer Agent will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.

***Acceptance of Creation Orders***

The Trust reserves the right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor, for any reason, including but not limited to the following: (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the creator or creators, upon obtaining the Shares, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered are not as specified by the Administrator, as described above; (d) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; or (e) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include, without limitation, acts of God or public service or utility problems such as earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; wars; civil or military disturbances, including acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, the NSCC or any other participant in the creation process, and similar extraordinary events. The Transfer Agent will notify an Authorized Participant if an order is rejected. The Trust, the Custodian, any sub-custodian, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits to Authorized Participants nor shall any of them incur any liability to Authorized Participants for the failure to give any such notification.

All questions as to the amounts of the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.

***Creation Transaction Fee***

A standard (fixed) creation transaction fee for the Fund payable to the Custodian, in the amount of $400, is imposed on each creation transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the transaction. However, the Custodian may

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increase the standard (fixed) creation transaction fee for administration and settlement of non-standard orders requiring additional administrative processing by the Custodian.

In addition, a variable charge for cash creations or for creations outside the Clearing Process may be imposed. In the case of cash creations or where the Trust permits or requires a creator to substitute cash in lieu of depositing a portion of Deposit Securities, the creator may be assessed an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund for the costs associated with purchasing the applicable securities. (See "Fund Deposit" section above.) As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind creation order process, the Trust expects to purchase, in the secondary market or otherwise gain exposure to, the portfolio securities that could have been delivered as a result of an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons ("Market Purchases"). In such cases where the Trust makes Market Purchases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser's discretion, may be capped), the costs associated with certain derivative transactions, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. The Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the creation securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. Creators of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust. The Fund may adjust or waive all or a portion of its creation transaction fee (including both the fixed and variable components) from time to time.

***Redemption of Creation Units***

Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Distributor, only on a Business Day and only through an Authorized Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. The Trust will not redeem Shares in amounts less than Creation Units. Beneficial Owners also may sell Shares in the secondary market, but must accumulate enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit. See the section entitled "Summary Information—Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund" and "Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Strategies and Risks—Risks of Investing in the Fund" in the Prospectus.

The Fund Securities that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) are made available by the Administrator, through NSCC, prior to the opening of business on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to make certain representations to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, and will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from the Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form, and may be rejected by the Trust.

The redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities as announced by the Administrator on the Business Day of the request for redemption, plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities, less the redemption transaction fee and variable fees described below. Should the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the Shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee will be required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder. The Fund reserves the right to honor a redemption request by delivering a basket of securities or cash that differs from the Fund Securities.

***Redemption Transaction Fee***

The standard (fixed) redemption transaction fee for the Fund payable to the Custodian, in the amount of $400, is imposed on each redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction. However, the Custodian may increase the standard (fixed) redemption transaction fee for administration and settlement of non-standard orders requiring additional administrative processing by the Custodian.

In addition, a variable charge for cash redemptions or redemptions outside the Clearing Process may be imposed. In the case of cash redemptions or partial cash redemptions (when cash redemptions are permitted or required for the Fund), an additional variable charge may also be imposed to compensate the Fund for the costs associated with selling the applicable securities. As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind redemption order process, the Trust expects to sell, in the secondary market, the portfolio securities or settle any financial instruments that may not be permitted to be re-registered in the

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name of the Authorized Participant as a result of an in-kind redemption order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons ("Market Sales"). In such cases where the Trust makes Market Sales, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were sold or settled by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser's discretion, may be capped), the costs associated with certain derivatives transactions, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes ("Transaction Costs"). The Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the redemption securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Component to protect ongoing shareholders. In no event will the variable fees charged by the Fund in connection with a redemption exceed 2% of the value of each Creation Unit. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. To the extent the Fund cannot recoup the amount of Transaction Costs incurred in connection with a redemption from the redeeming shareholder because of the 2% cap or otherwise, those Transaction Costs will be borne by the Fund's remaining shareholders and negatively affect the Fund's performance. The Fund may adjust or waive all or a portion of its redemption transaction fee (including both the fixed and variable components) from time to time.

***Portfolio Trading by Authorized Participants***

When creation or redemption transactions consist of cash, the transactions may require the Fund to contemporaneously transact with broker-dealers for purchases or sales of portfolio securities, as applicable. Depending on the timing of the transactions and certain other factors, such transactions may be placed with the purchasing or redeeming Authorized Participant in its capacity as a broker-dealer or with its affiliated broker-dealer and conditioned upon an agreement with the Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer to transact at guaranteed prices in order to reduce transaction costs incurred as a consequence of settling creations or redemptions in cash rather than in-kind.

Specifically, following the Fund's receipt of a creation or redemption order, to the extent such purchases or redemptions consist of a cash portion, the Fund may enter an order with the Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer to purchase or sell the portfolio securities, as applicable. Such Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer will be required to guarantee that the Fund will achieve execution of its order at a price at least as favorable to the Fund as the Fund's valuation of the portfolio securities used for purposes of calculating the NAV applied to the creation or redemption transaction giving rise to the order. Whether the execution of the order is at a price at least as favorable to the Fund will depend on the results achieved by the executing firm and will vary depending on market activity, timing and a variety of other factors.

If the broker-dealer executing the order achieves executions in market transactions at a price more favorable than the Fund's valuation of the Deposit Securities, then the Authorized Participant generally may retain the benefit of the favorable executions, and the Fund will return to the Authorized Participant the execution performance deposit. If, however, the broker-dealer executing the order is unable to achieve executions in market transactions at a price at least equal to the Fund's valuation of the securities, the Fund retains the portion of the execution performance deposit equal to the full amount of the execution shortfall (including any taxes, brokerage commissions or other costs) and may require the Authorized Participant to deposit any additional amount required to cover the full amount of the actual execution performance guarantee.

***Placement of Redemption Orders Using Clearing Process***

Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Fund through the Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer Agent not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund using the Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Fund after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. The requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered in a "regular way" manner) and the applicable cash payment will be transferred by the prescribed settlement date.

***Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process—Domestic Funds***

Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Fund outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. An Authorized Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units of the Fund to be effected outside the Clearing Process must state in such order that the Authorized Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Units of the Fund will instead be effected through transfer of Creation Units of the Fund directly through DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Transfer Agent on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Transfer

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Agent not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is preceded or accompanied by the requisite number of Shares of Creation Units specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Transfer Agent on such Transmittal Date; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

After the Transfer Agent has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Transfer Agent will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities (or contracts to purchase such Fund Securities) and the cash redemption payment to the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the prescribed settlement date. An additional variable redemption transaction fee may also be imposed.

***Placement of Redemption Orders Outside Clearing Process—Foreign Funds***

Arrangements satisfactory to the Trust must be in place for the Authorized Participant to transfer the Creation Units through DTC on or before the settlement date. Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and the Fund reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Deposit Securities under such laws.

In connection with taking delivery of Shares for Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the entity acting on behalf of a redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdictions, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholder will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.

Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries or for other reasons, however, the delivery of redemption proceeds may take longer than the normal settlement periods. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods. For redemptions submitted on a dividend declaration date, the Fund intends to settle redemption transactions on the third (3rd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received date ("T+3").

The Fund may effect deliveries of Creation Units and redemption proceeds on a basis other than as described above in order to accommodate local holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates, or under certain other circumstances. If in-kind creations are permitted or required by the Fund, the ability of the Trust to effect in-kind creations and redemptions as described above, of receipt of an order in good form is subject to, among other things, the condition that, within the time period from the date of the order to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are holidays in the applicable foreign market.

For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable non-U.S. market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a non-U.S. market due to emergencies may also prevent the Foreign Funds from delivering securities within the normal settlement period.

The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with non-U.S. market holiday schedules, will require a delivery process longer than seven calendar days, in certain circumstances. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of the local holiday periods. The timing of settlement may also be affected by the proclamation of new holidays, the treatment by market participants of certain days as "informal holidays" (e.g., days on which no or limited securities transactions occur, as a result of substantially shortened trading hours), the elimination of existing holidays or changes in local securities delivery practices.

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**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

**LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND THE BOARD**

The Board has general oversight responsibility with respect to the operation of the Trust and the Funds. The Board has engaged VEAC to serve as the investment adviser for the Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund, International Investors Gold Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund, VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, and has engaged VEARA to serve as the investment adviser for the CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF. The Board is responsible for overseeing the provision of services to the Trust and the Funds by each Adviser and the other service providers in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws. The Board is currently composed of five (5) Trustees, four of whom are Independent Trustees. In addition to five (5) regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Independent Trustees meet regularly in executive sessions among themselves and with their counsel to consider a variety of matters affecting the Trust. These sessions generally occur prior to, or during, scheduled Board meetings and at such other times as the Trustees may deem necessary. Each Independent Trustee attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board in the year ending December 31, 2024. As discussed in further detail below, the Board has established three (3) standing committees to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.

The Board believes that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Trust and each of the Funds, including factors such as the number of Funds that comprise the Trust, the variety of asset classes in which those Funds invest, the net assets of the Funds, the committee structure of the Trust, and the management, distribution and other service arrangements of the Funds. In connection with its determination, the Board considered that the Board is comprised primarily of Independent Trustees, and that the Chairperson of the Board and the Chairperson of each of the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee is an Independent Trustee. The Board believes having an interested trustee on the Board and as Chairperson of the Investment Oversight Committee provides it with additional access to the perspectives and resources of the Advisers and their affiliates. In addition, to further align the Trustees' interests with those of Fund shareholders, the Board has, among other things, adopted a policy requiring each Trustee to maintain a minimum direct or indirect investment in the Funds.

The Chairperson presides at all meetings of the Board and participates in the preparation of the agenda for such meetings. She also serves as a liaison with management, service providers, officers, attorneys, and the other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairperson may also perform other such functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Trustees believe that the Chairperson's independence facilitates meaningful dialogue between each Adviser and the Independent Trustees. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust's Master Trust Agreement, the designation of Chairperson does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.

The Independent Trustees regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board believes that its Committees help ensure that the Trust has effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Trustees from management of the Trust, and from the Advisers.

**RISK OVERSIGHT**

The Funds and the Trust are subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational, and valuation risks. Day-to-day risk management functions are within the responsibilities of the Advisers, the Distributor and the other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Funds' investment management, distribution and business affairs. Each of the Advisers, the Distributor and the other service providers have their own, independent interests and responsibilities in risk management, and their policies and methods of carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on their individual priorities, resources and controls.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Funds and the Trust and is addressed through various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its regular oversight of the Funds and Trust, the Board, directly or through a Committee, meets with representatives of various service providers and reviews reports from, among others, the Advisers, the Distributor, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds, and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds regarding risks faced by the Funds and relevant risk management functions. The Board or Investment Oversight Committee, with the assistance of management, reviews investment policies and related risks in connection with its review of the Funds' performance and its evaluation of the nature and quality of the services provided by each Adviser. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer for the Funds who oversees the implementation and testing of the Funds' compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Funds and their principal service providers. The Chief Compliance Officer's designation, removal and compensation must be approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. Material changes to the compliance program are reviewed by and approved by the Board. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Funds' advisory, distribution and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible, including the manner in which

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such service providers implement and administer their codes of ethics and related policies and procedures. For certain of its service providers, such as the Advisers and Distributor, the Board also receives reports periodically regarding business continuity and disaster recovery plans, as well as actions being taken to address cybersecurity and other information technology risks. With respect to valuation, the Board approves and periodically reviews valuation policies and procedures applicable to valuing the Funds' shares. Each Adviser is responsible for the implementation and day-to-day administration of these valuation policies and procedures and provides reports periodically to the Board regarding these and related matters. In addition, the Board or the Audit Committee of the Board receives reports at least annually from the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds regarding tests performed by such firm on the valuation of all securities. Reports received from the Advisers and the independent registered public accounting firm assist the Board in performing its oversight function of valuation activities and related risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds and the Trust can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks to achieve the Funds' or Trust's goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board that may relate to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the function of the Board with respect to risk management is one of oversight and not active involvement in, or coordination of, day-to-day risk management activities for the Funds or Trust. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight role.

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**TRUSTEE INFORMATION**

The Trustees of the Trust, their address, position with the Trust, age and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **TRUSTEE'S NAME,**<br>**ADDRESS**<sup>(1)</sup> **AND**<br>**YEAR OF BIRTH** | **POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST,**<br>**TERM OF OFFICE**<sup>(2)</sup> **AND**<br>**LENGTH OF TIME SERVED** | **PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)<br>DURING PAST FIVE YEARS** | **NUMBER OF**<br>**PORTFOLIOS**<br>**IN FUND**<br>**COMPLEX**<sup>(3)</sup><br>**OVERSEEN BY**<br>**TRUSTEE** | **OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS**<br>**HELD OUTSIDE THE**<br>**FUND COMPLEX**<sup>(3)</sup><br>**DURING THE PAST FIVE**<br>**YEARS** |
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:** |
| Jayesh Bhansali<br>1964 (A)(G)(I) | Trustee (since 2022); Chairperson of the Audit Committee (since 2025) | Chief Investment Officer, IRIQIV LLC (a multi-family office). Formerly, Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager, Nuveen, a TIAA company. | 12 | Trustee, YMCA Retirement Fund; Trustee of Judge Baker Children's Center; Director of Under One Roof. |
| Jon Lukomnik<br>1956 (A)(G)(I) | Trustee (since 2006); Chairperson of the Governance Committee (since 2025) | Managing Partner, Sinclair Capital LLC (consulting firm). Adjunct Professor, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University.  | 12 | Director, The Shareholder Commons; Director of VanEck ICAV (an Irish UCITS); VanEck Vectors UCITS ETF plc (an Irish UCITS). Member, Education Committee, MFDF. |
| Jane DiRenzo Pigott<br>1957(A)(G) (I) | Trustee (since 2007); Chairperson of the Board (since 2020) | Managing Director, R3 Group LLC (consulting firm). | 12 | Board member for Gratitude<br>Railroad LLC and Impact Engine Management, PBC; Trustee of Northwestern University, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. <br>Formerly, Director and Chair of Audit Committee of 3E Company (services relating to hazardous material safety); Director of MetLife Investment Funds, Inc. |
| R. Alastair Short<br>1953 (A)(G)(I) | Trustee (since 2004) | President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle). | 82 | Chairman and Independent Director, EULAV Asset Management; Lead<br>Independent Director, Total<br>Fund Solution; Independent<br>Director, Contingency<br>Capital, LLC; Trustee, Kenyon Review; Trustee, Children's Village. Formerly,<br>Independent Director, Tremont offshore funds. |
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE:** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE:** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE:** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE:** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE:** |
| Jan F. van Eck<sup>(4)</sup> 1963 (I) | Trustee (Since 2019); Chairperson of the Investment Oversight Committee (since 2020); Chief Executive Officer and President (Since 2010) | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust. | 82 | Director, National Committee on US-China Relations. |

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(1)The address for each Trustee and officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

(2)Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal.

(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund Complex consists of VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and VanEck ETF Trust.

(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Interested person" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of VEAC, VEARA and VESC. In addition, Mr. van Eck and members of his family own 100% of the voting stock of VEAC, which in turns owns 100% of the voting stock of each of VEARA and VESC.

(A)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Member of the Audit Committee.

(G)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Member of the Governance Committee.

(I)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Member of the Investment Oversight Committee.

Set forth below is additional information relating to the professional experience, attributes and skills of each Trustee relevant to such individual's qualifications to serve as a Trustee:

*Jayesh Bhansali* has extensive business and financial experience and currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer of IRIQIV LLC, a multi-family office. He was previously a Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager at Nuveen, a TIAA company, and has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry. Mr. Bhansali also serves as a member of the board for multiple not-for-profit organizations.

*Jon Lukomnik* has extensive business and financial experience, particularly in the investment management industry. He currently serves as: Managing Partner of Sinclair Capital LLC, a consulting firm to the investment management industry. He previously served as chairman of the Advisory Committee of Legion Partners Asset Management, a registered investment advisor that provides investment management and consulting services to various institutional clients; and was a member of the Deloitte LLP's Audit Quality Advisory Council and the Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

*Jane DiRenzo Pigott* has extensive business and financial experience and serves as Managing Director of R3 Group LLC, a firm specializing in talent retention, development and matriculation consulting services. Ms. Pigott has prior experience as an independent trustee of other mutual funds and previously served as chair of the global Environmental Law practice group at Winston & Strawn LLP.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*R. Alastair Short* has extensive business and financial experience, particularly in the investment management industry. He has served as a president, board member or executive officer of various businesses, including asset management and private equity investment firms.

*Jan F. van Eck* has extensive business and financial experience, particularly in the investment management industry. He currently serves as president, executive officer and/or board member of various businesses, including VEAC, VESC, and VEARA.

The forgoing information regarding the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each Trustee is provided pursuant to requirements of the SEC, and does not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

**COMMITTEE STRUCTURE**

The Board has established a standing Audit Committee, a standing Governance Committee, and a standing Investment Oversight Committee to assist the Board in the oversight and direction of the business and affairs of the Trust.

**Audit Committee.** The duties of this Committee include meeting with representatives of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm to review fees, services, procedures, conclusions and recommendations of independent registered public accounting firm and to discuss the Trust's system of internal controls. Thereafter, the Committee reports to the Board the Committee's findings and recommendations concerning internal accounting matters as well as its recommendation for retention or dismissal of the auditing firm. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust's charter document, the designation of Chairperson of the Audit Committee does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally. The Audit Committee met four times during the last fiscal year, and currently consists of the following Trustees: Mr. Bhansali (Chairperson), Mr. Short, Ms. Pigott and Mr. Lukomnik.

**Governance Committee.** The duties of this Committee include the consideration of recommendations to the Trustees for the Board nominations for Trustees, review of the composition of the Board, compensation and similar matters. In addition, the Governance Committee periodically reviews the performance of the Board and its Committees, including the effectiveness and composition of the overall Board, Board's Committees, and the Chairperson of the Board and other related matters. When considering potential nominees for election to the Board and to fill vacancies occurring on the Board, where shareholder

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approval is not required, and as part of the annual self-evaluation, the Governance Committee reviews the mix of skills and other relevant experiences of the Trustees. The Governance Committee met four times during the last fiscal year, and currently consists of the following Trustees: Mr. Lukomnik (Chairperson), Mr. Short, Ms. Pigott and Mr. Bhansali.

The Independent Trustees shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider candidates recommended by a shareholder of a Fund if such recommendation provides sufficient background information concerning the candidate and evidence that the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected, and is received in a sufficiently timely manner. Shareholders should address recommendations in writing to the attention of the Governance Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust, at 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.

**Investment Oversight Committee.** The duties of this Committee include the review of investment performance of the Funds, meeting with relevant Adviser personnel and outside experts, and overseeing the provision of investment-related services for the Funds. In addition, the Committee will review on a periodic basis and consider a variety of matters, such as proposed material changes to, each Fund's investment strategy (if applicable), investment processes, investment personnel, non-personnel resources, and relevant investment markets. The Investment Oversight Committee was established by vote of the Board, effective January 1, 2020. This Committee met four times during the last fiscal year, and currently consists of all the Trustees, and Mr. van Eck serves as Chairperson.

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**OFFICER INFORMATION**

The executive officers of the Trust, their age and address, the positions they hold with the Trust, their term of office and length of time served and their principal business occupations during the past five years are shown below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **OFFICER'S NAME,**<br>**ADDRESS**<sup>(1)</sup><br>**AND YEAR OF BIRTH** | **POSITION(S) HELD<br>WITH TRUST** | **TERM OF OFFICE AND**<br>**LENGTH OF TIME**<br>**SERVED**<sup>(2)</sup> | **PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS<br>DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS** |
| Lawrence G. Altadonna, 1966 | Vice President and Treasurer | Since 2024 | Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Fund Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (June 2022- January 2024). |
| Matthew A. Babinsky, 1983 | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Since 2016 | Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and Van Eck Securities Corporation (VESC); Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Assistant Vice President of<br>VEAC, VEARA and VESC. |
| Russell G. Brennan, 1964 | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer | Since 2008 | Assistant Vice President of VEAC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. |
| Charles T. Cameron, 1960 | Vice President | Since 1996 | Portfolio Manager for VEAC; Officer and/or Portfolio Manager of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Director of Trading of VEAC. |
| John J. Crimmins,<br>1957 | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | Since 2012 | Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Vice President of VESC. Formerly, Treasurer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. |
| Susan Curry, 1966 | Assistant Vice President | Since 2022 | Assistant Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Formerly, Managing Director, Legg Mason, Inc. |
| F. Michael Gozzillo,<br>1965 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2018 | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of VEAC and VEARA; Chief Compliance Officer of VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of City National Rochdale, LLC and City National Rochdale Funds. |
| Laura Hamilton,<br>1977 | Vice President | Since 2019 | Assistant Vice President of VEAC and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Operations Manager of Royce & Associates. |
| Laura I. Martínez,<br>1980 | Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Vice President (since 2016); Assistant Secretary (since 2008) | Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA.  |
| Lisa A. Moss, 1965 | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Since 2022 | Assistant Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly Senior Counsel, Perkins Coie LLP. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **OFFICER'S NAME,**<br>**ADDRESS**<sup>(1)</sup><br>**AND YEAR OF BIRTH** | **POSITION(S) HELD<br>WITH TRUST** | **TERM OF OFFICE AND**<br>**LENGTH OF TIME**<br>**SERVED**<sup>(2)</sup> | **PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS<br>DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS** |
| James Parker,<br>1969 | Assistant Treasurer | Since 2014 | Assistant Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Manager, Portfolio Administration of VEAC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. |
| Jonathan R. Simon, 1974 | Senior Vice President; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | Senior Vice President (since 2016); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (since 2014) | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust.  |
| Andrew Tilzer,<br>1972 | Assistant Vice President | Since 2021 | Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Vice<br>President of Portfolio Administration of VEAC.<br>Formerly, Assistant Vice President, Portfolio<br>Operations of VEAC. |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The address for each Executive Officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Officers are elected yearly by the Board.

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**TRUSTEE SHARE OWNERSHIP** 

For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee in the Funds and in all registered investment companies advised by the Advisers or their affiliates ("Family of Investment Companies") that are overseen by the Trustee is shown below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name of Trustee | Dollar Range of Equity<br>Securities in CM<br>Commodity Index Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) | Dollar Range of Equity<br>Securities in<br>Emerging Markets<br>Bond Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) | Dollar Range of Equity<br>Securities in Emerging<br>Markets Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) | Dollar Range of Equity<br>Securities in Global<br>Resources Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) |
| Jayesh Bhansali | $10,001 - $50,000\* | $10,001 - $50,000\* |  |  |
| Jon Lukomnik | Over $100,000\* | Over $100,000\* | Over $100,000\* |  |
| Jane DiRenzo Pigott | Over $100,000\* |  | Over $100,000 | $50001 - $100000 |
| R. Alastair Short |  |  | $10001 - $50000 | $10001 - $50000 |
| Richard D. Stamberger\*\* | $50,001 - $100,000\* |  | Over $100,000\* |  |
| Jan F. van Eck | $50001 - $100000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Name of Trustee | Dollar Range of<br>Equity Securities in<br>International<br>Investors Gold Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Onchain Economy ETF (As of December 31, 2024) | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF (As of December 31, 2024) | Dollar Range of<br>Equity Securities in<br>VanEck Morningstar<br>Wide Moat Fund<br>(As of December 31,<br>2024) |
| Jayesh Bhansali |  |  |  |  |
| Jon Lukomnik | Over $100,000\* |  |  | Over $100,000\* |
| Jane DiRenzo Pigott | Over $100,000 |  |  | Over $100,000\* |
| R. Alastair Short | $1 - $10000 |  |  | Over $100,000 |
| Richard D. Stamberger\*\* | Over $100,000\* |  |  | Over $100,000\* |
| Jan F. van Eck | Over $100,000 |  |  | Over $100,000 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Name of Trustee | Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity<br>Securities in all Registered Investment<br>Companies Overseen By Trustee In<br>Family of Investment Companies<br>(As of December 31, 2024) |
| Jayesh Bhansali | $50,001 - $100,000\* |
| Jon Lukomnik | Over $100,000\* |
| Jane DiRenzo Pigott | Over $100,000\* |
| R. Alastair Short | Over $100,000 |
| Richard D. Stamberger\*\* | Over $100,000\* |
| Jan F. van Eck | Over $100,000 |

---

\*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Includes ownership through the Trust's deferred compensation plan as of December 31, 2024.

\*\* &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Stamberger retired from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, the Trustees and officers, as a group, (i) owned less than 1% of each Fund, except for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund (7.67%), VanEck Emerging Markets Bond Fund (1.31%), and VanEck Emerging Markets Fund (1.04%), and (ii) owned less than 1% of each class of each Fund, except for Class A shares of Emerging Markets Bond Fund (2.86%), Class I shares of Emerging Markets Bond Fund (4.16%), Class I shares of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund (42.44%), Class A shares of Emerging Markets Fund (5.33%), Class I shares of Emerging Markets Fund (1.47%), and Class Z shares of Emerging Markets Fund (1.57%).

------

As to each Independent Trustee and his/her immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment manager or principal underwriter of the Funds, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment manager or principal underwriter of the Funds.

------

**2024 COMPENSATION TABLE** 

The Trustees are paid for services rendered to the Trust and VanEck VIP Trust (the "VanEck Trusts"), each a registered investment company managed by the Advisers or their affiliates, which are allocated to each series of the VanEck Trusts based on their average daily net assets. Each Independent Trustee is paid an annual retainer of $80,000, a per meeting fee of $10,000 for regularly scheduled meetings of the Board and a per meeting fee of $5,000 for special Board and/or Committee meetings. The VanEck Trusts pay the Chairperson of the Board an annual retainer of $30,000, the Chairperson of the Audit Committee an annual retainer of $15,000 and the Chairperson of the Governance Committee an annual retainer of $15,000. The VanEck Trusts also reimburse each Trustee for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending such meetings. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Trustee compensation.

The table below shows the compensation paid to the Independent Trustees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Annual Independent Trustee fees may be reviewed periodically and changed by the Board.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Jayesh Bhansali**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Jon**<br>**Lukomnik**<sup>(2)</sup> | **Jane DiRenzo**<br>**Pigott**<sup>(3)</sup> | **R. Alastair<br>Short** | **Richard D. Stamberger**<sup>(4)</sup> |
| Aggregate Compensation from the VanEck Trusts | $130000 | $72500 | $160000 | $130000 | $116000 |
| Aggregate Deferred Compensation from the VanEck Trusts | $— | $72500 | $- | $- | $29000 |
| Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of the VanEck Trusts' Expenses | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total Compensation From the VanEck Trusts and the Fund Complex<sup>(5)</sup> Paid to Trustee | $130000 | $145000 | $160000 | $486000 | $445000 |

---

(1) As of December 31, 2024, the value of Mr. Bhansali's account under the deferred compensation plan was $69,649.

(2) As of December 31, 2024, the value of Mr. Lukomnik's account under the deferred compensation plan was $1,548,554.

(3) As of December 31, 2024, the value of Ms. Pigott's account under the deferred compensation plan was $756,563.

(4) As of December 31, 2024, the value of Mr. Stamberger's account under the deferred compensation plan was $1,047,535. Mr. Stamberger retired from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2024.

(5) The "Fund Complex" consists of the VanEck Trusts and VanEck ETF Trust.

------

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

***Principal Holders Ownership***

Onchain Economy ETF commenced operations on May 13, 2025, and as such is not reflected in the table below.

VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF is expected to commence operations on or about October 6, 2025, and as such is not reflected in the table below.

As of March 31, 2025, shareholders of record of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class<sup>2</sup> of each such Fund were as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 14.74% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza FL 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 12.00% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO Customers INSTL |  |
|  | 211 Main St. |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | National Financial Services LLC | 8.58% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4th FL. |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 7.41% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 7.28% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | For Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2810 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |

---

<sup>2</sup> Class C shares of Emerging Markets Fund and Global Resources Fund are no longer offered.

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Pershing LLC | 7.28% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing PLZ |  |
|  | Jersey City NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | LPL Financial | 5.65% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego, CA 92121-1968 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Sigrid Van Eck TR | 5.46% |
|  | Sigrid Van Eck Revocable Trust |  |
|  | Palm Beach FL 33480-6704 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Raymond James | 5.05% |
|  | Omnibus For Mutual Funds |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg Fl 33716-1102 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Raymond James | 30.81% |
|  | Omni Account M/F |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg, FL 33716-1102 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC |  |
| Class C | Special Custody Omnibus Account | 29.02% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 16.62% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza Fl. 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class C | UBS Financial Services Inc. | 5.13% |
|  | Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | Attn Department Manager |  |
|  | 1000 Harbor Blvd. FL 5 |  |
|  | Weehawken, NJ 07086-6761 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 24.51% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO Customers INSTL |  |
|  | 211 Main St. |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Saxon & Co. | 23.47% |
|  | Po Box 94597 |  |
|  | Cleveland Oh 44101-4597 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 16.94% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Matrix Trust Company | 12.24% |
|  | Superomnibus (Van Eck) Cash/Cash |  |
|  | 717 17Th St Ste 1300 |  |
|  | Denver Co 80202-3304 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | National Financial Services LLC | 6.68% |
|  | For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4Th Fl |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd |  |
|  | Jersey City NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class I | BNY Mellon NA | 6.41% |
|  | ATT: Custody Mutual Funds OPS |  |
|  | PO Box 534005 |  |
|  | Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4005 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 47.51% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza, Fl 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 18.36% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 11.25% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | for Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | UBS Financial Services Inc | 6.63% |
|  | Special Custody Accout for the |  |
|  | Exclusive benefit of customers of |  |
|  | Attn Department Manager |  |
|  | 1000 Harbor Blvd FL 5 |  |
|  | Weehawken NJ 07086-6761 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | Arvest Bank - Trust Division | 67.58% |
|  | P.O. Box 1156 |  |
|  | Bartlesville, OK 74005-1156 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | Wells Fargo Bank NA | 13.39% |
|  | FBO Omnibus Cash |  |
|  | PO Box 1533 |  |
|  | Minneapolis MN 55480-1533 |  |
| Emerging Markets Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | State Street Bank & Trust Co. Tr and/or Custodian | 8.58% |
|  | FBO Adp Access Product |  |
|  | Attn: Retirement Services |  |
|  | 1 Lincoln Street |  |
|  | Boston, MA 02111-2901 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 20.97% |
|  | Special Custody A/C FBO Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds |  |
|  | 211 Main Street |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 9.99% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | for Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class A | LPL Financial | 9.17% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego, CA 92121-1968 |  |
| Global Resources Fund | National Financial Services LLC | 8.76% |
| Class A | for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4<sup>th</sup> FL |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Pershing LLC | 7.88% |
|  | Omnibus Account - Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plaza |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 7.77% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza, Fl.12 |  |
|  | New York, New York 10004-1932 |  |
| Global Resources Fund | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 5.93% |
| Class A | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE OF CLASS OF <u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 27.67% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | for Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Raymond James | 23.57% |
|  | Omni Account M/F |  |
|  | 880 Carillon PKWY |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg, FL 33716-1102 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 13.41% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza, Fl.12 |  |
|  | New York, New York 10004-1932 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 13.39% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class C | LPL Financial | 7.59% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego, CA 92121-1968 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | SEI Private Trust Company | 24.46% |
|  | One Freedom Valley Drive |  |
|  | Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | National Financial Services LLC | 15.97% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4<sup>th</sup> FL |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE OF CLASS OF <u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 9.37% |
|  | Special Custody A/C FBO Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds |  |
|  | 211 Main Street |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 7.62% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | American University of Beirut | 7.07% |
|  | 3 DAG Hammarskjold Plz Fl8 |  |
|  | New York NY 10017-2324 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Tower Hill Inflation Hedge LLC | 5.88% |
|  | C/O Prager Metis CPAS LLC |  |
|  | ATT: Gerard A Dimino |  |
|  | 800 Westchester Ave Ste N400 |  |
|  | Rye Brook, NY 10573-1301 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class I | SEI Private Trust Company | 5.54% |
|  | C/O Regions Bank |  |
|  | One Freedom Valley Drive |  |
|  | Oaks PA 19456-9989 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 23.13% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | for Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Pershing LLC | 15.80% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plaza |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE OF CLASS OF <u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 14.01% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 11.43% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza Fl. 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 7.12% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers MF Clearing Services |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco CA 94105-1901 |  |
| Global Resources Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | LPL Financial | 7.06% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego, CA 92121-1968 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | National Financial Services LLC | 9.84% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4<sup>th</sup> FL |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 8.79% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco CA 94105-1901 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 8.77% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE OF CLASS OF <u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Pershing LLC | 7.73% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Funds OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plaza |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund | American Enterprise Investment Service | 6.46% |
| Class A | 707 2nd Avenue S |  |
|  | Minneapolis, MN 55402-2405 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 5.69% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza, Fl. 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Raymond James | 5.35% |
|  | Omni Account M/F |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg, FL 33716-1102 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Raymond James | 30.11% |
|  | Omni Account M/F |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg, FL 33716-1102 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 23.32% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | for Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 15.59% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Loan Non-Clearing |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE OF CLASS OF <u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class C | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 11.41% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza Fl. 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class C | LPL Financial | 5.57% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego CA 92121-1968 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 41.87% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St. |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class I | National Financial Services LLC | 12.91% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept. 4<sup>th</sup> FL |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class I | State Street Bank & Trust Co. TR and/or CUST | 8.81% |
|  | FBO ADP Access Product |  |
|  | Attn Retirement Services |  |
|  | 1 Lincoln St |  |
|  | Boston, MA 02111-2901 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Pershing LLC | 8.78% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Fund Ops |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plz |  |
|  | Jersey City NJ 07399-0002 |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 21.36% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza FL 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1932 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Raymond James | 12.27% |
|  | Omni Account M/F |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
|  | Saint Petersburg, FL 33716-1102 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | National Financial Services LLC | 11.32% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4<sup>th</sup> FL |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | UBS Financial Services Inc. | 6.17% |
|  | Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Department Manager |  |
|  | 1000 Harbor Blvd., 5th Floor |  |
|  | Weehawken, NJ 07086-6761 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit | 5.44% |
|  | Of Its Customers |  |
|  | Att: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| International Investors Gold Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC | 5.27% |
|  | Special Custody Omnibus Account |  |
|  | For Exclusive Benefit of Customers |  |
|  | 2801 Market Street |  |
|  | Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 |  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class A | National Financial Services LLC | 45.15% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4th Fl. |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 12.48% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Minnesota Life Insurance Co, | 8.03% |
|  | 400 Robert Street North |  |
|  | Saint Paul, MN 5511-2037 |  |
|  | Greenwood Village CO 80111-5002 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Empower Trust FBO | 7.63% |
|  | FBO Employee Benefits Clients 401K |  |
|  | 8515 E Orchard Rd. 2T2 |  |
|  | Greenwood Village CO 80111-5002 |  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith | 29.51% |
|  | for the Sole Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | Att: Fund Administration |  |
|  | 4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 3rd Floor |  |
|  | Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | SEI Private Trust Company | 10.72% |
|  | Attn: Mutual Fund Administrator |  |
|  | One Freedom Valley Drive |  |
|  | Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Pershing LLC | 8.54% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing PLZ |  |
|  | Jersey City NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | MAC & Co. | 7.54% |
|  | Attn: Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | PO Box 3198 |  |
|  | Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3198 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 7.48% |
|  | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | SEI Private Trust Company | 7.07% |
|  | Attn: Mutual Fund Administrator |  |
|  | One Freedom Valley Drive |  |
|  | Oaks, PA 19456-9989 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class I | National Financial Services LLC | 6.81% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4th Fl. |  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Pershing LLC | 87.96% |
|  | Omnibus Acct-Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plz |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| CM Commodity Index Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | National Financial Services LLC | 5.03% |
|  | for the Exclusive Benefit of Its Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4th Fl. |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd. |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Van Eck Securities Corporation | 70.21% |
|  | Attn: Lee Rappaport |  |
|  | 666 3rd Avenue, FL 8 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10017-4033 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 29.26% |
| Class I | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | State Street Bank & Trust Co. TR and/or CUST | 41.24% |
|  | FBO ADP Access Product |  |
|  | Attn: Retirement Services |  |
|  | 1 Lincoln St |  |
|  | Boston, MA 02111-2901 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | Van Eck Securities Corporation | 35.59% |
|  | Attn: Lee Rappaport |  |
|  | 666 3rd Avenue, FL 8 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10017-4033 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund |  |  |
| Class Z | State Street Bank & Trust Co Tr and/or Cust | 13.81% |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
|  | FBO Pioneers, Inc. |  |
|  | Attn Retirement Services |  |
|  | 1 Lincoln St |  |
|  | Boston MA 02111-2901 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 37.59% |
|  | Special Custody Acct. FBO Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class A | National Financial Services LLC | 21.14% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn: Mutual Funds Dept., 4th Fl. |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class A | LPL Financial | 12.79% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego CA 92121-1968 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Sigrid S Van Eck TR | 11.24% |
|  | Sigrid S Van Eck Revocable Trust |  |
|  | Palm Beach, FL 33480-6704 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class A | Pershing LLC | 5.70% |
|  | Omnibus Account-Mutual Fund OPS |  |
|  | 1 Pershing Plaza |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class I | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 73.56% |
|  | Special Custody Acct. FBO Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class I | State Street Bank & Trust Co. TR and/or CUST | 18.27% |
|  | FBO ADP Access Product |  |
|  | Attn: Retirement Services |  |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND AND CLASS</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF CLASS OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
|  | 1 Lincoln St |  |
|  | Boston, MA 02111-2901 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class I | National Financial Services LLC | 5.24% |
|  | For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Fl |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | National Financial Services LLC | 37.50% |
|  | For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers |  |
|  | Attn Mutual Funds Dept 4th Fl |  |
|  | 499 Washington Blvd |  |
|  | Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | LPL Financial | 31.95% |
|  | 9785 Towne Centre Drive |  |
|  | San Diego CA 92121-1968 |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund |  |  |
| Class Y | Raymond James | 10.35% |
|  | Omni Account Mutual Funds |  |
|  | Attn: Courtney Waller |  |
|  | 880 Carillon Pkwy |  |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | 8.73% |
| Class Y | Special Custody Acct FBO |  |
|  | Customers Instl |  |
|  | 211 Main St |  |
|  | San Francisco CA 94105-1901 |  |

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***Control Person Ownership***

As of March 31, 2025, no person owned directly or through one or more controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund, except for Emerging Markets Bond Fund, CM Commodity Index Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund. For Emerging Markets Bond Fund, CM Commodity Index Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund, a shareholder who may be deemed to be a "control person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) because the shareholder owns of record more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund by virtue of its fiduciary roles with respect to its clients or otherwise, is shown below. A control person may be able to facilitate shareholder approval of proposals it approves and to impede shareholder approval of proposals it opposes. If a control person's record ownership of the Fund's outstanding shares exceeds 50%, then, for certain shareholder proposals, such control person may be able to approve, or prevent approval, of such proposals without regard to votes by other Fund shareholders.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>FUND</u>** | **<u>NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER</u>** | **PERCENTAGE**<br>**OF**<br>**<u>FUND OWNED</u>** |
| CM Commodity Index Fund | Pershing LLC<br>Omnibus Acct- Mutual Fund OPS<br>1 Pershing Plaza<br>Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002 | 69.27% |
| VanEck Emerging Markets Fund | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | 29.96% |
|  | For the Exclusive Benefit of its Customers |  |
|  | 1 New York Plaza Fl 12 |  |
|  | New York, NY 10004-1965 |  |
| VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund | State Street Bank & Trust Co.<br>Attn: Retirement Services<br>1 Lincoln Street<br>Boston, MA 02111-2901 | 48.97% |
|  | Van Eck Securities Corp.<br>Attn: Lee Rappaport<br>666 3rd Avenue<br>New York, NY 10017-4033 | 39.42% |
| Emerging Markets Bond Fund | National Financial Services LLC <br>For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers <br>Attn Mutual Funds Dept. 4th Fl <br>499 Washington Blvd. <br>Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 | 28.22% |
|  | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.<br>Special Custody Acct FBO Customers Instl&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>211 Main Street<br>San Francisco, CA 94105-1901 | 26.79% |

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**POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST**

Each Adviser (and its principals, affiliates or employees) may serve as investment adviser to other client accounts and conduct investment activities for their own accounts. Such "Other Clients" may have investment objectives or may implement investment strategies similar to those of the Funds. When an Adviser implements investment strategies for Other Clients that are similar or directly contrary to the positions taken by a Fund, the prices of the Fund's securities may be negatively affected.

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For example, when purchase or sales orders for a Fund are aggregated with those of other Funds and/or Other Clients and allocated among them, the price that the Fund pays or receives may be more in the case of a purchase or less in a sale than if the Adviser served as adviser to only the Fund. When Other Clients are selling a security that a Fund owns, the price of that security may decline as a result of the sales. The compensation that an Adviser receives from Other Clients may be higher than the compensation paid by a Fund to the Adviser. Each Adviser has implemented procedures to monitor trading across the Funds and its Other Clients. Furthermore, each Adviser may recommend a Fund purchase securities of issues to which it, or its affiliate, acts as adviser, manager, sponsor, distributor, marketing agent, or in another capacity and for which it receives advisory or other fees. While this practice may create conflicts of interest, the Adviser has adopted procedures to minimize such conflicts.

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Funds' proxy voting record is available upon request and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Proxies for each Fund's portfolio securities are voted in accordance with the applicable Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures, which are set forth in Appendix A to this SAI.

The Trust is required to disclose annually each Fund's complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX covering the period July 1 through June 30 and file it with the SEC no later than August 31. Form N-PX for the Funds is available through the Funds' website, at vaneck.com, or by writing to 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017. The Funds' Form N-PX is also available on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Funds, each Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 17j-1"). Such Codes of Ethics require, among other things, that "access persons" (as defined in Rule 17j-1) conduct personal securities transactions in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of a position of trust and responsibility. The Codes of Ethics allow such access persons to invest in securities that may be purchased and held by a Fund, provided such investments are done consistently with the provisions of the Codes of Ethics.

**PURCHASE OF SHARES *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

The Funds may invest in securities or futures contracts listed on foreign exchanges which trade on Saturdays or other customary United States national business holidays (i.e., days on which the Funds are not open for business). Consequently, since the Funds will compute their net asset values only Monday through Friday, exclusive of national business holidays, the net asset values of shares of the Funds may be significantly affected on days when an investor has no access to the Funds. The sale of shares will be suspended during any period when the determination of net asset value is suspended, and may be suspended by the Board whenever the Board judges it is in a Fund's best interest to do so.

Certificates for shares of the Funds will not be issued.

The Funds may reject a purchase order for any reason, including an exchange purchase, either before or after the purchase.

If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, different purchase minimums than those set forth herein may apply. VanEck reserves the right to waive the investment minimums under certain circumstances.

VanEck reserves the right to allow a financial intermediary that has a Class I Agreement with VanEck to purchase shares for its own account and for its clients' accounts in Class I shares of a Fund on behalf of its eligible clients which are Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans with plan assets of $3 million or more.

**AVAILABILITY OF DISCOUNTS *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

An investor or the Broker or Agent must notify DST Systems, Inc., the Funds' transfer agent ("DST"), or the Distributor at the time of purchase whenever a quantity discount or reduced or waived sales charge is applicable to a purchase. Quantity discounts described above may be modified or terminated at any time without prior notice.

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**VALUATION OF SHARES**

***All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF*.** The net asset value per share of each of the Funds is computed by dividing the value of all of a Fund's securities plus cash and other assets, less liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding. The net asset value per share is computed as of the close of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. New York time, Monday through Friday, exclusive of national business holidays. The Funds will be closed on the following national business holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day (or the days on which these holidays are observed).

Shares of the Funds are sold at the public offering price, which is determined once each day the Funds are open for business and is the net asset value per share. The net asset values need not be computed on a day in which no orders to purchase, sell or redeem shares of the Funds have been received.

Dividends paid by a Fund with respect to Class A, Class C, Class I, Class Y and Class Z shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be in the same amount, as adjusted by share Class, for any distribution service fees, transfer agency fees, registration costs and expense waivers that are attributable to a share Class. The Board has determined that currently no conflict of interest exists between the Class A, Class C, Class I, Class Y and Class Z shares. On an ongoing basis, the Board, pursuant to their fiduciary duties under the 1940 Act and state laws, will seek to ensure that no such conflict arises.

Class A shares of the Funds are sold at the public offering price, which is determined once each day the Funds are open for business and is the net asset value per share plus a sales charge in accordance with the schedule set forth in the Prospectuses.

Set forth below is an example of the computation of the public offering price for a Class A share of each Fund (which offers Class A shares) on December 31, 2024, under the then-current maximum sales charge:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **CM<br>Commodity<br>Index Fund -<br>Class A** | **Emerging<br>Markets<br>Fund - Class A** | **Global<br>Resources<br>Fund -<br>Class A** | **International<br>Investors<br>Gold Fund -<br>Class A** | **Emerging<br>Markets Bond<br>Fund -<br>Class A** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net asset value and repurchase price per share on $.001 par value capital shares outstanding | $65.61 | $13.23 | $36.43 | $10.40 | $5.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum sales charge (as described in the Prospectus) | $4.01 | $0.81 | $2.22 | $0.64 | $0.32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum offering price per share | $69.62 | $14.04 | $38.65 | $11.04 | $5.52 |

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In determining whether a deferred sales charge is applicable to Class C shares, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption is first from any Class A shares in the shareholder's Fund account (unless a specific request is made to redeem a specific class of shares), Class C shares held for over one year and shares attributable to appreciation or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment, and third of any Class C shares held longest during the applicable period.

Each Fund's investments are generally valued based on market quotations which may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, broker dealers or by an independent pricing service. Short-term debt investments having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates the fair value of the security. Assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. When market quotations are not readily available for a portfolio security or other asset, or, in the opinion of its Adviser, are deemed unreliable, a Fund will use the security's or asset's "fair value" as determined in good faith in accordance with the Funds' Fair Value Pricing Policies and Procedures, which have been approved by the Board. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security or other asset is the amount which a Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security or asset upon its current sale. The Funds' Pricing Committee, whose members are selected by the senior management of the Advisers and reported to the Board, is responsible for recommending fair value procedures to the Board and for administering the process used to arrive at fair value prices. Factors

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that may cause a Fund's Pricing Committee to fair value a security include, but are not limited to: (1) market quotations are not readily available because a portfolio security is not traded in a public market, trading in the security has been suspended, or the principal market in which the security trades is closed, (2) trading in a portfolio security is limited or suspended and not resumed prior to the time at which the Fund calculates its NAV, (3) the market for the relevant security is thin, or the price for the security is "stale" because its price has not changed for 5 consecutive business days, (4) an Adviser determines that a market quotation is not reliable, for example, because price movements are highly volatile and cannot be verified by a reliable alternative pricing source, or (5) a significant event affecting the value of a portfolio security is determined to have occurred between the time of the market quotation provided for a portfolio security and the time at which the Fund calculates its NAV.

In determining the fair value of securities, the Pricing Committee will consider, among other factors, the fundamental analytical data relating to the security, the nature and duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the security, and the forces influencing the market in which the security is traded.

Foreign equity securities in which the Funds invest may be traded in markets that close before the time that each Fund calculates its NAV. Foreign equity securities are normally priced based upon the market quotation of such securities as of the close of their respective principal markets, as adjusted to reflect an Adviser's determination of the impact of events, such as a significant movement in the U.S. markets occurring subsequent to the close of such markets but prior to the time at which the Fund calculates its NAV. In such cases, the Pricing Committee may apply a fair valuation formula to those foreign equity securities based on the Committee's determination of the effect of the U.S. significant event with respect to each local market.

Certain of the Funds' portfolio securities are valued by an independent pricing service approved by the Board. The independent pricing service may utilize an automated system incorporating a model based on multiple parameters, including a security's local closing price (in the case of foreign securities), relevant general and sector indices, currency fluctuations, and trading in depositary receipts and futures, if applicable, and/or research evaluations by its staff, in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such independent pricing service.

There can be no assurance that the Funds could purchase or sell a portfolio security or other asset at the price used to calculate the Funds' NAV. Because of the inherent uncertainty in fair valuations, and the various factors considered in determining value pursuant to the Funds' fair value procedures, there can be material differences between a fair value price at which a portfolio security or other asset is being carried and the price at which it is purchased or sold. Furthermore, changes in the fair valuation of portfolio securities or other assets may be less frequent, and of greater magnitude, than changes in the price of portfolio securities or other assets valued by an independent pricing service, or based on market quotations.

***Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only***

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information—Determination of NAV."

The NAV per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fee, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of the Fund is determined each business day as of the close of trading (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the NYSE.

The values of the Fund's portfolio securities are based on the securities' closing prices on the markets on which the securities trade, when available. Due to the time differences between the United States and certain countries in which the Fund invests, securities on these exchanges may not trade at times when Shares of the Fund will trade. In the absence of a last reported sales price, or if no sales were reported, and for other assets for which market quotes are not readily available, values may be based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or by an outside independent pricing service. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of more than 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean price provided by an outside independent pricing service. If an outside independent pricing service is unable to provide a valuation, the instrument is valued at the mean of the highest bid and the lowest asked quotes obtained from one or more brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. Prices obtained by an outside independent pricing service may use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data related to investments or securities with similar characteristics and may use a computerized grid matrix of securities and its evaluations in determining what it believes is the fair value of the portfolio securities. Short-term debt instruments having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. If a market quotation for a security or other asset is not readily available or the Adviser believes it does not otherwise accurately reflect the market value of the security or asset at the time the Fund calculates its NAV, the security or asset will be fair valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust's valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may also use fair value pricing in a variety of

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circumstances, including but not limited to, situations when the value of a security in the Fund's portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded (such as a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. In addition, the Fund currently expects that it will fair value certain of the foreign equity securities held by the Fund, if any, each day the Fund calculates its NAV, except those securities principally traded on exchanges that close at the same time the Fund calculates its NAV.

Accordingly, the Fund's NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices at the time the exchanges on which they principally trade close. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security or other asset is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of such security or asset. With respect to securities that are principally traded on foreign exchanges, the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will not be able to purchase or sell your Shares.

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**EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE**

Shareholders of a Fund may exchange their shares for shares of the same class of other funds in the Trust that offer an Exchange Privilege for that class. The Exchange Privilege will not be available if the proceeds from a redemption of shares of a Fund whose shares qualify are paid directly to the shareholder. The Exchange Privilege is not available for shares which are not on deposit with DST or UMB Bank ("UMB"), or shares which are held in escrow pursuant to a Letter of Intent. If certificates representing shares of a Fund accompany a written exchange request, such shares will be deposited into an account with the same registration as the certificates upon receipt by DST.

The Funds each reserve the right to (i) charge a fee of not more than $5.00 per exchange payable to a Fund or charge a fee reasonably intended to cover the costs incurred in connection with the exchange; (ii) establish a limit on the number and amount of exchanges made pursuant to the Exchange Privilege, as disclosed in the Prospectuses and (iii) terminate the Exchange Privilege without written notice. In the event of such termination, shareholders who have acquired their shares pursuant to the Exchange Privilege will be afforded the opportunity to re-exchange such shares for shares of the Fund originally purchased without sales charge, for a period of not less than three (3) months.

By exercising the Exchange Privilege, each shareholder whose shares are subject to the Exchange Privilege will be deemed to have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each of its series, their Adviser, sub-investment adviser (if any), distributor, transfer agent, UMB and the officers, directors, employees and agents thereof against any liability, damage, claim or loss, including reasonable costs and attorneys' fees, resulting from acceptance of, or acting or failure to act upon, or acceptance of unauthorized instructions or non-authentic telephone instructions given in connection with, the Exchange Privilege, so long as reasonable procedures are employed to confirm the authenticity of such communications. (For more information on the Exchange Privilege, see the Prospectuses).

**CLASS CONVERSIONS *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

Eligible shareholders may convert their shares from one class to another class within the same Fund, without any conversion fee, upon request by such shareholders or their financial intermediaries. For federal income tax purposes, a same-fund conversion from one class to another is not expected to result in the realization by the shareholder of a capital gain or loss (non-taxable conversion). Generally, Class A shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and Class C shares subject to a contingent deferred redemption charge ("CDRC") are not eligible for conversion until the applicable CDSC or CDRC period has expired. However, some waivers of the CDSC or CDRC may apply as specified in the Prospectus. Shares eligible for conversion are exchanged between classes of the same fund on a dollar-for-dollar basis at NAV. Not all share classes are available through all financial intermediaries or all their account types or programs. To determine whether you are eligible to invest in a specific class of shares, see the section of the Prospectuses entitled "Shareholder Information - How to Choose a Class of Shares" and contact your financial intermediary for additional information.

**INVESTMENT PROGRAMS *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

***Dividend Reinvestment Plan.*** Reinvestments of dividends of the Funds will occur on a date selected by the Board.

***Automatic Exchange Plan.*** Investors with accounts held directly at the Fund may arrange under the Automatic Exchange Plan to have DST collect a specified amount once a month or quarter from the investor's account in one of the Funds and purchase full and fractional shares of another Fund in the same class at the public offering price next computed after receipt of the proceeds. Further details of the Automatic Exchange Plan are given in the application which is available from DST or the Funds. Class C shares are not eligible. Accounts opened through a financial intermediary may be eligible for a similar plan offered by that financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for details.

An investor should realize that he is investing his funds in securities subject to market fluctuations, and accordingly the Automatic Exchange Plan does not assure a profit or protect against depreciation in declining markets. The Automatic Exchange Plan contemplates the systematic purchase of securities at regular intervals regardless of price levels.

The expenses of the Automatic Exchange Plan are general expenses of a Fund and will not involve any direct charge to the participating shareholder. The Automatic Exchange Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated on fifteen days' notice to DST.

***Letter of Intent ("LOI" or "Letter").*** For LOIs, out of an initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary), 5% of the specified dollar amount of an LOI will be held in escrow by DST in a shareholder's account until the shareholder's total purchases of the VanEck Funds pursuant to the LOI plus a shareholder's accumulation credit (if any) equal the amount specified in the Letter. A purchase not originally made pursuant to an LOI may be included under a backdated Letter executed within 90 days of such purchase (accumulation credit). If total purchases pursuant to the Letter plus any accumulation credit are less than the specified amount of the Letter, the shareholder must remit to the Distributor an amount equal to the difference in

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the dollar amount of the sales charge the shareholder actually paid and the amount of the sales charge which the shareholder would have paid on the aggregate purchases if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. If the shareholder does not, within 20 business days after written request by the dealer or bank or by the Distributor, pay such difference in sales charge, DST, upon instructions from the Distributor, is authorized to cause to be repurchased (liquidated) an appropriate number of the escrowed shares in order to realize such difference. A shareholder irrevocably constitutes and appoints DST, as escrow agent, to surrender for repurchase any or all escrowed shares with full power of substitution in the premises and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectuses and SAI. A LOI is not effective until it is accepted by the Distributor.

***Automatic Investment Plan.*** Investors with accounts held directly at the Fund may arrange under the Automatic Investment Plan to have DST collect a specified amount once a month or quarter from the investor's checking account and purchase full and fractional shares of a Fund at the public offering price next computed after receipt of the proceeds. Further details of the Automatic Investment Plan are given in the application which is available from DST or the Funds. Accounts opened through a financial intermediary may be eligible for a similar plan offered by that financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for details.

An investor should realize that he is investing his funds in securities subject to market fluctuations, and accordingly the Automatic Investment Plan does not assure a profit or protect against depreciation in declining markets. The Automatic Investment Plan contemplates the systematic purchase of securities at regular intervals regardless of price levels.

The expenses of the Automatic Investment Plan are general expenses of a Fund and will not involve any direct charge to the participating shareholder. The Automatic Investment Plan is completely voluntary. The Automatic Investment Plan may be terminated on thirty days' notice to DST.

***Automatic Withdrawal Plan.*** Investors with accounts held directly at the Fund may establish the Automatic Withdrawal Plan which is designed to provide a convenient method of receiving fixed redemption proceeds at regular intervals from shares of a Fund deposited by the investor under this Plan. Class C shares are not eligible, except for automatic withdrawals for the purpose of retirement account distributions. Further details of the Automatic Withdrawal Plan are given in the application, which is available from DST or the Funds. Accounts opened through a financial intermediary may be eligible for a similar plan offered by that financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for details.

In order to open an Automatic Withdrawal Plan, the investor must complete the Application and deposit or purchase for deposit, with DST, the agent for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, shares of a Fund having a total value of not less than $10,000 based on the offering price on the date the Application is accepted, except for automatic withdrawals for the purpose of retirement account distributions.

Income dividends and capital gains distributions on shares under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan will be credited to the investor's Automatic Withdrawal Plan account in full and fractional shares at the net asset value in effect on the reinvestment date.

Periodic checks for a specified amount will be sent to the investor, or any person designated by him, monthly or quarterly. A Fund will bear the cost of administering the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

Redemption of shares of a Fund deposited under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan may deplete or possibly use up the initial investment plus income dividends and distributions reinvested, particularly in the event of a market decline. In addition, the amounts received by an investor cannot be considered an actual yield or income on his investment, since part of such payments may be a return of his capital. The redemption of shares under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan may give rise to a taxable event.

The maintenance of an Automatic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional shares of a Fund would be disadvantageous because of the sales charge payable with respect to such purchases. An investor may not have an Automatic Withdrawal Plan in effect and at the same time have in effect an Automatic Investment Plan or an Automatic Exchange Plan. If an investor has an Automatic Investment Plan or an Automatic Exchange Plan, such service must be terminated before an Automatic Withdrawal Plan may take effect.

The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time (1) on 30 days notice to DST or from DST to the investor, (2) upon receipt by DST of appropriate evidence of the investor's death or (3) when all shares under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan have been redeemed. Upon termination, unless otherwise requested, certificates representing remaining full shares, if any, will be delivered to the investor or his duly appointed legal representatives.

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**TAXES**

The following summary outlines certain federal income tax considerations relating to an investment in the Funds by a taxable U.S. investor (as defined below). This summary is intended only to provide general information to U.S. investors that hold the shares as a capital asset, is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning, does not address any foreign, state or local tax consequences of an investment in the Fund, and does not address the tax considerations that may be relevant to investors subject to special treatment under the Code, including, without limitation, U.S. expatriates, brokers or dealers in securities, traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting, tax-exempt entities, Non-U.S. investors (except to the limited extent discussed below), regulated investment companies, REITs, grantor trusts, U.S. investors that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, financial institutions, insurance companies, personal holding companies, or persons who acquire an interest in the Funds in connection with the performance of services. This summary should not be construed as legal or tax advice. This summary is based on the provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative pronouncements of the IRS and judicial decisions in effect as of the date of this SAI. Those authorities may be changed, possibly retroactively, or may be subject to differing interpretations so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized herein. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the potential federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund, with specific reference to their own tax situation.

As used herein, the term "U.S. investor" means an investor that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (1) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S., (2) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or of any political subdivision thereof, (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or (4) a trust if (i) it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and one or more U.S. persons as described in Code Section 7701(a)(30) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. The term "Non-U.S. investor" means any investor that is not a U.S. investor, and who, in addition, is not a partnership or other fiscally transparent entity. If a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership or equity owner in such other entity generally will depend on the status of the partner or equity owner and the activities of the partnership or other entity.

**TAXATION OF THE FUNDS IN GENERAL**

Each of the Funds has elected and intends to operate in a manner that will permit it to qualify to be treated each taxable year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify, each Fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies; and (b) satisfy certain diversification requirements.

As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gain net income (net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders if at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for the taxable year is distributed. However, if for any taxable year a Fund does not satisfy the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at the corporate income tax rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions will be taxable to shareholders as dividend income to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated earnings or profits. In lieu of potential disqualification, a Fund is permitted to pay a tax for certain failures to satisfy the above requirements, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

Each Fund will be liable for a nondeductible 4% excise tax on amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement. To avoid the excise tax, during each calendar year the Fund must distribute, or be deemed to have distributed, (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) at least 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the twelve month period ending on October 31 (or December 31, if the Fund so elects), and (iii) all ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years. For this purpose, any income or gain retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. The Funds intend to make sufficient distributions to avoid this 4% excise tax.

The capital losses of a Fund, if any, do not flow through to shareholders. Rather, the Fund may use its capital losses, subject to applicable limitations, to offset its capital gains without being required to pay taxes on or distribute to shareholders such gains that are offset by the losses. Any net capital losses of a Fund realized that are not used to offset capital gains may be carried forward indefinitely to reduce any future capital gains realized by the Fund in succeeding taxable years.

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**TAXATION OF THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS**

***Original Issue Discount and Market Discount.*** For federal income tax purposes, debt securities purchased by a Fund may be treated as having original issue discount. Original issue discount represents interest for federal income tax purposes and can generally be defined as the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of a debt obligation over the issue price. Original issue discount is treated for federal income tax purposes as income earned by the Funds, whether or not any income is actually received, and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of the Code. Generally, the amount of original issue discount included in the income of the Fund each year is determined on the basis of a constant yield to maturity which takes into account the compounding of accrued interest. Because the Funds must include original issue discount in income regardless of whether they actually receive income, investment in original issue discount securities will make it more difficult for the Funds to make the distributions required for them to maintain their status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code or to avoid the 4% excise tax described above.

Debt securities may be purchased by the Funds at a discount which exceeds the original issue discount remaining on the securities, if any, at the time the Funds purchased the securities. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes. In the case of any debt security issued after July 18, 1984, having a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issue and having market discount, the gain realized on disposition will be treated as interest to the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount on the security (unless the Funds elect to include such accrued market discount in income in the tax year to which it is attributable). Generally, market discount is accrued on a daily basis. The Funds may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently, part or all of any direct interest expense incurred or continued to purchase or carry any debt security having market discount, unless they make the election to include market discount currently.

***Options, Futures, Forward Contracts, Swap Agreements and Hedging Transactions.*** In general, option premiums received by a Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If an option written by a Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) the sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund's basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received from its cost basis in the securities purchased. The gain or loss with respect to any termination of a Fund's obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option and related sale or delivery of the underlying stock generally will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

The tax treatment of certain futures contracts entered into by a Fund as well as listed non-equity options written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges (including options on futures contracts, broad-based equity indices and debt securities) may be governed by section 1256 of the Code ("section 1256 contracts"). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, any section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are "marked to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable. Section 1256 contracts do not include any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement.

In addition to the special rules described above in respect of options and futures transactions, a Fund's transactions in other derivatives instruments (including options, forward contracts and swap agreements) as well as its other hedging, short sale, or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (including the constructive sale, notional principal contract, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities. These rules, therefore, could affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders. Moreover, because the tax rules applicable to derivatives instruments are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a Fund-level tax.

Certain of a Fund's investments in derivatives and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and the Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, may produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund's book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could

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be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company. If a Fund's book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution of any such excess will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including current earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income, reduced by related deductions), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

***Foreign Currency Transactions.*** Under Section 988 of the Code, special rules are provided for certain foreign currency transactions. Foreign currency gains or losses from foreign currency contracts (whether or not traded in the interbank market), from futures contracts on foreign currencies that are not "regulated futures contracts," and from unlisted or equity options are treated as ordinary income or loss under Section 988 of the Code. The Funds may elect to have foreign currency-related regulated futures contracts and listed non-equity options be subject to ordinary income or loss treatment under Section 988 of the Code. In addition, in certain circumstances, the Funds may elect capital gain or loss treatment for foreign currency transactions. The rules under Section 988 of the Code may also affect the timing of income recognized by the Funds. The Treasury Department is authorized to issue regulations excluding foreign currency gains that are not directly related to a regulated investment company's investment in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) for purposes of the qualifying income test described above, and so the Funds may have to limit their investments in order to enable them to satisfy this test.

***PFIC investments.*** A Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as PFICs. In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, a Fund generally intends to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years. Deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income that a Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold or received dividends from these securities. You should also be aware that the designation of a foreign security as a PFIC security will cause its income dividends to fall outside of the definition of qualified foreign corporation dividends. These dividends generally will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation on qualified dividends when distributed to you by a Fund. Foreign companies are not required to identify themselves as PFICs. Due to various complexities in identifying PFICs, a Fund can give no assurances that it will be able to identify portfolio securities in foreign corporations that are PFICs in time for the Fund to make a mark-to-market or other appropriate election. If a Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on a Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

***Investments in Commodities and Commodity-Linked Derivatives.*** The Funds may gain exposure to the commodities markets through investments in commodity index-linked derivative instruments and, in the case of the International Investors Gold Fund, CM Commodity Index Fund and Onchain Economy ETF, through its investment in the Subsidiary (discussed below). Commodities, including precious metals, are not qualifying assets for purposes of satisfying the diversification requirements and gains from these investments are not considered qualifying income for purposes of satisfying the income requirement for treatment as a regulated investment company. An IRS revenue ruling holds that income derived from commodity-linked swaps also is not qualifying income for purposes of the income requirement. In September 2016 the Internal Revenue Service announced that it will no longer issue private letter rulings on questions relating to the treatment of a corporation as a regulated investment company that require a determination of whether a financial instrument or position is a security under section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act. (A financial instrument or position that constitutes a security under section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act generates qualifying income for a corporation taxed as a regulated investment company.) The IRS also revoked private letter rulings issued to some funds regarding the treatment of income from commodity-linked notes held directly by such funds. Given the uncertainty surrounding the treatment of certain commodity-linked derivative instruments under the qualification tests for a regulated investment company, the Fund may face limits on its ability to invest directly in such derivative instruments.

***Subsidiary.*** Each of CM Commodity Index Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF intends to invest a portion of its assets in its respective Subsidiary, which will each be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each of the Subsidiaries will be treated as a controlled foreign corporation ("CFC") and each of the CM Commodity Index Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF will be treated as a "U.S. shareholder" of the respective Subsidiary. As a result, each of the CM Commodity Index Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF will be required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of its Subsidiary's "subpart F income," whether or not such income is distributed to the Fund (deemed inclusions). Recently released Treasury Regulations permit the Fund to treat deemed inclusions as satisfying the Income Requirement even if the Subsidiary does not make a distribution of such income. It is expected that all of the CMCI Subsidiary, Gold Subsidiary and Onchain Subsidiary's income will be "subpart F income." CM Commodity Index Fund,

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International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF's recognition of their Subsidiary's "subpart F income" will increase the Fund's tax basis in the Subsidiary. Distributions by the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary and the Onchain Subsidiary to CM Commodity Index Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF, respectively will be tax-free, to the extent of its previously undistributed "subpart F income," and will correspondingly reduce each of CM Commodity Index Fund, International Investors Gold Fund and Onchain Economy ETF's tax basis in its respective Subsidiary. "Subpart F income" is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CMCI Subsidiary, Gold Subsidiary or Onchain Subsidiary's underlying income. If a net loss is realized by the CMCI Subsidiary, Gold Subsidiary or Onchain Subsidiary, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by the Subsidiary's parent Fund.

A foreign corporation, such as the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary or the Onchain Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. It is expected that each of the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary and the Onchain Subsidiary will conduct its activities in a manner so as to meet the requirements of a safe harbor under Section 864(b)(2) of the Code under which the Subsidiary may engage in trading in stocks or securities or certain commodities under certain circumstances without being deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However, if certain of the CMCI Subsidiary, Gold Subsidiary or Onchain Subsidiary's activities were determined not to be of the type described in the safe harbor (which the CM Commodity Index Fund, the International Investor Gold Fund and the Onchain Economy ETF do not expect), then the activities of such Subsidiary may constitute a U.S. trade or business, or be taxed as such.

In general, foreign corporations, such as the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary and the Onchain Subsidiary, that do not conduct a U.S. trade or business are nonetheless subject to tax at a flat rate of 30 percent (or lower tax treaty rate), generally payable through withholding, on the gross amount of certain U.S.-source income that is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. There is presently no tax treaty in force between the U.S. and the Cayman Islands, where each of the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary and the Onchain Subsidiary is a resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that would reduce this rate of withholding tax. It is not expected that the CMCI Subsidiary, the Gold Subsidiary or the Onchain Subsidiary will derive income subject to such withholding tax.

***Investments in Chinese Bonds***

The Emerging Markets Bond Fund and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF may invest in RMB-denominated bonds issued in the PRC.

There are some uncertainties in the PRC tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in the PRC due to the lack of formal guidance from the PRC's tax authorities that could result in unexpected tax liabilities. On the basis that nonresidents enterprises (i) do not have places of business, establishments or permanent establishments in the PRC; and (ii) are not PRC tax resident enterprises, China generally may impose Withholding Income Tax ("WHT") at a rate of 10% (which may be reduced by the double taxation agreement/arrangement) on interest derived by nonresidents, from issuers resident in the PRC. However, on November 7, 2018, the PRC Ministry of Finance (MOF) and PRC State Administration of Taxation (SAT) jointly issued Caishui 2018 108 (Circular 108) to clarify the temporary three-year tax exemption on bond interest derived by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pursuant to Circular 108, FIIs are temporarily exempt from withholding income tax and value added tax with respect to bond interest income derived in the domestic bond market (via CIBM and Hong Kong Bond Connect) from November 7, 2018 to November 6, 2021. On November 26, 2021, the PRC Ministry of Finance and PRC State Taxation Administration jointly issued Caishui [2021] No. 34 ("Circular 34") to formally extend the tax exemption period provided in Circular 108 to December 31, 2025. Additionally, prior to November 7, 2018, interest received by nonresidents from PRC government bonds issued by the PRC Ministry of Finance ("MOF") or local government bonds was exempt from WHT. The term "local government bonds" refers to bonds which are approved by the PRC State Council to be issued by governments of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the PRC government or municipalities separately listed on the state plan.

Under the PRC Corporate Income Tax regime, PRC also imposes WHT at a rate of 10% (subject to treaty relief) on PRC-sourced capital gains derived by nonresident enterprises, provided that the nonresident enterprises (i) do not have places of business, establishments or permanent establishments in the PRC; and (ii) are not PRC tax resident enterprises. The Emerging Markets Bond Fund and the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF currently consider capital gains derived from bonds issued by PRC entities to be non PRC-sourced income, and thus nonresident enterprises should not be subject to WHT on such gains.

Gains derived by nonresidents from the trading of bonds issued by PRC entities should be exempt from value-added tax.

**TAXATION OF U.S. INVESTORS**

**Fund Distributions.** Distributions of net investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of a Fund's earnings and profits, a portion of which may be qualified dividends eligible to be taxed at reduced rates as discussed below. Dividends of net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are

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generally taxable as ordinary income to shareholders. Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that are properly reported by the Fund as such are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders, except to the extent of gain from a sale or disposition of collectibles, such as precious metals, taxable currently at a maximum 24% rate. Any loss incurred on a redemption or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributed to you by the Fund on those shares. Distributions by a Fund that are not paid from earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in his shares; any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of shares.

Dividends of net investment income and distributions of net capital gain will be taxable as described above whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. When distributions are received in the form of shares issued by the Funds, the amount of the dividend/distribution deemed to have been received by participating shareholders generally is the amount of cash which would otherwise have been received. In such case, participating shareholders will have a tax liability without a corresponding receipt of cash and will also have a basis for federal income tax purposes in each share received from the Funds equal to such amount of cash.

Dividends and/or distributions by the Funds result in a reduction in the net asset value of the Funds' shares. Should a dividend/distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's cost basis, such dividend/distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income or long-term capital gain as described above, even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In particular, investors should be careful to consider the tax implications of buying shares just prior to a dividend/distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of any forthcoming dividend/distribution. Those investors purchasing shares just prior to a dividend/distribution will then receive a return of their investment upon payment of such dividend/distribution which will nevertheless be taxable to them.

**Qualified Dividend Income.** A portion of the dividend income received by a Fund may constitute qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at a maximum rate of 20% to individuals, trusts and estates. If the aggregate amount of qualified dividend income received by the Fund during any taxable year is less than 95% of the Fund's gross income (as specifically defined for that purpose), qualified dividend treatment applies only if and to the extent reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income. A Fund may report such dividends as qualified dividend income only to the extent the Fund itself has qualified dividend income for the taxable year with respect to which such dividends are made. Qualified dividend income is generally dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States, or whose stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States), provided the Fund has held the stock in such corporations for more than 60 days during the 121 day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such stock becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (the "holding period requirement"). In order to be eligible for the 20% maximum rate on dividends from the Fund attributable to qualified dividends, shareholders must separately satisfy the holding period requirement with respect to their Fund shares.

**Dividends-Received Deduction for Corporations.** For corporate shareholders, a portion of the dividends paid by a Fund may qualify for the 50% corporate dividends-received deduction. The portion of dividends paid by the Fund that so qualifies will be reported by the Fund to shareholders each year and cannot exceed the gross amount of dividends received by the Fund from domestic (U.S.) corporations. The availability of the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding period and debt financing restrictions that apply to both the Fund and the investor. Specifically, the amount that the Fund may report as eligible for the dividends-received deduction will be reduced or eliminated if the shares on which the dividends earned by the Fund were debt-financed or held by the Fund for less than a minimum period of time, generally 46 days during a 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend. Similarly, if your Fund shares are debt-financed or held by you for less than a 46-day period then the dividends-received deduction for Fund dividends on your shares may also be reduced or eliminated. Income derived by the Fund from investments in derivatives, fixed income and foreign securities generally is not eligible for this treatment.

**Sales Load *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)*.** If a shareholder (i) incurs a sales load in acquiring shares in the Funds, and (ii) by reason of incurring such charge or making such acquisition acquires the right to acquire shares of one or more regulated investment companies without the payment of a load or with the payment of a reduced load ("reinvestment right"), and (iii) disposes of the shares before the 91st day after the date on which the shares were acquired, and (iv) subsequently acquires shares in that regulated investment company or in another regulated investment company and the otherwise applicable load charge is reduced pursuant to the reinvestment right, then the load charge will not be taken into account for purposes of determining the shareholder's gain or loss on the disposition. For sales charges incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010, this sales charge deferral rule shall apply only when a shareholder makes such new acquisition of Fund shares or shares of a different regulated investment company during the period beginning on the date the original Fund shares are disposed of and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year of the disposition of the original Fund shares. To the extent such charge is not taken into account in determining

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the amount of gain or loss, the charge will be treated as incurred in connection with the subsequently acquired shares and will have a corresponding effect on the shareholder's basis in such shares.

**Pass-through of Foreign Tax Credits.** A Fund may be subject to a tax on dividend or interest income received from securities of a non-U.S. issuer withheld by a foreign country at the source. The U.S. has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of a taxable year consists of stocks or securities in foreign corporations, and the Fund satisfies the holding period requirements, the Fund may elect to pass through to its shareholders the foreign income taxes paid thereby. A qualified fund of funds, i.e. a Fund at least 50 percent of the value of the total assets of which (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) is represented by interests in other RICs, is eligible to pass-through to shareholders foreign tax credits. In such case, the shareholders would be treated as receiving, in addition to the distributions actually received by the shareholders, their proportionate share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund or received from underlying funds, and will be treated as having paid such foreign taxes. The shareholders generally will be entitled to deduct or, subject to certain limitations, claim a foreign tax credit with respect to such foreign income taxes. A foreign tax credit may be allowed for shareholders who hold shares of the Fund for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days before the ex-dividend date. Under certain circumstances, individual shareholders who have been passed through foreign tax credits of no more than $300 ($600 in the case of married couples filing jointly) during a tax year can elect to claim the foreign tax credit for these amounts directly on their federal income tax returns (IRS Forms 1040) without having to file a separate Form 1116 or having to comply with most foreign tax credit limitations, provided certain other requirements are met.

**Backup Withholding.** Each Fund may be required to backup withhold federal income tax at a current rate of 24% from dividends paid to any shareholder who fails to furnish a certified taxpayer identification number ("TIN") or who fails to certify that he or she is exempt from such withholding, or who the IRS notifies the Fund as having provided the Fund with an incorrect TIN or failed to properly report interest or dividends for federal income tax purposes. Any such withheld amount will be fully creditable on the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax return, provided certain requirements are met. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can also be subject to IRS penalties.

**Medicare Tax.** A U.S. person that is an individual is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. person's "net investment income" for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. person's modified gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which currently is between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual's circumstances). Estates and trusts that do not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax are subject to the same 3.8% tax on the lesser of their undistributed net investment income and the excess of their adjusted gross income over a certain threshold. Net investment income generally includes dividends on our stock and gain from the sale of our stock. A prospective investor that is a U.S. individual, estate or trust is urged to consult a tax advisor regarding the applicability of this tax.

**Dividends Declared in December and Paid in January.** Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by the Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends declared in October, November or December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to have been received by the shareholders (and made by the Fund) on December 31 of such calendar year if such dividends are actually paid in January of the following year. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year in accordance with the guidance that has been provided by the IRS.

**Wash Sales.** All or a portion of any loss that you realize on a redemption of your Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in the Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be added to your tax basis in the new shares.

**Securities lending.** While securities are loaned out by a Fund, the Fund generally will receive from the borrower amounts equal to any dividends or interest paid on the borrowed securities. For federal income tax purposes, payments made "in lieu of" dividends are not considered dividend income. These distributions will neither qualify for the reduced rate of taxation for individuals on qualified dividends nor the 50% dividends-received deduction for corporations. Also, any foreign tax withheld on payments made "in lieu of" dividends or interest will not qualify for the pass-through of foreign tax credits to shareholders.

**Reportable Transactions.** Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

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**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**

**TAXATION OF NON-U.S. INVESTORS**

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of a Non-U.S. investor investing in the Fund is complex and will vary depending upon the circumstances of the Non-U.S. investor and the activities of the Fund. Distributions of ordinary income paid to Non-U.S. investors generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable treaty. Exemptions from U.S. withholding tax are provided for certain capital gain dividends paid by a Fund from net long-term capital gains, interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, if such amounts are reported by a Fund. However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any such dividends and distributions of income and capital gains will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 24% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person. Prospective Non-U.S. investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the specific tax consequences applicable to them.

**FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT**

As part of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, ("FATCA"), the Funds are required to impose a 30% withholding tax on income dividends paid by the Fund to (i) foreign financial institutions ("FFI's"), including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain nonfinancial foreign entities ("NFFE's"), unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. After December 31, 2018, FATCA withholding also would have applied to certain capital gain distributions, return of capital distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares; however, based on proposed regulations recently issued by the IRS, which can be relied on currently, such withholding is no longer required unless final regulations provide otherwise (which is not expected). To avoid possible withholding, FFI's, other than FFIs subject to special treatment under certain intergovernmental agreements, will need to enter into agreements with the IRS which state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, account numbers and balances, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of U.S. account holders and comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts as well as agree to withhold tax on certain types of withholdable payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to applicable foreign account holders who fail to provide the required information to the IRS, or similar account information and required documentation to a local revenue authority, should an applicable intergovernmental agreement be implemented. NFFE's will need to provide certain information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply, or agree to provide certain information to the IRS.

The Funds may be subject to the FATCA withholding obligation, and also will be required to perform due diligence reviews to classify foreign entity investors for FATCA purposes. Investors are required to agree to provide information necessary to allow the Funds to comply with the FATCA rules. If the Funds are required to withhold amounts from payments pursuant to FATCA, investors will receive distributions that are reduced by such withholding amounts.

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**ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION *(All Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF)***

PROCESSING AND SERVICE FEES

Dealers and intermediaries may charge their customers a processing or service fee in connection with the purchase or redemption of fund shares. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and disclosed to its customers by each individual dealer. Processing or service fees typically are fixed, nominal dollar amounts and are in addition to the sales and other charges described in the Prospectuses and this SAI. Your dealer will provide you with specific information about any processing or service fees you will be charged.

REDEMPTIONS IN KIND

The Trust has reserved the right to redeem its shares in kind. With respect to such reservation of rights, each of Global Resources Fund and International Investors Gold Fund has committed itself to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record limited in amount with respect to each shareholder of record during any ninety-day period to the lesser of (i) $250,000 or (ii) 1% of the net asset value of such company at the beginning of such period.

REDEMPTIONS INITIATED BY A FUND

Each Fund reserves the right to redeem your shares in the Fund if the Fund's Board determines that the failure to so redeem may have materially adverse consequences to the shareholders of the Fund. For example, the Board may make such a determination if a shareholder's residence in a particular foreign jurisdiction would cause the Fund to be subject to burdensome regulatory restrictions.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 3, 1985. On May 1, 2016, Van Eck Funds changed its name to VanEck Funds.

The Board has authority to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each Fund, $.001 par value.

Emerging Markets Bond Fund, International Investors Gold Fund, Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF are classified as non-diversified funds under the 1940 Act. CM Commodity Index Fund, Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund are classified as diversified funds under the 1940 Act. A diversified fund is a fund which meets the following requirements: At least 75% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), Government securities, securities of other investment companies and other securities for the purpose of this calculation limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets, and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. A non-diversified fund is any fund other than a diversified fund. This means that the fund at the close of each quarter of its taxable year must, in general, limit its investment in the securities of a single issuer to (i) no more than 25% of its assets, (ii) with respect to 50% of the fund's assets, no more than 5% of its assets, and (iii) the fund will not own more than 10% of outstanding voting securities. Each Fund is a separate pool of assets of the Trust which is separately managed and which may have a different investment objective from that of another Fund. The Board has the authority, without the necessity of a shareholder vote, to create any number of new series.

Each share of a Fund has equal dividend, redemption and liquidation rights and when issued is fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust. Under the Trust's Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement, as amended (the "Master Trust Agreement"), no annual or regular meeting of shareholders is required. Thus, there will ordinarily be no shareholder meetings unless required by the 1940 Act. The Board is a self-perpetuating body unless and until fewer than 50% of the Trustees, then serving as Trustees, are Trustees who were elected by shareholders. At that time a meeting of shareholders will be called to elect additional trustees. On any matter submitted to the shareholders, the holder of each Trust share is entitled to one vote per share (with proportionate voting for fractional shares). Under the Master Trust Agreement, any Trustee may be removed by vote of two-thirds of the outstanding Trust shares, and holders of ten percent or more of the outstanding shares of the Trust can require the Board to call a meeting of shareholders for purposes of voting on the removal of one or more Trustees. Shares of each Fund vote as a separate class, except with respect to the election of Trustees and as otherwise required by the 1940 Act. On matters affecting an individual Fund, a separate vote of that Fund is required. Shareholders of a Fund are not entitled to vote on any matter not affecting that Fund. In accordance with the 1940 Act, under certain circumstances, the Trust will assist shareholders in communicating with other shareholders in connection with calling a special meeting of shareholders.

Under Massachusetts law, the shareholders of the Trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liability for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Master Trust Agreement disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The Master Trust Agreement provides for indemnification out of the Trust's property of

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all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. The Advisers believe that, in view of the above, the risk of personal liability to shareholders is remote.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

***Custodian.*** State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as the custodian of the Trust's portfolio securities, cash, coins and bullion. The Custodian is authorized, upon the approval of the Trust, to establish credits or debits in dollars or foreign currencies with, and to cause portfolio securities of a Fund to be held by its overseas branches or subsidiaries, and foreign banks and foreign securities depositories which qualify as eligible foreign custodians under the rules adopted by the SEC.

***Transfer Agent (all Funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF).*** SS&C GIDS, Inc., 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 218407, Kansas City, MO 64105-1307, serves as transfer agent for all funds except Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF.

***Transfer Agent (Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF only)****.* State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as transfer agent for Onchain Economy ETF and VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF.

***Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*** PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 300 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017, serves as independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust.

***Counsel.*** Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young LLP, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as counsel to the Trust.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The <u>[audited financial statements of the Funds (except Onchain Economy ETF](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[and VanEck Emerging Mar](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[kets Bond ETF](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)[) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041325000892/c111943_ncsr-ixbrl.htm)</u> are incorporated by reference from the Funds' filings on Form N-CSR. Onchain Economy ETF commenced operations on May 13, 2025 and therefore does not have a financial history. VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF is expected to commence operations on or about October 6, 2025 and therefore does not have a financial history.The Funds' filings on Form N-CSR are available at no charge by visiting the VanEck website at vaneck.com, or upon written or telephone request to the Trust at the address or telephone number set forth on the first page of this SAI.

**LICENSING AGREEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS**

VEAC has entered into a licensing agreement with Morningstar to use the Wide Moat Index. VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund is entitled to use the Wide Moat Index pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with VEAC.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar. Morningstar makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the shareholders of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund in particular or the ability of the Fund to track general stock market performance. Morningstar's only relationship to VEAC is the licensing of certain service marks and service names of Morningstar and of the Wide Moat Index, which are determined, composed and calculated by Morningstar without regard to VEAC or VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund. Morningstar has no obligation to take the needs of VEAC or the shareholders of the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Wide Moat Index. Morningstar is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is converted into cash. Morningstar has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund.

MORNINGSTAR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE WIDE MOAT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND MORNINGSTAR SHALL HAVE NOT LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY VEAC, SHAREHOLDERS OF THE VANECK MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE WIDE MOAT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. MORNINGSTAR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE WIDE MOAT INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL MORNINGSTAR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY

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SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

VEAC has also entered into a licensing agreement with UBS AG, London ("UBS") to use the UBS Constant Maturity Commodity Total Return Index (the "CMCI"). The CM Commodity Index Fund is entitled to use the CMCI pursuant to a sub-licensing arrangement with VEAC.

UBS owns or exclusively licenses all proprietary rights with respect to the CMCI. Any third-party product based on or related to the CMCI ("Product") may only be issued upon the prior joint written approval of UBS and upon the execution of a license agreement between UBS and the party intending to launch a Product (a "Licensee"). In no way does UBS sponsor or endorse, nor is it otherwise involved in the issuance and offering of a Product nor does it make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the Product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the Product or commodities generally or in futures particularly, or as to results to be obtained from the use of the CMCI or from the Product. Further, UBS does not provide investment advice to any Licensee specific to the Product, other than providing the CMCI as agreed in the license agreement with the Licensee, and which will be done without consideration of the particular needs of the Product or the Licensee. UBS specifically disclaims any liability to any party for any inaccuracy in the data on which the CMCI is based, for any mistakes, errors, omissions or interruptions in the calculation and/or dissemination of the Fund, or for the manner in which such is applied in connection with the issuance and offering of a Product. In no event shall UBS have any liability to any party for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or losses.

**THIS IS NOT AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION BY UBS OF AN OFFER TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITY OR INVESTMENT. PAST PERFORMANCE OF THE UBS CONSTANT MATURITY COMMODITY INDEX IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.**

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**APPENDIX A**

**VEAC AND VEARA'S PROXY VOTING POLICIES**

**VANECK PROXY VOTING POLICIES**

VanEck (the "Adviser" or "VanEck") has adopted the following policies and procedures which are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of its clients in accordance with its fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. When an adviser has been granted proxy voting authority by a client, the adviser owes its clients the duties of care and loyalty in performing this service on their behalf. The duty of care requires the adviser to monitor corporate actions and vote client proxies. The duty of loyalty requires the adviser to cast the proxy votes in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the client.

Rule 206(4)-6 also requires the Adviser to disclose information about the proxy voting procedures to its clients and to inform clients how to obtain information about how their proxies were voted. Additionally, Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act requires the Adviser to maintain certain proxy voting records.

An adviser that exercises voting authority without complying with Rule 206(4)-6 will be deemed to have engaged in a "fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative" act, practice or course of business within the meaning of Section 206(4) of the Advisers Act.

The Adviser intends to vote all proxies in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, and in the best interests of clients without influence by real or apparent conflicts of interest. To assist in its responsibility for voting proxies and the overall voting process, the Adviser has engaged an independent third party proxy voting specialist, Glass Lewis & Co., LLC. The services provided by Glass Lewis include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations as well as vote execution, reporting and recordkeeping.

**Resolving Material Conflicts of Interest**

When a material conflict of interest exists, proxies will be voted in the following manner:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Strict adherence to the Glass Lewis guidelines, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The potential conflict will be disclosed to the client:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.with a request that the client vote the proxy,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.with a recommendation that the client engage another party to determine how the proxy should be voted or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.if the foregoing are not acceptable to the client, disclosure of how VanEck intends to vote and a written consent to that vote by the client.

Any deviations from the foregoing voting mechanisms must be approved by the Chief Compliance Officer with a written explanation of the reason for the deviation.

A **material conflict of interest** means the existence of a business relationship between a portfolio company or an affiliate and the Adviser, any affiliate or subsidiary, or an "affiliated person" of a VanEck mutual fund. Examples of when a material conflict of interest exists include a situation where the adviser provides significant investment advisory, brokerage or other services to a company whose management is soliciting proxies; an officer of the Adviser serves on the board of a charitable organization that receives charitable contributions from the portfolio company and the charitable organization is a client of the Adviser; a portfolio company that is a significant selling agent of the Adviser's products and services solicits proxies; a broker-dealer or insurance company that controls 5% or more of the Adviser's assets solicits proxies; the Adviser serves as an investment adviser to the pension or other investment account of the portfolio company; the Adviser and the portfolio company have a lending relationship. In each of these situations voting against management may cause the Adviser a loss of revenue or other benefit.

**Client Inquiries**

All inquiries by clients as to how the Adviser has voted proxies must immediately be forwarded to Portfolio Administration.

**Disclosure to Clients:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Notification of Availability of Information

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Client Brochure - The Client Brochure or Part II of Form ADV will inform clients that they can obtain information from the Adviser on how their proxies were voted. The Client Brochure or Part II of Form ADV will be mailed to each client annually. The Legal Department will be responsible for coordinating the mailing with Sales/Marketing Departments.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Availability of Proxy Voting Information

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.At the client's request or if the information is not available on the Adviser's website, a hard copy of the account's proxy votes will be mailed to each client.

**Recordkeeping Requirements**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. VanEck will retain the following documentation and information for each matter relating to a portfolio security with respect to which a client was entitled to vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.proxy statements received;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.identifying number for the portfolio security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.shareholder meeting date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.brief identification of the matter voted on;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.whether the vote was cast on the matter;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.how the vote was cast (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.records of written client requests for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the client;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;h.a copy of written responses from the Adviser to any written or oral client request for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the client; and any documents prepared by the Adviser that were material to the decision on how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision, if such documents were prepared.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Copies of proxy statements filed on EDGAR, and proxy statements and records of proxy votes maintained with a third party (i.e., proxy voting service) need not be maintained. The third party must agree in writing to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.If applicable, any document memorializing that the costs of voting a proxy exceed the benefit to the client or any other decision to refrain from voting, and that such abstention was in the client's best interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Proxy voting records will be maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two at the office of the Adviser. Proxy statements on file with EDGAR or maintained by a third party and proxy votes maintained by a third party are not subject to these particular retention requirements.

**Voting Foreign Proxies**

At times the Adviser may determine that, in the best interests of its clients, a particular proxy should not be voted. This may occur, for example, when the cost of voting a foreign proxy (translation, transportation, etc.) would exceed the benefit of voting the proxy or voting the foreign proxy may cause an unacceptable limitation on the sale of the security. Any such instances will be documented by the Portfolio Manager and reviewed by the Chief Compliance Officer.

**Securities Lending**

Certain portfolios managed by the Adviser participate in securities lending programs to generate additional revenue. Proxy voting rights generally pass to the borrower when a security is on loan. The Adviser will use its best efforts to recall a security on loan and vote such securities if the Portfolio Manager determines that the proxy involves a material event.

**Proxy Voting Policy**

The Adviser has reviewed the Glass Lewis Proxy Guidelines ("Guidelines") and has determined that the Guidelines are consistent with the Adviser's proxy voting responsibilities and its fiduciary duty with respect to its clients. The Adviser will review any material amendments to the Guidelines.

While it is the Adviser's policy to generally follow the Guidelines, the Adviser retains the right, on any specific proxy, to vote differently from the Guidelines, if the Adviser believes it is in the best interests of its clients. Any such exceptions will be documented by the Adviser and reviewed by the Chief Compliance Officer.

The portfolio manager or analyst covering the security is responsible for making proxy voting decisions. Portfolio Administration, in conjunction with the portfolio manager and the custodian, is responsible for monitoring corporate actions and ensuring that corporate actions are timely voted.

![gl background.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g3.jpg)

UnitedStates

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| ![glasslewislogo.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g4.jpg) | GLASS LEWIS |

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2025BenchmarkPolicyGuidelines

www.glasslewis.com

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>2</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

TableofContents

[About](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Glass](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Lewis](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[6](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Guidelines](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Introduction](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[7](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Summary](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Changes](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[for](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [2025](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[7](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Clarifying](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Amendments](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[8](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[A](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Directors](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[that](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Serves](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Interest](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[9](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Election](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Directors](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[9](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Independence](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[9](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Committee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Independence](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[12](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Independent](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Chair](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[12](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[14](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Responsiveness](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[15](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Responsiveness](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[to](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Proposals](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[16](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[The](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Role of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[a](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Committee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Chair](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[16](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Audit](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Committees and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[17](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Standards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[for](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Assessing](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[the Audit](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Committee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[17](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Material](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Weaknesses](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[20](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Committee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[21](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Nominating](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Governance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Committee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[23](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board-Level](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Risk](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Management](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Oversight](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[26](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Oversight](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of Environmental](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Social](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Issues](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[27](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Oversight](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Technology](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[28](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Accountability for](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Environmental](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Social](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[30](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Director](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Commitments](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[31](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Other](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Considerations](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[32](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Controlled](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Companies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[33](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Significant](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Shareholders](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[34](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Governance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Following](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[an IPO,](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Spin-Off,](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[or](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Direct](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Listing](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[34](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Governance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Following](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[a](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Business](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Combination](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[with](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[a](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Special](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Purpose Acquisition](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Company](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[36](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Dual-Listed](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[or](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Foreign-Incorporated](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Companies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[36](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[OTC-listed](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Companies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[37](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>3</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

[Mutual](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Fund](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Boards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[37](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Declassified](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Boards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[38](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Composition](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Refreshment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[39](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Diversity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[40](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Gender](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Diversity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[40](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Underrepresented](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Community](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Diversity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[41](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[State](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Laws on](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Diversity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[41](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Disclosure](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Director](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Diversity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Skills](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[42](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

StockExchangeDiversityDisclosureRequirements43

[Proxy](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Access](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[42](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Majority](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[for Election](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Directors](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[43](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[The](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Plurality](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Standard](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[43](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Advantages](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of a](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Majority](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Standard](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[43](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Conflicting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Excluded](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Proposals](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[44](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Transparency](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Integrity](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[in](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Financial](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Reporting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[45](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Auditor](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Ratification](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[46](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Voting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Recommendations](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[on](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Auditor](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Ratification](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[47](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Pension Accounting Issues](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[48](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[The](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Link](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Between Compensation and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[49](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Advisory](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[on](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Executive](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[(Say-on-](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Pay)](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[49](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Say-on-Pay](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Voting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Recommendations](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[50](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Company](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Responsiveness](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[52](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Pay](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[for](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Performance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[52](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Short-Term](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Incentives](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[53](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Long-Term](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Incentives](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[55](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Grants](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Front-Loaded](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Awards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[56](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Linking](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Executive](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Pay](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[to](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Environmental](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Social](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Criteria](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[57](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[One-Time](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Awards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[58](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Contractual](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Payments](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Arrangements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[58](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Sign-on](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Awards](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Severance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Benefits](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[58](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Change in](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Control](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[59](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Excise](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Tax Gross-](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[ups](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[59](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>4</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

[Amended](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Employment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Agreements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[60](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Recoupment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Provisions](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [(Clawbacks)](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[60](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Hedging](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Stock](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[60](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Pledging](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Stock](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[61](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Executive](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Ownership](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Guidelines](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[61](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Consultant](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Independence](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[62](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[CEO](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Pay](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Ratio](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[62](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Frequency](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Say-on-](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Pay](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[62](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[on](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Golden](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Parachute](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Arrangements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[63](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Equity-Based](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Proposals](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[63](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Option](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Exchanges](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Repricing](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[65](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Option](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Backdating, Spring-Loading](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and Bullet-](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Dodging](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[65](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Director](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Plans](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[67](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Employee](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Stock Purchase](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Plans](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[67](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Executive](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Compensation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Tax](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Deductibility](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [—](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Amendment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [to](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [IRC](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [162(M)](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[67](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Governance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Structure](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[the](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Franchise](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[69](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Anti-Takeover](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Measures](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[69](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Poison](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Pills](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[(Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Rights](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Plans)](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[69](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[NOL](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Poison](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Pills](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[69](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Fair](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Price](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Provisions](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[71](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Control](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Share](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Statutes](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[71](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Quorum](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Requirements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[72](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Director](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and Officer](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Indemnification](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[72](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Officer](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Exculpation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[72](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Reincorporation](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[73](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Exclusive](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Forum](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Fee-Shifting Bylaw](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Provisions](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[74](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Authorized](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Shares](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[75](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Advance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Notice](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Requirements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[76](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Virtual](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Meetings](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[76](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Voting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Structure](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[77](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Multi-Class](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Share](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Structures](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[77](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>5</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

[Cumulative](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Voting](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[78](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Supermajority](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Vote](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Requirements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[79](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Transaction](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Other](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Business](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[79](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Anti-Greenmail](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Proposals](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[79](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Mutual](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Funds:](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Investment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Policies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Advisory](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Agreements](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[79](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Real](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Estate Investment](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Trusts](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[80](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Preferred](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Stock](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Issuances](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[at](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[REITs](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[80](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Business](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Development](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Companies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[80](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Authorization to Sell](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Shares](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[at](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[a Price](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Below](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Net Asset](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Value](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[81](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Auditor](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Ratification](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[and](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Below-NAV](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Issuances](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[81](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Special Purpose](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Acquisition](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Companies](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[82](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Extension](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Business](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Combination](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Deadline](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[82](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[SPAC](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Board](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Independence](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[82](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Director](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Commitments](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[of](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[SPAC](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Executives](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[82](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Shareholder](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Proposals](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[83](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Overall](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Approach](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[to](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Environmental,](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Social](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[&](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Governance](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Issues](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[84](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

[Connect](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[with](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[Glass](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7) [Lewis](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)[86](#i3d9b29c2c4df4146b5cb127221821164_7)

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>6</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

AboutGlass Lewis

GlassLewisistheworld'schoiceforgovernancesolutions.Weenableinstitutionalinvestorsandpublicly

listedcompaniestomake informed decisionsbased onresearchanddata.We cover 30,000+ meetingseach

year,acrossapproximately100globalmarkets. Ourteam hasbeenprovidingin-depthanalysisofcompanies

since 2003, relying solely on publicly available information to inform its policies, research, and voting

recommendations.

Ourcustomersincludethemajorityoftheworld'slargestpensionplans,mutualfunds,andasset

managers,collectivelymanagingover$40trillion inassets.WehaveteamslocatedacrosstheUnitedStates,

Europe, and Asia-Pacific giving us global reach with a local perspective on the important governance issues.

Investors around the world depend on Glass Lewis' **<u>Viewpoint</u>**platform to manage their proxy voting, policy

implementation, recordkeeping, and reporting. Our industry leading **<u>Proxy Paper</u>**product provides

comprehensiveenvironmental,social,andgovernanceresearchandvotingrecommendationsweeksaheadof

voting deadlines. Public companies can also use our innovative **<u>Report Feedback Statement</u>**to deliver their

opiniononourproxy research directly tothe voting decisionmakersat every investorclient intime forvoting

decisions to be made or changed.

The research team engages extensively with public companies, investors, regulators, and other industry

stakeholderstogainrelevantcontextintotherealitiessurroundingcompanies,sectors,andthemarketin

general. This enables us to provide the most comprehensive and pragmatic insights to our customers.

JointheConversation

GlassLewisiscommittedtoongoingengagementwithallmarketparticipants.

<u>info@glasslewis.com</u>\|<u>www.glasslewis.com</u>

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>7</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

GuidelinesIntroduction

SummaryofChangesfor2025

GlassLewisevaluatestheseguidelinesonanongoingbasisandformallyupdatesthemonanannualbasis.This

year we've made noteworthy revisions in the following areas, which are summarized below but discussed in

greater detail in the relevant section of this document:

*Update: 17December2024.Wehaveremovedourdiscussiononpage42ofstockexchangediversitydisclosure* 

*requirements.*

BoardOversightofAI

We have included a newdiscussion on ourapproach to artificial intelligence (AI)-related risk oversight. In recent

years, companies have rapidly begun to develop and adopt uses for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies

throughout various aspects of their operations. Deployed and overseen effectively, AI technologies have the

potential to make companies' operations and systems more efficient and productive. However, as the use of

these technologies has grown, so have the potential risks associated with companies' development and use of

AI.Giventhesepotentialrisks, thebenchmarkpolicytakestheviewthat boardsshould becognizantof,andtake

steps to mitigate exposure to, any material risks that could arise from their use or development of AI.

In the absence of material incidents related to a company's use or management of AI-related issues, our

benchmark policy will generally not make voting recommendationson the basisofa company'soversight of, or

disclosure concerning, AI-related issues. However, in instances where there is evidence that insufficient

oversightand/ormanagementofAItechnologieshasresultedin materialharmtoshareholders,GlassLewiswill

review a company's overall governance practices and identify which directors or board-level committees have

been charged with oversight of AI-related risks. We will also closely evaluate the board's response to, and

management of, this issue as well as any associated disclosures and the benchmark policy may recommend

againstappropriatedirectorsshould wefindtheboard'soversight,responseordisclosureconcerningAI-related

issues to be insufficient.

Change-In-ControlProvisions

Wehaveupdatedourdiscussionofchange-in-controlprovisionsinthesection"TheLinkBetweenCompensation

andPerformance"todefineourbenchmarkpolicyviewthatcompaniesthatallowforcommitteediscretionover

the treatment of unvested awards should commit to providing clear rationale for how such awards are treated

in the event a change in control occurs.

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>8</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

ClarifyingAmendments

Thefollowingclarificationsofourexistingpoliciesareincludedthisyear:

BoardResponsivenesstoShareholderProposals

We have revised our discussion of board responsiveness to shareholder proposal to reflect that when

shareholderproposalsreceivesignificantshareholdersupport(generallymorethan30%butlessthanmajority

ofvotes cast), the benchmark policy generally takes the viewthat boards should engage with shareholders on

the issue and provide disclosure addressing shareholder concerns and outreach initiatives.

Reincorporation

Wehaverevisedourdiscussiononreincorporationstoreflectthatwereviewallproposalstoreincorporatetoa

different state or country on a case-by-case basis. Our review includes the changes in corporate governance

provisions, especially those relating to shareholder rights, material differences in corporate statutes and legal

precedents, and relevant financial benefits, among other factors, resulting from the change in domicile.

ApproachtoExecutivePayProgram

We have provided some clarifying statements to the discussion of in the section titled "The Link Between

Compensation and Performance" to emphasize Glass Lewis' holistic approach to analyzing executive

compensation programs. There are few program features that, on their own, lead to an unfavorable

recommendation from Glass Lewis for a say-on-pay proposal. Our analysis reviews pay programs on a case-by-

casebasis.Wedonotutilizeapre-determinedscorecard approachwhenconsideringindividual featuressuchas

the allocation of the long-term incentive between performance-based awards and time-based awards.

Unfavorablefactorsinapayprogramarereviewedinthecontextofrationale,overallstructure, overall

disclosurequality,theprogram'sabilitytoalignexecutivepaywithperformanceandtheshareholderexperience

and the trajectory of the pay program resulting from changes introduced by the compensation committee.

2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States<sub>9</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

ABoardofDirectorsthatServes Shareholder

Interest

ElectionofDirectors

The purpose ofGlass Lewis' proxy research and advice is to facilitate shareholder voting in favor ofgovernance

structures that will drive performance, create shareholder value and maintain a proper tone at the top. Glass

Lewislooksfortalentedboards witharecordofprotectingshareholdersanddeliveringvalueoverthemedium-

and long-term. We believe that a board can best protect and enhance the interests of shareholders if it is

sufficiently independent, has a record of positive performance, and consists of individuals with diverse

backgrounds and a breadth and depth of relevant experience.

Independence

Theindependenceofdirectors, orlackthereof,isultimatelydemonstratedthroughthedecisionstheymake.In

assessingtheindependenceofdirectors, wewilltakeintoconsideration,whenappropriate,whetheradirector

has a track record indicative of making objective decisions. Likewise, when assessing the independence of

directorswewillalsoexamine whenadirector'strackrecordonmultipleboardsindicatesalackofobjective

decision-making.Ultimately,webelievethedeterminationofwhetheradirectorisindependentornotmust

take into consideration both compliance with the applicable independence listing requirements as well as

judgments made by the director.

We look at each director nominee to examine the director's relationships with the company, the company's

executives, and other directors. We do this to evaluate whether personal, familial, or financial relationships (not

includingdirectorcompensation)mayimpactthedirector'sdecisions.Webelievethatsuchrelationshipsmakeit

difficult foradirectortoput shareholders' interestsabove the director'sorthe relatedparty'sinterests.We also

believe that a director who owns more than 20% of a company can exert disproportionate influence on the

board,andthereforebelievesuchadirector'sindependencemaybehampered,inparticularwhenservingon

theauditcommittee.

Thus,weputdirectorsintothreecategoriesbasedonan examinationofthetypeofrelationshiptheyhavewith

the company:

**Independent Director** — An independent director has no material financial, familial or other current

relationshipswiththecompany,itsexecutives,orotherboardmembers,exceptforboard serviceand

standard fees paid for that service. Relationships that existed within three to five years<sup>1</sup> before the

1NASDAQoriginallyproposedafive-yearlook-backperiodbut bothitand theNYSE ultimatelysettledona three-yearlook-

back prior to finalizing their rules. A five-year standard for former employment relationships is more appropriate, in our

view,becausewebelievethattheunwindingofconflictingrelationshipsbetweenformermanagementandboardmembers

is more likely to be complete and final after five years. However, Glass Lewis does not apply the five-year look-back period

to directors who have previously served as executives of the company on an interim basis for less than one year.

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inquiry are usually considered "current" for purposes of this test. For material financial relationships

withthecompany,weapplyathree-yearlookback,and forformeremploymentrelationshipswiththe

company, we apply a five-year look back.

**AffiliatedDirector** —Anaffiliateddirectorhas,(orwithinthepastthreeyears,had)amaterial financial,

familial or other relationship with the company or its executives, but is not an employee of the

company.<sup>2</sup> This includes directors whose employers have a material financial relationship with the

company.<sup>3</sup> In addition, we view a director who either owns or controls 20% or more of the company's

voting stock, or is an employee or affiliate of an entity that controls such amount, as an affiliate.<sup>4</sup>

We view 20% shareholders as affiliates because they typically have access to and involvement with the

management of a company that is fundamentally different from that of ordinary shareholders. More

importantly,20%holders mayhaveintereststhatdiverge fromthoseofordinaryholders,forreasonssuchas

the liquidity (or lack thereof) of their holdings, personal tax issues, etc.

GlassLewisappliesathree-yearlookbackperiodtoalldirectorswhohaveanaffiliationwiththecompanyother

than former employment, for which we apply a five-year look back.

Definitionof**"Material"**:Amaterialrelationshipisonein whichthedollarvalue exceeds:

• $50,000 (or where no amount is disclosed) for directors who are paid for a service they have agreed

to perform for the company, outside of their service as a director, including professional or other

services.Thisthresholdalsoappliestodirectors whoare themajorityorprincipalownerofa firmthat

receives such payments; or

• $120,000(orwherenoamountisdisclosed) forthosedirectorsemployedbyaprofessionalservicesfirm

such as a law firm, investment bank, or consulting firm and the company pays the firm, not the

individual, forservices.<sup>5</sup> Thisdollarlimit wouldalso apply to charitable contributionsto schools where a

2Ifacompanydoesnotconsideranon-employeedirectortobeindependent,GlassLewiswillclassifythatdirectorasan

affiliate.

3We allow a five-year grace period for former executives of the company or merged companies who have consulting

agreementswiththesurvivingcompany.(Wedonotautomaticallyrecommendvotingagainstdirectorsinsuchcasesfor

the first five years.) If the consulting agreement persists after

thisfive-yeargraceperiod,weapplythematerialitythresholdsoutlinedinthedefinitionof"material."

4This includes a director who serves on a board as a representative (as part of his or her basic responsibilities) of an

investmentfirmwithgreater than20%ownership.However,whilewewillgenerallyconsiderhim/hertobeaffiliated,we

will not recommend voting against unless (i) the investment firm has disproportionate board representation or (ii) the

director serves on the audit committee.

5We maydeem suchatransactiontobe immaterialwhere the amountrepresents less than1% ofthe firm's annual

revenuesandtheboardprovidesacompellingrationaleasto whythedirector'sindependenceisnotaffectedby the

relationship.

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boardmemberisaprofessor;orcharitieswhereadirectorservesontheboardorisanexecutive;<sup>6</sup>and

anyaircraftandrealestatedealingsbetweenthecompanyandthedirector'sfirm;or

• 1% of either company's consolidated gross revenue for other business relationships (e.g., where the

directorisanexecutiveofficerofacompanythatprovidesservicesorproductstoorreceivesservicesor

products from the company).<sup>7</sup>

Definition of **"Familial"** — Familial relationships include a person's spouse, parents, children, siblings,

grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and anyone (other than domestic employees)

whosharessuchperson'shome.Adirectorisanaffiliate if:i)he orshehasafamilymemberwhoisemployedby

the company and receives more than $120,000<sup>8</sup> in annual compensation; or, ii) he or she has a family member

who is employed by the company and the company does not disclose this individual's compensation.

Definitionof **"Company"**—Acompanyincludesanyparentorsubsidiaryinagroup withthecompanyorany

entity that merged with, was acquired by, or acquired the company.

**Inside Director** — An inside director simultaneously serves as a director and as an employee of the

company.Thiscategorymayincludeaboardchairwhoactsasanemployeeofthecompanyorispaidas

anemployeeofthecompany.Inourview,aninsidedirectorwhoderives agreateramount ofincomeas

a result of affiliated transactions with the company rather than through compensation paid by the

company (i.e., salary, bonus, etc. as a company employee) faces a conflict between making decisions

that are in the best interests of the company versus those in the director's own best interests.

Therefore,wewillrecommendvotingagainstsuchadirector.

Additionally, we believe a director who is currently serving in an interim management position should be

considered an insider, while a director who previously served in an interim management position for less than

one year and is no longer serving in such capacity is considered independent. Moreover, a director who

previouslyservedinaninterimmanagementposition for overoneyearandisnolongerservinginsuchcapacity

is considered an affiliate for five years following the date of the director's resignation or departure from the

interim management position.

VotingRecommendationsontheBasisofBoardIndependence

GlassLewisbelievesaboard willbemosteffectiveinprotectingshareholders'interestsifitisatleasttwo-thirds

independent. We note that each of the Business Roundtable, the Conference Board, and the Council of

Institutional Investors advocates that two-thirds of the board be independent. Where more than one-third of

6We will generally take into consideration the size and nature of such charitable entities in relation to the company's size and

industryalongwithany otherrelevantfactorssuchasthe director'sroleatthecharity.However,unlikeforothertypes of

related party transactions, Glass Lewis generally does not apply a look-back period to affiliated relationships involving

charitable contributions; if the relationship between the director and the school or charity ceases, or if the company

discontinues its donations to the entity, we will consider the director to be independent.

7Thisincludescaseswhereadirectorisemployedby,orcloselyaffiliatedwith,aprivateequityfirmthatprofitsfroman

acquisition made by the company. Unless disclosure suggests otherwise, we presume the director is affiliated.

8PursuanttoSECruleItem404ofRegulationS-Kunder theSecuritiesExchangeAct,compensationexceeding$120,000is

the minimum threshold deemed material for disclosure of transactions involving family members of directors.

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themembersareaffiliatedorinsidedirectors, wetypically<sup>8</sup>recommendvotingagainstsomeoftheinsideand/or

affiliated directors in order to satisfy the two-thirds threshold.

In the case of a less than two-thirds independent board, Glass Lewis strongly supports the existence of a

presidingorleaddirectorwithauthoritytosetthemeetingagendasandtoleadsessionsoutsidetheinsider

chair's presence.

Inaddition,wescrutinizeavowedly"independent"chairsandleaddirectors.Webelievethattheyshouldbe

unquestionablyindependent,orthecompanyshouldnottoutthemassuch.

CommitteeIndependence

Webelievethatonlyindependentdirectorsshouldserveonacompany'saudit,compensation,nominating,and

governance committees.<sup>9</sup> We typically recommend that shareholders vote against any affiliated or inside

director seeking appointment to an audit, compensation, nominating, or governance committee, or who has

served in that capacity in the past year.

Pursuant to Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank Act, as of January 11, 2013, the U.S. Securities and Exchange

Commission(SEC)approvednewlistingrequirementsfor boththeNYSEandNASDAQwhichrequirethatboards

apply enhanced standards ofindependence when making an affirmative determination ofthe independence of

compensation committee members. Specifically, when making this determination, in addition to the factors

considered when assessing general director independence, the board's considerations must include: (i) the

source of compensation of the director, including any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee paid by

thelistedcompanytothedirector(the"FeesFactor");and(ii)whetherthedirectorisaffiliatedwiththe listing

company,itssubsidiaries,oraffiliatesofitssubsidiaries (the"AffiliationFactor").

GlassLewisbelievesitisimportantforboardstoconsidertheseenhancedindependencefactorswhenassessing

compensation committee members. However, as discussed above in the section titled Independence, we apply

our own standards when assessing the independence of directors, and these standards also take into account

consulting and advisory fees paid to the director, as well as the director's affiliations with the company and its

subsidiaries and affiliates. We may recommend voting against compensation committee members who are not

independent based on our standards.

IndependentChair

Glass Lewis believes that separating the roles of CEO (or, more rarely, another executive position) and chair

createsabettergovernancestructurethanacombinedCEO/chairposition.Anexecutivemanagesthebusiness

8Withastaggeredboard, ifthe affiliates or insiders thatwe believe shouldnotbe onthe boardare notupfor election,we will

expressourconcernregardingthosedirectors,butwewillnotrecommendvotingagainsttheotheraffiliatesorinsiders who are

up for election just to achieve two-thirds independence. However, we will consider recommending voting against the directors

subject to our concern at their next election if the issue giving rise to the concern is not resolved.

9Wewillrecommendvotingagainstanauditcommitteememberwhoowns20%ormoreofthecompany'sstock,andwe

believe that there should be a maximum of one director (or no directors if the committee is composed of less than three

directors)whoowns20%ormoreofthecompany'sstockonthecompensation,nominating,andgovernancecommittees.

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according to a course the board charts. Executives should report to the board regarding their performance in

achievinggoalssetbytheboard.ThisisneedlesslycomplicatedwhenaCEOchairstheboard,sinceaCEO/chair

presumably will have a significant influence over the board.

While many companies have an independent lead or presiding director who performs many of the same

functions of an independent chair (e.g., setting the board meeting agenda), we do not believe this alternate

formofindependentboardleadershipprovidesasrobustprotectionforshareholdersasanindependentchair.

It can become difficult for a board to fulfill its role of overseer and policy setter when a CEO/chair controls the

agendaandtheboardroomdiscussion.Suchcontrolcan allowaCEOtohaveanentrenchedposition,leadingto

longer-than-optimal terms, fewer checks on management, less scrutiny of the business operation, and

limitations on independent, shareholder-focused goal-setting by the board.

ACEOshouldsetthestrategiccourseforthecompany,withtheboard'sapproval,andtheboardshouldenable

the CEO to carry out the CEO's vision for accomplishing the board's objectives. Failure to achieve the board's

objectives should lead the board to replace that CEO with someone in whom the board has confidence.

Likewise, an independent chair can better oversee executives and set a pro-shareholder agenda without the

management conflicts that a CEO and other executive insiders often face. Such oversight and concern for

shareholdersallowsforamoreproactiveandeffectiveboardofdirectorsthatisbetterabletolookoutforthe

interests of shareholders.

Further, it is the board's responsibility to select a chief executive who can best serve a company and its

shareholders and to replace this person when his or her duties have not been appropriately fulfilled. Such a

replacementbecomesmoredifficultandhappensless frequentlywhenthechiefexecutiveisalsointheposition

of overseeing the board.

Glass Lewis believes that the installation of an independent chair is almost always a positive step from a

corporate governance perspective and promotes the best interests ofshareholders. Further, the presence ofan

independentchairfostersthecreation ofathoughtfulanddynamicboard,notdominatedbytheviewsofsenior

management. Encouragingly, many companies appear to be moving in this direction — one study indicates that

only 10 percent of incoming CEOs in 2014 were awarded the chair title, versus 48 percent in 2002.<sup>10</sup> Another

study finds that 53 percent of S&P 500 boards now separate the CEO and chair roles, up from 37 percent in

2009, although the same study found that only 34 percent of S&P 500 boards have truly independent chairs.<sup>11</sup>

We do not recommend that shareholders vote against CEOs who chair the board. However, we typically

recommendthatourclientssupportseparatingtheroles ofchairandCEOwheneverthatquestionisposedina

proxy(typicallyintheformofashareholder proposal),as webelievethat itisinthelong-termbest interestsof

the company and its shareholders.

Further,wherethecompanyhasneitheranindependent chairnorindependentleaddirector,wewill

recommend voting against the chair of the governance committee.

10KenFavaro,Per-OlaKarlssonandGaryL.Nelson."The$112BillionCEO SuccessionProblem."(*Strategy+Business*,Issue 79,

Summer 2015).

11SpencerStuartBoardIndex,2019,p.6.

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Performance

Themostcrucialtestofaboard'scommitmenttothecompanyanditsshareholdersliesintheactionsofthe

board and its members. We look at the performance of these individuals as directors and executives of the

company and of other companies where they have served.

We find that a director's past conduct is often indicative of future conduct and performance. We often find

directors with a history of overpaying executives or of serving on boards where avoidable disasters have

occurredservingontheboards ofcompanies withsimilarproblems.GlassLewishasaproprietarydatabaseof

directors serving at over 8,000 of the most widely held U.S. companies. We use this database to track the

performance of directors across companies.

VotingRecommendationsontheBasisofPerformance

Wetypicallyrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainst directorswhohaveservedonboardsorasexecutivesof

companies with records of poor performance, inadequate risk oversight, excessive compensation, audit- or

accounting-related issues, and/or other indicators of mismanagement or actions against the interests of

shareholders. We will reevaluate such directors based on, among other factors, the length of time passed since

the incident giving rise to the concern, shareholder support for the director, the severity of the issue, the

director'srole(e.g.,committeemembership),directortenureatthesubject company,whetherethical lapses

accompaniedtheoversightlapse,andevidenceofstrongoversightatothercompanies.

Likewise, we examine the backgrounds of those who serve on key board committees to ensure that they have

therequiredskillsanddiversebackgroundstomakeinformedjudgmentsaboutthesubjectmatterforwhichthe

committee is responsible.

Webelieveshareholders shouldavoidelectingdirectorswhohavearecordofnotfulfillingtheirresponsibilities

to shareholders at any company where they have held a board or executive position. We typically recommend

voting against:

• Adirectorwho failstoattendaminimumof 75%ofboardandapplicablecommitteemeetings,

calculated in the aggregate.<sup>12</sup>

• Adirectorwhobelatedlyfiledasignificant form(s)4or5,orwhohasapatternoflatefilingsifthelate

filingwasthedirector'sfault(welookattheselatefilingsituationsonacase-by-case basis).

• Adirectorwho isalsotheCEOofacompanywherea seriousandmaterialrestatementhasoccurred

after the CEO had previously certified the pre-restatement financial statements.

• Adirectorwho hasreceivedtwoagainstrecommendationsfromGlassLewisforidenticalreasons within

the prior year at different companies (the same situation must also apply at the company being

analyzed).

Furthermore, with consideration given to the company's overall corporate governance, pay-for-performance

alignmentandboardresponsivenesstoshareholders,we mayrecommendvotingagainstdirectorswhoserved

12However, where a director has served for less than one full year, we will typically not recommend voting against for failure to

attend 75% of meetings. Rather, we will note the poor attendance with a recommendation to track this issue goingforward.We

willalsorefrainfromrecommendingtovoteagainstdirectorswhentheproxydisclosesthatthedirector missed the meetings

due to serious illness or other extenuating circumstances.

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throughoutaperiodin whichthecompanyperformedsignificantlyworsethanpeersandthedirectorshavenot

taken reasonable steps to address the poor performance.

BoardResponsiveness

GlassLewisbelievesthat boardsshouldberesponsiveto shareholderswhenasignificantpercentageof

shareholders vote contrary to the recommendation of management, depending on the issue.

When 20% of more of shareholders vote contrary to management (which occurs when more than 20% of votes

on the proposal are cast as AGAINST and/or ABSTAIN), we believe that boards should engage with shareholders

ontheissueanddemonstratesomeinitiallevelofresponsiveness. Theseincludeinstanceswhen20%ormoreof

shareholders:

(i)withholdvotesfrom(orvoteagainst)adirectornominee;or

(ii)voteagainstamanagement-sponsoredproposal.

Inourview,a20%thresholdissignificantenoughtowarrantacloseexaminationoftheunderlyingissuesandan

evaluation of whether the board responded appropriately following the vote, particularly in the case of a

compensation or director election proposal. While the 20% threshold alone will not automatically generate a

negative vote recommendation from Glass Lewis on a future proposal (e.g., to recommend against a director

nominee, against a say-on-pay proposal, etc.), it may be a contributing factor to our recommendation to vote

againstmanagement'srecommendationintheeventwedeterminethattheboarddidnotrespond

appropriately.

Whenamajorityofshareholdersvotecontrarytomanagement,webelievethatboardsshouldengagewith

shareholdersontheissueandprovideamorerobustresponsetofullyaddressshareholderconcerns. These

include instances when a majority or more of shareholders:

(i)withholdvotesfrom(orvoteagainst)adirectornominee;

(ii)voteagainstamanagement-sponsoredproposal;

At controlled companies and companies that have multi-class share structures with unequal voting rights, we

will carefully examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated shareholders when

determining whether board responsiveness is warranted. In the case of companies that have multi-class share

structures with unequal voting rights, we will generally examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed

to unaffiliated shareholders on a "one share, one vote" basis. At controlled and multi-class companies, when at

least 20% or more of unaffiliated shareholders vote contrary to management, we believe that boards should

engagewithshareholdersanddemonstratesomeinitiallevelofresponsiveness,andwhena majorityormoreof

unaffiliated shareholders vote contrary to management, we believe that boards should engage with

shareholders and provide a more robust response to address shareholder concerns.

As a general framework, our evaluation of board responsiveness involves a review of publicly available

disclosures(e.g.,theproxystatement,annualreport,8-Ks,companywebsite,etc.)releasedfollowingthedateof

the company'slast annual meeting up through the publication date ofourmost current Proxy Paper. Depending

on the specific issue, our focus typically includes, but is not limited to, the following:

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• Attheboardlevel,anychangesindirectorships,committeememberships,disclosureofrelatedparty

transactions, meeting attendance, or other responsibilities;

• Anyrevisionsmadetothecompany'sarticlesofincorporation,bylawsorothergovernancedocuments;

• Anypressornews releasesindicatingchangesin,orthe adoptionof,newcompanypolicies,business

practices or special reports; and

• Anymodificationsmadetothedesignandstructureofthecompany'scompensationprogram,aswellas

an assessment ofthe company'sengagement with shareholderson compensation issuesasdiscussed in

the Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A), particularly following a material vote against a

company's say-on-pay.

• Proxystatementdisclosurediscussingtheboard'sefforts toengagewithshareholdersandtheactions

takentoaddressshareholderconcerns.

Our Proxy Paper analysis will include a case-by-case assessment of the specific elements of board

responsivenessthatweexaminedalongwithanexplanationofhowthatassessmentimpactsourcurrentvoting

recommendations.

BoardResponsivenesstoShareholderProposals

Majority-SupportedShareholderProposals

We expect clear action from the board when shareholder proposals receive support from a majority of votes

cast (excluding abstentionsandbrokernon-votes). Inour view, thismay include fully implementing the request

oftheshareholderproposaland/orengagingwithshareholdersontheissueandprovidingsufficientdisclosures

to address shareholder concerns.

SignificantlySupportedShareholderProposals

When shareholder proposals receive significant support (generally more than 30% but less than majority of

votescast),webelieveaninitiallevelofboardresponsivenessiswarranted.Ininstanceswhereashareholder

proposal has received at least 30% shareholder support, we generally believe boards should engage with

shareholders on the issue and provide disclosure addressing shareholder concerns and outreach initiatives.

Further,asdiscussed above,atcontrolledcompaniesandcompaniesthathavemulti-classsharestructureswith

unequal voting rights, we will carefully examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated

shareholders when determining whether board responsiveness is warranted.

TheRoleofaCommitteeChair

Glass Lewis believes that a designated committee chair maintains primary responsibility for the actions of his or

her respective committee. As such, many of our committee-specific voting recommendations are against the

applicable committee chair rather than the entire committee (depending on the seriousness of the issue). In

cases where the committee chair is not up for election due to a staggered board, and where we have identified

multipleconcerns,wewillgenerally recommendvotingagainstothermembers ofthecommitteewhoareupfor

election, on a case-by-case basis.

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Incaseswherewewouldordinarily recommendvotingagainstacommitteechairbutthechairisnotspecified,

we apply the following general rules, which apply throughout our guidelines:

• Ifthereisnocommitteechair,werecommendvotingagainstthelongest-servingcommitteememberor,

if the longest-serving committee member cannot be determined, the longest-serving board member

servingonthecommittee(i.e.,ineithercase,the"seniordirector");and

• Ifthereisnocommitteechair,butmultipleseniordirectorsservingonthecommittee,werecommend

voting against both (or all) such senior directors.

In our view, companies should provide clear disclosure of which director is charged with overseeing each

committee.Incaseswherethatsimpleframeworkisignoredandareasonableanalysiscannotdetermine which

committee member is the designated leader, we believe shareholder action against the longest serving

committee member(s) is warranted. Again, this only applies if we would ordinarily recommend voting against

the committee chair but there is either no such position or no designated director in such role.

AuditCommitteesandPerformance

Audit committees play an integral role in overseeing the financial reporting process because stable capital

markets depend on reliable, transparent, and objective financial information to support an efficient and

effectivecapitalmarketprocess.Auditcommitteesplay avitalroleinprovidingthisdisclosuretoshareholders.

When assessing an audit committee's performance, we are aware that an audit committee does not prepare

financial statements, is not responsible for making the key judgments and assumptions that affect the financial

statements, and does not audit the numbers or the disclosures provided to investors. Rather, an audit

committee member monitors and oversees the process and procedures that management and auditors

perform.The1999ReportandRecommendationsofthe BlueRibbonCommitteeonImprovingtheEffectiveness

of Corporate Audit Committees stated it best:

*A proper and well-functioning system exists, therefore, when the three main groups responsible for* 

*financial reporting —the full board including theaudit committee, financialmanagement includingthe* 

*internal auditors, and the outside auditors — form a 'three legged stool' that supports responsible* 

*financialdisclosureandactiveparticipatoryoversight.However,intheviewoftheCommittee,theaudit* 

*committeemustbe'firstamongequals'in thisprocess,sincetheauditcommitteeisan extension ofthe* 

*full board and hence the ultimate monitor of the process.*

StandardsforAssessingtheAuditCommittee

For an audit committee to function effectively on investors' behalf, it must include members with sufficient

knowledge to diligently carry out their responsibilities. In its audit and accounting recommendations, the

ConferenceBoardCommission onPublicTrustandPrivateEnterprisesaid"membersoftheauditcommittee

must be independent and have both knowledge and experience in auditing financial matters."<sup>13</sup>

13CommissiononPublicTrustandPrivateEnterprise.TheConferenceBoard.2003.

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We are skeptical of audit committees where there are members that lack expertise as a Certified Public

Accountant(CPA),ChiefFinancialOfficer(CFO)orcorporatecontroller,orsimilarexperience.Whilewe willnot

necessarily recommend voting against members of an audit committee when such expertise is lacking, we are

more likely to recommend voting against committee members when a problem such as a restatement occurs

and such expertise is lacking.

GlassLewisgenerally assessesaudit committeesagainst the decisionsthey make withrespect totheiroversight

and monitoring role. The quality and integrity of the financial statements and earnings reports, the

completeness of disclosures necessary for investors to make informed decisions, and the effectiveness of the

internal controls should provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements are materially free from

errors. Theindependenceoftheexternalauditorsandtheresultsoftheir workallprovideusefulinformationby

which to assess the audit committee.

Whenassessingthedecisionsandactions oftheauditcommittee,wetypicallydefertoitsjudgmentand

generally recommend voting in favor of its members. However, we will consider recommending that

shareholders vote against the following:

• Allmembers oftheauditcommitteewhenoptions were backdated,thereisalackofadequatecontrols

inplace, there wasaresulting restatement, anddisclosuresindicate there wasalack ofdocumentation

with respect to the option grants.

• Theauditcommitteechair,iftheauditcommitteedoesnothaveafinancialexpertorthecommittee's

financial expert does not have a demonstrable financial background sufficient to understand the

financial issues unique to public companies.

• Theauditcommitteechair,iftheauditcommitteedidnotmeetatleastfourtimesduringtheyear.

• Theauditcommitteechair,ifthecommitteehaslessthanthreemembers.

• Any audit committee member who sits on more than three public company audit committees, unless

theauditcommitteememberisaretiredCPA,CFO,controllerorhas similarexperience,inwhichcase

thelimitshallbefourcommittees,takingtimeandavailabilityintoconsiderationincludingareviewof

the audit committee member's attendance at all board and committee meetings.<sup>14</sup>

• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteewhoareupforelectionandwhoservedonthecommitteeatthe

time of the audit, if audit and audit-related fees total one-third or less of the total fees billed by the

auditor.

• Theauditcommitteechairwhentaxand/orotherfeesaregreaterthanauditandaudit-relatedfeespaid

to the auditor for more than one yearin a row(in which case we also recommend against ratification of

the auditor).

• Theauditcommitteechairwhenfeespaidtotheauditorarenot disclosed.

• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteewherenon-auditfeesincludefeesfortaxservices(including,butnot

limited to, such things as tax avoidance or shelter schemes) for senior executives of the company. Such

services are prohibited by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

14GlassLewismayexemptcertainauditcommitteemembersfromtheabovethresholdif,uponfurtheranalysisofrelevant

factors such as the director's experience, the size, industry-mix and location of the companies involved and the director's

attendance at all the companies, we can reasonably determine that the audit committee member is likely not hindered by

multiple audit committee commitments.

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• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteethatreappointedan auditorthatwenolongerconsidertobe

independent for reasons unrelated to fee proportions.

• Allmembersofanauditcommitteewhenaudit feesare excessivelylow,especiallywhencompared with

other companies in the same industry.

• The audit committee chair if the committee failed to put auditor ratification on the ballot for

shareholderapproval. However,ifthenon-auditfeesortaxfeesexceedauditplusaudit-relatedfeesin

either the current or the prior year, then Glass Lewis will recommend voting against the entire audit

committee.

• Allmembersofanauditcommitteewheretheauditorhasresignedandreportedthatasection 10A<sup>15</sup>

letterhasbeenissued.

• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteeatatimewhenmaterialaccountingfraudoccurredatthe

company.<sup>16</sup>

• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteeatatimewhenannualand/ormultiplequarterlyfinancial

statements had to be restated, and any of the following factors apply:<sup>17</sup>

oTherestatementinvolvesfraudormanipulationby insiders;

oTherestatementisaccompaniedbyanSECinquiryorinvestigation;

oTherestatementinvolvesrevenue recognition;

oTherestatementresultsinagreaterthan5%adjustmenttocostsofgoodssold, operating

expense, or operating cash flows; or

oTherestatementresultsinagreaterthan5%adjustmenttonetincome,10%adjustmentto

assets or shareholders equity, or cash flows from financing or investing activities.

• Allmembers ofanauditcommitteeifthecompanyrepeatedlyfailstofileitsfinancialreportsinatimely

fashion. For example, the company has filed two or more quarterly or annual financial statements late

within the last five quarters.

• All members of an audit committee when it has been disclosed that a law enforcement agency

haschargedthecompanyand/oritsemployees withaviolationoftheForeignCorruptPractices

Act (FCPA).

• Allmembersofanauditcommitteewhenthecompanyhasaggressiveaccountingpoliciesand/orpoor

disclosure or lack of sufficient transparency in its financial statements.

15Auditorsarerequiredtoreportallpotential illegalactstomanagementandtheauditcommitteeunlesstheyareclearly

inconsequential in nature. If the audit committee or the board fails to take appropriate action on an act that has been

determined to be a violation of the law, the independent auditor is required to send a section 10A letter to the SEC. Such letters

are rare and therefore we believe should be taken seriously.

16Researchindicatesthatrevenuefraudnowaccountsforover 60%ofSECfraudcases,andthatcompaniesthatengagein

fraud experience significant negative abnormal stock price declines—facing bankruptcy, delisting, and material asset sales

at much higher rates than do non-fraud firms (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

"FraudulentFinancialReporting:1998-2007."May 2010).

17The SEC issued guidance in March 2021 related to classification of warrants as liabilities at special purpose acquisition

companies(SPACs).Wewillgenerallyrefrainfromrecommendingagainstauditcommitteememberswhentherestatement

in question is solely as a result of the aforementioned SEC guidance.

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• All members of the audit committee when there is a disagreement with the auditor and the auditor

resignsorisdismissed (e.g.,thecompanyreceivesanadverseopiniononits financialstatementsfrom

the auditor).

• Allmembersoftheauditcommitteeifthecontractwiththeauditorspecificallylimitstheauditor's

liabilitytothecompanyfordamages.<sup>18</sup>

• Allmembers oftheauditcommitteewhoservedsincethedateofthecompany'slastannualmeeting if,

since the last annual meeting, the company has reported a material weakness that has not yet been

corrected and the company has not disclosed a remediation plan; or when a material weakness has

been ongoing for more than one year and the company has not disclosed an updated remediation plan

that clearly outlines the company's progress toward remediating the material weakness.

MaterialWeaknesses

Effectiveinternalcontrolsoverfinancialreportingshould ensuretheintegrityofcompanies'accountingand

financialreporting.

The SEC guidance regarding Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting requires that

reports on internal control should include: (i) a statement of management's responsibility for establishing and

maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the company; (ii) management's assessment

of the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the company's

most recent fiscal year; (iii) a statement identifying the framework used by management to evaluate the

effectivenessofthecompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting;and(iv)astatementthattheregistered

publicaccountingfirmthatauditedthecompany'sfinancialstatementsincludedintheannualreporthasissued

an attestation report on management's assessment of the company's internal control over financial reporting.

Amaterialweaknessoccurswhenacompanyidentifiesa deficiency,oracombinationofdeficiencies,ininternal

controls over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the

company'sannual orinterim financial statementswill not be preventedordetectedonatimely basis. Failure to

maintain effective internal controls can create doubts regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the

preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may lead to companies publishing

financial statements that are not free of errors or misstatements.

We believe it is the responsibility of audit committees to ensure that material weaknesses are remediated in a

timely manner and that companies disclose remediation plans that include detailed steps to resolve a given

material weakness. In cases where a material weakness has been ongoing for more than one fiscal year, we

expect the company to disclose an updated remediation plan at least annually thereafter. Updates to existing

remediationplansshouldstatetheprogressthecompanyhasmadetoward remediatingthematerialweakness

and the remaining actions the company plans to take until the material weakness is fully remediated. As such,

we are critical of audit committees when companies disclose remediation plans that remain unchanged from a

prior period.

18TheCouncilofInstitutional Investors."CorporateGovernance Policies,"p.4,April 5, 2006;and"Letterfrom Councilof

Institutional Investors to the AICPA," November 8, 2006.

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When a material weakness is reported and the company has not disclosed a remediation plan, or when a

material weakness has been ongoing for more than one year and the company has not disclosed an updated

remediationplanthatclearlyoutlinesthecompany'sprogresstoward remediatingthematerialweakness, we

willconsiderrecommendingthatshareholdersvoteagainstallmembersofacompany'sauditcommitteewho

served on the committee during the time when the material weakness was identified.

We also take a dim view of audit committee reports that are boilerplate, and which provide little or no

informationortransparencytoinvestors.Whenaproblemsuchasamaterialweakness,restatementorlate

filings occurs, in forming our judgment with respect to the audit committee we take into consideration the

transparency of the audit committee report.

CompensationCommitteePerformance

Compensation committees have a critical role in determining the compensation of executives. This includes

deciding the basis on which compensation is determined, as well as the amounts and types of compensation

tobepaid.Thisprocessbeginswiththehiringandinitial establishmentofemploymentagreements,including

the terms for such items as pay, pensions and severance arrangements. It is important in establishing

compensation arrangements that compensation be consistent with, and based on the long-term economic

performanceof,thebusiness'slong-termshareholdersreturns.

Compensation committees are also responsible for the oversight of the transparency of compensation. This

oversightincludesdisclosureofcompensationarrangements,thematrixusedinassessingpay forperformance,

and the use of compensation consultants. In order to ensure the independence of the board's compensation

consultant, we believe the compensation committee should only engage a compensation consultant that isnot

also providing any services to the company or management apart from their contract with the compensation

committee. It is important to investors that they have clear and complete disclosure of all the significant terms

ofcompensationarrangementsinordertomakeinformeddecisionswithrespecttotheoversightanddecisions

of the compensation committee.

Finally, compensation committees are responsible for oversight of internal controls over the executive

compensation process. This includes controls over gathering information used to determine compensation,

establishmentofequityawardplans,andgranting ofequityawards.Forexample,theuseofacompensation

consultant who maintains a business relationship with company management may cause the committee to

makedecisionsbasedoninformationthatiscompromisedbytheconsultant'sconflictofinterests. Laxcontrols

can also contribute to improper awards of compensation such as through granting of backdated or spring-

loaded options, or granting of bonuses when triggers for bonus payments have not been met.

Central to understanding the actions of compensation committee is a careful review of the CD&A report

includedineachcompany'sproxy.WereviewtheCD&Ainourevaluationoftheoverallcompensationpractices

of a company, as overseen by the compensation committee. The CD&A is also integral to the evaluation of

compensation proposals at companies, such as advisory votes on executive compensation, which allow

shareholders to vote on the compensation paid to a company's top executives.

Whenassessingtheperformanceofcompensationcommittees,wewillconsiderrecommendingthat

shareholders vote against the following:

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• All members of a compensation committee during whose tenure the committee failed to address

shareholder concerns following majority shareholder rejection of the say-on-pay proposal in the

previous year. Where the proposal was approved but there was a significant shareholder vote (i.e.,

greater than 20% of votes cast) against the say-on-pay proposal in the prior year, if the board did not

respond sufficiently to the vote including actively engaging shareholders on this issue, we will also

consider recommending voting against the chair of the compensation committee or all members of the

compensationcommittee,dependingontheseverityandhistoryofthecompensationproblemsandthe

level of shareholder opposition.

• All members of the compensation committee who are up for election and served when the company

failedtoalignpaywithperformanceifshareholdersarenotprovidedwithanadvisoryvoteonexecutive

compensation at the annual meeting.<sup>19</sup>

• Any member of the compensation committee who has served on the compensation committee of at

leasttwootherpubliccompaniesthathaveconsistentlyfailedtoalignpaywithperformanceandwhose

oversight of compensation at the company in question is suspect.

• Allmembersofthecompensationcommittee(duringtherelevanttimeperiod)ifthecompanyentered

into excessive employment agreements and/or severance agreements.

• Allmembers ofthe compensationcommittee whenperformance goalswere changed(i.e., lowered)

whenemployeesfailedorwereunlikelytomeetoriginal goals,orperformance-basedcompensation

was paid despite goals not being attained.

• Allmembersofthecompensationcommitteeifexcessive employeeperquisitesandbenefits

were allowed.

• Thecompensationcommitteechairifthecompensationcommitteedidnotmeetduringthe year.

• Allmembers ofthecompensationcommitteewhenthecompanyrepricedoptionsorcompleteda"self

tender offer" without shareholder approval within the past two years.

• Allmembersofthecompensationcommitteewhenvestingofin-the-moneyoptionsisaccelerated.

• Allmembersofthecompensationcommitteewhenoptionexercisepriceswerebackdated.GlassLewis

will recommend voting against an executive director who played a role in and participated in

optionbackdating.

• Allmembers ofthecompensationcommitteewhenoptionexercisepriceswerespring-loadedor

otherwise timed around the release of material information.

• Allmembers ofthecompensationcommitteewhenanewemploymentcontractisgiventoanexecutive

that does not include a clawback provision and the company had a material restatement, especially if

the restatement was due to fraud.

• The chairofthe compensationcommittee where the CD&Aprovidesinsufficient orunclearinformation

aboutperformancemetricsandgoals,wheretheCD&Aindicatesthatpayisnottiedtoperformance,or

where the compensation committee or management has excessive discretion to alter performance

terms or increase amounts of awards in contravention of previously defined targets.

19If a company provides shareholders with a say-on-pay proposal, we will initially only recommend voting against the

company's say-on-pay proposal and will not recommend voting against the members of the compensation committee unless

there is a pattern of failing to align pay and performance and/or the company exhibits egregious compensation practices.For

casesinwhichthedisconnectbetweenpayand performanceismarginalandthecompanyhasoutperformed its peers, we will

consider not recommending against compensation committee members.

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• Allmembersofthecompensationcommitteeduringwhosetenurethecommitteefailedtoimplementa

shareholder proposal regarding a compensation-related issue, where the proposal received the

affirmative vote of a majority of the voting shares at a shareholder meeting, and when a reasonable

analysis suggests that the compensation committee (rather than the governance committee) should

have taken steps to implement the request.<sup>20</sup>

• Allmembers ofthecompensationcommitteewhenthe boardhasmateriallydecreasedproxystatement

disclosure regarding executive compensation policies and procedures in a manner which substantially

impactsshareholders'abilitytomakeaninformedassessmentofthecompany'sexecutivepaypractices.

• Allmembers ofthecompensationcommitteewhennew excisetaxgross-upprovisionsareadoptedin

employment agreements with executives, particularly in cases where the company previously

committed not to provide any such entitlements in the future.

• Allmembersofthecompensationcommitteewhenthe boardadoptsa frequencyforfutureadvisory

votes on executive compensation that differs from the frequency approved by shareholders.

• Thechairofthecompensationcommittee when"mega-grants"havebeengrantedandtheawards

presentconcernssuchasexcessivequantum,lackofsufficientperformanceconditions,and/orare

excessively dilutive, among others.

NominatingandGovernanceCommitteePerformance

Thenominatingandgovernancecommitteeisresponsibleforthegovernancebytheboardofthecompanyand

its executives. In performing this role, the committee is responsible and accountable for selection of objective

and competent board members. It is also responsible for providing leadership on governance policies adopted

by the company, such as decisions to implement shareholder proposals that have received a majority vote. At

most companies, a single committee is charged with these oversight functions; at others, the governance and

nominating responsibilities are apportioned among two separate committees.

Consistent with Glass Lewis' philosophy that boards should have diverse backgrounds and members with a

breadth and depth of relevant experience, we believe that nominating and governance committees should

consider diversity when making director nominations within the context of each specific company and its

industry.Inourview,shareholdersarebestservedwhen boardsmakeanefforttoensureaconstituencythatis

not only reasonably diverse on the basis of age, race, gender and ethnicity, but also on the basis of geographic

knowledge, industry experience, board tenure and culture.

Regardingthecommitteeresponsibleforgovernance,wewillconsiderrecommendingthatshareholdersvote

against the following:

• All members of the governance committee<sup>21</sup> during whose tenure a shareholder proposal relating to

importantshareholderrightsreceivedsupportfromamajorityofthevotescast(excludingabstentions

20Inallotherinstances(i.e.,anon-compensation-relatedshareholderproposalshouldhavebeenimplemented)we recommend

that shareholders vote against the members of the governance committee.

21Iftheboarddoesnothaveacommitteeresponsibleforgovernanceoversightandtheboarddidnotimplement a

shareholderproposalthatreceivedtherequisitesupport,wewillrecommendvotingagainsttheentireboard.Ifthe

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and broker non-votes) and the board has not begun to implement or enact the proposal's subject

matter.<sup>22</sup>Examplesofsuchshareholderproposalsincludethoseseekingadeclassifiedboardstructure,a

majorityvotestandardfordirectorelections,orarighttocallaspecialmeeting.Indeterminingwhether

a board has sufficiently implemented such a proposal, we will examine the quality of the right enacted

or proffered by the board for any conditions that may unreasonably interfere with the shareholders'

ability to exercise the right (e.g., overly restrictive procedural requirements for calling a special

meeting).

• Allmembers ofthegovernancecommitteewhenashareholderresolutionisexcludedfromthemeeting

agenda but the SEC has declined to state a view on whether such resolution should be excluded, or

when the SEC has verbally permitted a company to exclude a shareholder proposal but there is no

written record provided by the SEC about such determination and the company has not provided any

disclosure concerning this no-action relief.

• Thegovernancecommitteechairwhenthechairisnotindependentandanindependentleador

presiding director has not been appointed.<sup>23</sup>

• Thegovernancecommitteechairat companieswithamulti-classsharestructureandunequalvoting

rightswhenthecompanydoesnotprovidefora reasonablesunsetofthemulti-classsharestructure

(generally seven years or less).

• Intheabsenceofanominatingcommittee,thegovernancecommitteechairwhentherearefewerthan

five, or the whole governance committee when there are more than 20 members on the board.

• Thegovernancecommitteechairwhenthecommitteefailstomeet atallduring theyear.

• The governance committee chair, when for two consecutive years the company provides what we

consider to be "inadequate" related party transaction disclosure (i.e., the nature of such transactions

and/or the monetary amounts involved are unclear or excessively vague, thereby preventing a share-

holderfrombeingabletoreasonablyinterprettheindependencestatusofmultipledirectorsaboveand

beyond what the company maintains is compliant with SEC or applicable stock exchange listing

requirements).

• Thegovernancecommitteechair,whenduringthepastyeartheboardadoptedaforumselectionclause

(i.e., an exclusive forum provision)<sup>24</sup> designating either a state's courts for intra-corporate disputes,

shareholderproposalatissuerequestedthattheboardadoptadeclassifiedstructure,wewillrecommendvotingagainstall

director nominees up for election.

22Where a compensation-related shareholder proposal should have been implemented, and when a reasonable analysis

suggeststhatthemembersofthecompensationcommittee(ratherthanthegovernancecommittee)bear theresponsibility

for failing to implement the request, we recommend that shareholders only vote against members of the compensation

committee.

23We believe that one independent individual should be appointed to serve as the lead or presiding director. When such a

positionisrotatedamongdirectorsfrommeeting tomeeting, wewillrecommendvotingagainstthegovernancecommittee

chair as we believe the lack of fixed lead or presiding director means that, effectively, the board does not have an

independent board leader.

24Aforumselectionclauseisabylawprovisionstipulatingthatacertainstateorfederaljurisdictionistheexclusiveforum

for specifiedlegalmatters. Such aclause effectively limits ashareholder's legalremedy regarding appropriate choice of

venue and related relief.

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and/or federal courts for matters arising under the Securities Act of 1933 without shareholder

approval,<sup>25</sup>oriftheboardiscurrentlyseekingshareholderapprovalofa forumselectionclausepursuant

to a bundled bylaw amendment rather than as a separate proposal.

• All members of the governance committee during whose tenure the board adopted, without

shareholderapproval,provisionsinitscharterorbylaws that,throughrulesondirectorcompensation,

may inhibit the ability of shareholders to nominate directors.

• The governance committee chair when the board takes actions to limit shareholders' ability to vote on

mattersmaterialtoshareholderrights(e.g.,throughthepracticeofexcludingashareholderproposal by

means of ratifying a management proposal that is materially different from the shareholder proposal).

• Thegovernancecommitteechairwhendirectors'records forboardandcommitteemeeting attendance

arenotdisclosed,or whenitisindicatedthatadirectorattendedlessthan75%ofboardandcommittee

meetingsbut disclosureissufficientlyvaguethat it isnot possibletodeterminewhichspecific director's

attendance was lacking.

• Thegovernancecommitteechairwhenadetailedrecord ofproxyvotingresultsfromthepriorannual

meeting has not been disclosed.

• Thegovernancecommitteechairwhenacompanydoes notclearlydisclosetheidentityofashareholder

proponent (or lead proponent when there are multiple filers) in their proxy statement. For a detailed

explanation of this policy, please refer to our comprehensive *Proxy Paper Guidelines for Shareholder* 

*Proposals & ESG-Related Issues*, available at <u>www.glasslewis.com/voting-policies-current/</u>.

In addition, we may recommend that shareholders vote against the chairofthe governance committee, or the

entire committee, where the board has amended the company's governing documents to reduce or remove

importantshareholderrights,ortootherwiseimpedetheabilityofshareholderstoexercisesuchright,andhas

done so without seeking shareholder approval. Examples of board actions that may cause such a

recommendation include: the elimination of the ability of shareholders to call a special meeting or to act by

writtenconsent;anincreasetotheownershipthreshold requiredforshareholderstocallaspecialmeeting;an

increasetovoterequirementsforcharterorbylawamendments;theadoptionofprovisionsthatlimittheability

of shareholders to pursue full legal recourse — such as bylaws that require arbitration of shareholder claims

or that require shareholder plaintiffs to pay the company's legal expenses in the absence of a court victory

(i.e.,"fee-shifting"or"loserpays"bylaws);theadoption ofaclassifiedboardstructure;andtheeliminationof

the ability of shareholders to remove a director without cause.

Regardingthenominatingcommittee,wewillconsiderrecommendingthatshareholdersvoteagainstthe

following:

• Allmembers ofthenominatingcommittee,whenthecommitteenominatedorrenominated

anindividualwhohadasignificantconflictofinterestor whosepastactionsdemonstratedalackof

integrity or inability to represent shareholder interests.

• Thenominatingcommitteechair,ifthenominatingcommitteedidnotmeetduringthe year.

25GlassLewiswillevaluatethecircumstancessurroundingtheadoptionofany forumselectionclauseaswellasthegeneral

provisions contained therein. Where it can be reasonably determined that a forum selection clause is narrowly crafted to suit

the particular circumstances facing the company and/or a reasonable sunset provision is included, we may make an exception

to this policy.

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• Intheabsenceofagovernancecommittee,thenominatingcommitteechairwhenthechairisnot

independent, and an independent lead or presiding director has not been appointed.

• Thenominatingcommitteechair,whenthereare fewerthanfive,orthewholenominatingcommittee

when there are more than 20 members on the board.

• The nominating committee chair, whenadirector receivedagreaterthan50%against vote the prior

yearandnotonlywasthedirectornotremoved,buttheissuesthatraisedshareholderconcern were

not corrected.<sup>26</sup>

• Thechairofthenominatingcommitteeofaboard thatis notatleast30percentgenderdiverse,<sup>27</sup>orall

members of the nominating committee of a board with no gender diverse directors, at companies

within the Russell 3000 index. For companies outside of the Russell 3000 index, we will recommend

voting against the chair of the nominating committee if there are no gender diverse directors.

• The chairofthe nominating committee ofa board with fewer than one director from an

underrepresentedcommunityontheboard,atcompanieswithintheRussell1000index.

• Thenominatingcommitteechairwhen,alongsideothergovernanceorboardperformanceconcerns,the

average tenure of non-executive directors is 10 years or more and no new independent directors have

joined the board in the past five years. We will not be making voting recommendations solely on this

basis;rather,insufficientboardrefreshmentmaybeacontributingfactorinourrecommendationswhen

additional board-related concerns have been identified.

Inaddition,wemayconsiderrecommendingshareholdersvoteagainstthechairofthenominatingcommittee

where the board's failure to ensure the board has directors with relevant experience, either through periodic

director assessment or board refreshment, has contributed to a company's poor performance. Where these

issues warrant an against vote in the absence of both a governance and a nominating committee, we will

recommend voting against the board chair, unless the chair also serves as the CEO, in which case we will

recommend voting against the longest-serving director.

Board-LevelRiskManagementOversight

Glass Lewis evaluates the risk management function of a public company board on a strictly case-by-case basis.

Sound risk management, while necessary at all companies, is particularly important at financial firms which

inherentlymaintainsignificantexposuretofinancial risk. Webelievesuchfinancialfirmsshould haveachiefrisk

officerreportingdirectlytotheboardandadedicatedriskcommitteeoracommitteeoftheboardchargedwith

risk oversight. Moreover, many non-financial firmsmaintain strategieswhich involve a high level ofexposure to

financial risk. Similarly, since many non-financial firms have complex hedging or trading strategies, those firms

should also have a chief risk officer and a risk committee.

26Considering that shareholder disapproval clearly relates to the director who received a greater than 50% against vote rather

thanthenominatingchair,wereview theseverityoftheissue(s)thatinitiallyraisedshareholderconcernas wellas company

responsiveness to such matters, and will only recommend voting against the nominating chair if a reasonable analysissuggests

thatitwouldbemostappropriate.Inrarecases,wewillconsiderrecommendingagainstthenominating chair when a director

receives a substantial (i.e., 20% or more) vote against based on the same analysis.

27Womenanddirectorsthatidentifywithagenderotherthanmaleorfemale.

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Ourviewson riskoversightareconsistentwiththoseexpressedbyvariousregulatorybodies.InitsDecember

2009 Final Rule release on Proxy Disclosure Enhancements, the SEC noted that risk oversight is a key

competence of the board and that additional disclosures would improve investor and shareholder

understanding ofthe role ofthe boardinthe organization'srisk management practices.The finalrules, which

becameeffectiveonFebruary28, 2010,nowexplicitlyrequirecompaniesandmutual fundstodescribe(while

allowing for some degree of flexibility) the board's role in the oversight of risk.

When analyzing the risk management practices of public companies, we take note of any significant losses or

writedownsonfinancialassetsand/orstructuredtransactions.Incaseswhereacompanyhasdisclosedasizable

loss or writedown, and where we find that the company's board-level risk committee's poor oversight

contributed to the loss, we will recommend that shareholders vote against such committee members on that

basis. In addition, in cases where a company maintains a significant level of financial risk exposure but fails to

disclose any explicit form of board-level risk oversight (committee or otherwise),<sup>28</sup> we will consider

recommending to vote against the board chair on that basis. However, we generally would not recommend

voting against a combined chair/CEO, except in egregious cases.

BoardOversightofEnvironmentalandSocialIssues

GlassLewisrecognizestheimportanceofensuringthesustainabilityofcompanies' operations.Webelievethat

insufficient oversight of material environmental and social issues can present direct legal, financial, regulatory

and reputational risks that could serve to harm shareholder interests. Therefore, we believe that these issues

shouldbe carefully monitoredandmanagedby companies, andthat all companiesshouldhave anappropriate

oversight structure in place to ensure that they are mitigating attendant risks and capitalizing on related

opportunities to the best extent possible.

Tothatend,GlassLewisbelievesthatcompaniesshould ensurethatboardsmaintainclearoversightofmaterial

risks to their operations, including those that are environmental and social in nature. These risks could include,

but are not limited to, matters related to climate change, human capital management, diversity, stakeholder

relations, and health, safety & environment. Given the importance of the board's role in overseeing

environmental and social risks, we believe this responsibility should be formally designated and codified in the

appropriate committee charters or other governing documents.

While we believe that it is important that these issues are overseen at the board level and that shareholders are

afforded meaningful disclosure of these oversight responsibilities, we believe that companies should determine

thebeststructureforthisoversight.Inourview,thisoversightcanbeeffectivelyconductedbyspecificdirectors,

the entire board, a separate committee, or combined with the responsibilities of a key committee.

ForcompaniesintheRussell 3000indexandininstanceswhereweidentifymaterialoversightconcerns,Glass

Lewis will review a company's overall governance practices and identify which directors or board-level

committees have been charged with oversight of environmental and/or social issues. Furthermore, given the

importanceoftheboard'sroleinoverseeingenvironmentalandsocialrisks,GlassLewiswill generally

28Acommitteeresponsibleforriskmanagementcouldbe adedicatedriskcommittee,theauditcommittee,or thefinance

committee, depending on a given company's board structure and method of disclosure. At some companies, the entire board is

charged with risk management.

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recommendvotingagainstthegovernancecommitteechairofacompanyintheRussell1000indexthat failsto

provideexplicitdisclosureconcerningtheboard'sroleinoverseeingtheseissues.

When evaluating the board's role in overseeing environmental and/or social issues, we will examine a

company's committee charters and governing documents to determine if the company has codified and

maintainedameaningfullevelofoversightofandaccountabilityfora company'smaterialenvironmentaland

social impacts.

BoardOversightofTechnology

CyberRiskOversight

Companies and consumers are exposed to a growing risk of cyber-attacks. These attacks can result in customer

oremployeedatabreaches,harmtoacompany'sreputation,significantfinesorpenalties,andinterruptiontoa

company'soperations. Further, in some instances, cyberbreachescan result in national security concerns, such

as those impacting companies operating as utilities, defense contractors, and energy companies.

In response to these issues, regulators have increasingly been focused on ensuring companies are providing

appropriateandtimelydisclosuresandprotectionstostakeholdersthatcouldhavebeenadverselyimpactedby

a breach in a company's cyber infrastructure.

On July 26, 2023, the SEC approved final rules requiring public companies to report cybersecurity incidents

deemedmaterialwithinfourdaysofidentifyingthem,detailingtheirnature,scope,timing,andmaterialimpact

under Item 1.05 on Form 8-K.

Furthermore, in annual reports, companies must disclose their processes for assessing, identifying, and

managing material cybersecurity risks, along with their material effects; and describe whether any risks from

priorincidentshavemateriallyaffecteditsbusiness strategy,resultsofoperations,orfinancialcondition(orare

reasonably likely to), pursuant toRegulationS-K Item 106.Item 106will also require registrantstodescribe the

board of directors' oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats and management's role and expertise in

assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. Similar rules were also adopted for foreign

private issuers. The final rules became effective on September 5, 2023.

Giventheregulatoryfocuson,andthepotentialadverse outcomesfrom,cyber-relatedissues,itisourviewthat

cyber risk is material for all companies. We therefore believe that it is critical that companies evaluate and

mitigate these risks to the greatest extent possible. With that view, we encourage all issuers to provide clear

disclosure concerning the role of the board in overseeing issues related to cybersecurity, including how

companies are ensuring directors are fully versed on this rapidly evolving and dynamic issue. We believe such

disclosure can help shareholders understand the seriousness with which companies take this issue.

Intheabsenceofmaterialcyberincidents,wewillgenerallynotmakevotingrecommendationsonthebasis ofa

company's oversight or disclosure concerning cyber-related issues. However, in instances where cyber-attacks

have caused significant harm to shareholders we will closely evaluate the board's oversight of cybersecurity as

well as the company's response and disclosures.

Moreover, in instances where a company has been materially impacted by a cyber-attack, we believe

shareholderscanreasonablyexpectperiodicupdatescommunicating thecompany'songoingprogresstowards

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resolving and remediating the impact of the cyber-attack. We generally believe shareholders are best served

when such updates include (but are not necessarily limited to) details such as when the company has fully

restored its information systems, when the company has returned to normal operations, what resources the

company is providing for affected stakeholders, and any other potentially relevant information, until the

companyconsiderstheimpactofthecyber-attacktobefullyremediated.Thesedisclosuresshouldfocusonthe

company's response to address the impacts to affected stakeholders and should not reveal specific and/or

technicaldetailsthatcouldimpedethecompany'sresponseorremediationoftheincident orthatcould assist

threatactors.

Insuchinstances,wemayrecommendagainstappropriatedirectorsshouldwe findtheboard'soversight,

response or disclosure concerning cybersecurity-related issues to be insufficient, or are not provided to

shareholders.

BoardOversightofArtificialIntelligence

In recent years, companies have rapidly begun to develop and adopt uses for artificial intelligence (AI)

technologiesthroughoutvariousaspectsoftheiroperations. Deployedandoverseeneffectively,AItechnologies

have the potential to make companies' operations and systems more efficient and productive. However, as the

use of these technologies has grown, so have the potential risks associated with companies' development and

use of AI. Given these potential risks, we believe that boards should be cognizant of, and take steps to mitigate

exposure to, any material risks that could arise from their use or development of AI.

Companies that use or develop AI technologies should consider adopting strong internal frameworks that

include ethical considerations and ensure they have provided a sufficient level of oversight of AI.As such,

boardsmayseektoensureeffectiveoversight andaddressskillsgapsbyengagingincontinuedboardeducation

and/or appointing directors with AI expertise. With that view, we believe that all companies that develop or

employ the use of AI in their operations should provide clear disclosure concerning the role of the board in

overseeing issues related to AI, including how companies are ensuring directors are fully versed on this rapidly

evolving and dynamic issue. We believe such disclosure can help shareholders understand the seriousness with

which companies take this issue.

While we believe that it is important that these issues are overseen at the board level and that shareholders are

afforded meaningful disclosure of these oversight responsibilities, we believe that companies should determine

thebeststructureforthisoversight.Inourview,thisoversightcanbeeffectivelyconductedbyspecificdirectors,

the entire board, a separate committee, or combined with the responsibilities of a key committee.

Intheabsenceofmaterialincidentsrelatedtoacompany'suseormanagementof AI-relatedissues,wewill

generallynotmakevotingrecommendationsonthebasisofacompany'soversight of,ordisclosureconcerning,

AI-relatedissues.However,ininstances wherethereisevidencethatinsufficientoversightand/ormanagement

of AI technologies has resulted in material harm to shareholders, Glass Lewis will review a company's overall

governance practices andidentify which directorsorboard-level committees have been charged with oversight

of AI-related risks. We will also closely evaluate the board's response to, and management of, this issue as well

as any associated disclosures and may recommend against appropriate directors should we find the board's

oversight, response or disclosure concerning AI-related issues to be insufficient.

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BoardAccountabilityforEnvironmentalandSocialPerformance

Glass Lewis carefully monitors companies' performance with respect to environmental and social issues,

including those related to climate and human capital management. In situations where we believe that a

company has not properly managed or mitigated material environmental or social risks to the detriment of

shareholder value, or when such mismanagement has threatened shareholder value, Glass Lewis may

recommend that shareholders vote against the members of the board who are responsible for oversight of

environmental and social risks. In the absence of explicit board oversight of environmental and social issues,

GlassLewismayrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainstmembersoftheauditcommittee.Inmakingthese

determinations, Glass Lewis will carefully review the situation, its effect on shareholder value, as well as any

corrective action or other response made by the company.

For more information on how Glass Lewis evaluates environmental and social issues, please see Glass Lewis'

OverallApproachtoESGaswellasourcomprehensive *Proxy PaperGuidelinesfor ShareholderProposals&ESG-* 

*Related Issues,* available at <u>www.glasslewis.com/voting-policies-current/</u>.

BoardAccountabilityforClimate-relatedIssues

Giventheexceptionallybroadimpactsofachangingclimateoncompanies,theeconomy,andsociety ingeneral,

weviewclimateriskasamaterial riskforallcompanies. Wethereforebelievethat boardsshouldbeconsidering

and evaluating their operational resilience under lower-carbon scenarios. While all companies maintain

exposure to climate-related risks, we believe that additional consideration should be given to, and that

disclosure should be provided by those companies whose GHG emissions represent a financially material risk.

Webelievethatcompanieswiththisincreasedriskexposureshouldprovideclearandcomprehensivedisclosure

regarding these risks, including how they are being mitigated and overseen. We believe such information is

crucialtoallowinvestorstounderstandthecompany's managementofthisissue,as wellastheimpactofa

lower carbon future on the company's operations.

In line with this view, Glass Lewis will carefully examine the climate-related disclosures provided by companies

in the S&P 500 index with material exposure to climate risk stemming from their own operations<sup>29,</sup>as well as

companies where we believe emissions or climate impacts, or stakeholder scrutiny thereof, represent an

outsized, financially material risk, in order to assess whether they have produced disclosures in line with the

recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) or IFRS S2 Climate-related

Disclosures.We willalsoassess whetherthesecompanieshavedisclosed explicitandclearlydefinedboard-level

oversight responsibilities for climate-related issues. In instances where we find either (or both) of these

disclosures to be absent or significantly lacking, we may recommend voting against the chair of the committee

(or board) charged with oversight of climate-related issues, or if no committee has been charged with such

oversight,thechairofthegovernancecommittee.Further,wemayextendourrecommendationonthisbasisto

additional members of the responsible committee in cases where the committee chair is not standing for

29ThispolicywillgenerallyapplytocompaniesinthefollowingSASB-definedindustries:agriculturalproducts,airfreight&

logistics, airlines, chemicals, construction materials, containers & packaging, cruise lines, electric utilities & power generators,

food retailers & distributors, health care distributors, iron & steel producers, marine transportation, meat, poultry & dairy,

metals & mining, non-alcoholic beverages, oil & gas, pulp & paper products, rail transportation, road transportation,

semiconductors, waste management.

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electionduetoaclassifiedboard,orbasedonotherfactors,includingthecompany'ssize,industryandits

overall governance profile.

DirectorCommitments

We believe that directors should have the necessary time to fulfill their duties to shareholders. In our view, an

overcommitted director can pose a material risk to a company's shareholders, particularly during periods of

crisis.Inaddition, recentresearchindicatesthatthetimecommitmentassociatedwithbeingadirectorhasbeen

on a significant upward trend in the past decade.<sup>30</sup> As a result, we generally recommend that shareholders vote

against a director who serves as an executive officer (other than executive chair) of any public company<sup>31</sup> while

serving on more than one external public company board, a director who serves as an executive chair of any

public company while serving on more than two external public company boards, and any other director who

serves on more than five public company boards.

Because we believe that executives will primarily devote their attention to executive duties, we generally will

notrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainstovercommitteddirectorsatthecompanieswheretheyserveas

an executive.

When determining whether a director's service on an excessive number of boards may limit the ability of the

directortodevotesufficienttimetoboardduties, wemayconsiderrelevantfactorssuchasthesizeandlocation

of the other companies where the director serves on the board, the director's board roles at the companies in

question, whether the director serves on the board of any large privately-held companies, the director's tenure

on the boards in question, and the director's attendance record at all companies. In the case of directors who

serve in executive roles other than CEO (e.g., executive chair), we will evaluate the specific duties and

responsibilities of that role in determining whether an exception is warranted.

Wemayalsorefrainfromrecommendingagainstcertaindirectorsifthecompanyprovidessufficientrationale

for their continued board service. The rationale should allow shareholders to evaluate the scope of the

directors'othercommitments,aswellastheircontributionstotheboardincludingspecializedknowledgeofthe

company's industry, strategy or key markets, the diversity of skills, perspective and background they provide,

and other relevant factors. We will also generally refrain from recommending to vote against a director who

serves on an excessive number of boards within a consolidated group of companies in related industries, or a

director that represents a firm whose sole purpose is to manage a portfolio of investments which include the

company.

30Forexample,the2015-2016NACDPublicCompanyGovernanceSurveystatesthat,onaverage,directorsspentatotalof

248.2 hours annual on board-related matters during the past year, which it describes as a "historically high level" that is

significantlyabove theaveragehoursrecordedin2006.Additionally,the2020 SpencerStuartBoardIndexindicatesthat,

while39%ofS&P500CEOsserveononeadditionalpublicboard,just2%ofS&P500CEOsserveontwoadditionalpublic

boards and only one CEO serves on three.

31Whentheexecutiveofficerinquestionservesonlyasanexecutiveataspecialpurposeacquisitioncompany(SPAC)we

will generally apply the higher threshold of five public company directorships.

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OtherConsiderations

In addition to the three key characteristics — independence, performance, experience — that we use to

evaluateboardmembers, weconsiderconflict-of-interestissuesaswellasthesizeoftheboardofdirectors

when making voting recommendations.

ConflictsofInterest

Webelieveboardmembersshouldbe whollyfreeofidentifiableandsubstantialconflictsofinterest,regardless

of the overall level of independent directors on the board. Accordingly, we recommend that shareholders vote

against the following types of directors:

• ACFO whoison the board: In ourview, the CFO holdsa unique position relative to financial reporting

anddisclosuretoshareholders.Duetothecriticalimportanceoffinancialdisclosureandreporting,we

believe the CFO should report to the board and not be a member of it.

• Adirectorwho provides—oradirectorwhohasanimmediatefamilymemberwhoprovides —material

consulting or other material professional services to the company. These services may include legal,

consulting,<sup>32</sup> or financial services. We question the need for the company to have consulting

relationships with its directors. We view such relationships as creating conflicts for directors, since they

may be forced to weigh their own interests against shareholder interests when making board decisions.

Inaddition,acompany'sdecisionsregardingwheretoturnforthebestprofessional

servicesmaybecompromisedwhendoingbusinesswiththeprofessionalservicesfirmofoneof the

company'sdirectors.

• Adirector, oradirectorwhohasanimmediate family member, engaging inairplane, real estate, or

similardeals,includingperquisite-typegrantsfromthecompany,amountingtomorethan$50,000.

Directors who receive these sorts of payments from the company will have to make unnecessarily

complicated decisions that may pit their interests against shareholder interests.

• Interlocking directorships: CEOs or other top executives who serve on each other's boards create an

interlockthatposesconflictsthatshouldbeavoidedtoensurethepromotion ofshareholderinterests

above all else.<sup>33</sup>

• All board members who served at a time when a poison pill with a term of longer than one year was

adopted without shareholder approval within the prior twelve months.<sup>34</sup> In the event a board is

classifiedandshareholdersarethereforeunabletovote againstalldirectors,wewillrecommendvoting

against the remaining directors the next year they are up for a shareholder vote. If a poison pill with a

32Wewillgenerallyrefrainfromrecommendingagainstadirectorwhoprovidesconsultingservicesforthecompanyifthe

director is excluded from membership on the board's key committees and we have not identified significant governance

concerns with the board.

33Wedonotapplyalook-backperiodforthissituation.Theinterlockpolicyapplies tobothpublicandprivatecompanies.

Onacase-by-casebasis,weevaluateothertypesofinterlockingrelationships,suchasinterlockswithclosefamilymembers

ofexecutivesorwithingroupcompanies. Further,wewillalsoevaluatemultipleboardinterlocksamongnon-insiders(i.e.,

multiple directors serving on the same boardsat othercompanies), for evidence of a pattern of poor oversight.

34Refertothe"GovernanceStructureandthe ShareholderFranchise"sectionforfurtherdiscussionofourpolicies

regarding anti-takeover measures, including poison pills.

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termofoneyearorlesswasadoptedwithoutshareholderapproval,and withoutadequatejustification,

we will consider recommending that shareholders vote against all members of the governance

committee.Ifthe boardhas, without seeking shareholderapproval, and without adequate justification,

extended the term of a poison pill by one year or less in two consecutive years, we will consider

recommending that shareholders vote against the entire board.

SizeoftheBoardofDirectors

While we do not believe there is a universally applicable optimal board size, we do believe boards should have

atleastfivedirectorstoensuresufficientdiversityindecision-makingandtoenabletheformationofkeyboard

committees with independent directors. Conversely, we believe that boards with more than 20 members will

typicallysufferundertheweightof"toomanycooksinthekitchen"andhavedifficultyreachingconsensusand

making timely decisions. Sometimes the presence of too many voices can make it difficult to draw on the

wisdom and experience in the room by virtue of the need to limit the discussion so that each voice may be

heard.

Tothatend,wetypicallyrecommendvotingagainstthechairofthenominatingcommittee(orthegovernance

committee, in the absence ofa nominating committee) at a board with fewer than five directors or more than

20 directors.

ControlledCompanies

We believe controlled companies warrant certain exceptions to our independence standards. The board's

functionistoprotectshareholder interests;however, whenanindividual,entity(orgroupofshareholdersparty

to a formal agreement) owns more than 50% of the voting shares, the interests of the majority of shareholders

are the interests of that entity or individual. Consequently, Glass Lewis does not apply our usual two-thirds

board independence rule and therefore we will not recommend voting against boards whose composition

reflects the makeup of the shareholder population.

IndependenceExceptions

Theindependenceexceptionsthatwemakeforcontrolledcompaniesareasfollows:

• Wedonotrequirethatcontrolledcompanies haveboardsthatareatleasttwo-thirdsindependent.So

longastheinsidersand/oraffiliatesareconnectedwiththecontrolling entity,weaccept thepresence

of non-independent board members.

• Thecompensationcommitteeandnominatingandgovernancecommitteesdonotneedtoconsistsolely

of independent directors.

oWe believe that standing nominating and corporate governance committees at controlled

companiesareunnecessary. Althoughhavingacommitteechargedwiththedutiesofsearching

for,selecting,andnominatingindependentdirectorscanbebeneficial,theuniquecomposition

of a controlled company's shareholder base makes such committees weak and irrelevant.

oLikewise, we believe that independent compensation committees at controlled companies are

unnecessary.Althoughindependentdirectorsarethebestchoiceforapprovingandmonitoring

senior executives' pay, controlled companies serve a unique shareholder population whose

voting power ensures the protection of its interests. As such, we believe that having affiliated

directorsonacontrolledcompany'scompensationcommitteeisacceptable.However, given

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that a controlled company has certain obligations to minority shareholders we feel that an

insider should not serve on the compensation committee. Therefore, Glass Lewis will

recommendvotingagainstanyinsider(theCEOorotherwise)servingonthecompensation

committee.

• Controlledcompaniesdonotneedanindependentchairoranindependentleadorpresidingdirector.

Although anindependent directorin a position ofauthority on the board — such aschairorpresiding

director — can best carry out the board's duties, controlled companies serve a unique shareholder

population whose voting power ensures the protection of its interests.

SizeoftheBoardofDirectors

Wehavenoboardsizerequirementsforcontrolledcompanies.

AuditCommitteeIndependence

Despite a controlled company's status, unlike for the other key committees, we nevertheless believe that audit

committees should consist solely of independent directors. Regardless of a company's controlled status, the

interestsofallshareholdersmustbe protectedbyensuringtheintegrityandaccuracyofthecompany'sfinancial

statements. Allowing affiliated directors to oversee the preparation of financial reports could create an

insurmountable conflict of interest.

BoardResponsivenessatMulti-ClassCompanies

At controlled companies and companies that have multi-class share structures with unequal voting rights, we

will carefully examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated shareholders when

determining whether board responsiveness is warranted. In the case of companies that have multi-class share

structures with unequal voting rights, we will generally examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed

to unaffiliated shareholders on a "one share, one vote" basis. At controlled and multi-class companies, when at

least 20% or more of unaffiliated shareholders vote contrary to management, we believe that boards should

engagewithshareholdersanddemonstratesomeinitiallevelofresponsiveness,andwhena majorityormoreof

unaffiliatedshareholdersvotecontrarytomanagementwebelievethatboardsshouldengagewithshareholders

and provide a more robust response to fully address shareholder concerns.

SignificantShareholders

Whereanindividualorentityholdsbetween20-50%ofa company'svotingpower,webelieveitisreasonableto

allow proportional representation on the board and committees (excluding the audit committee) based on the

individual or entity's percentage of ownership.

GovernanceFollowinganIPO,Spin-Off,orDirectListing

We believe companies that have recently completed an initial public offering (IPO), spin-off, or direct listing

should be allowed adequate time to fully comply with marketplace listing requirements and meet basic

corporategovernancestandards.Generallyspeaking,we refrain frommakingrecommendationsonthebasisof

governance standards (e.g., board independence, committee membership and structure, meeting attendance,

etc.) during the one-year period following an IPO.

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However, some cases warrant shareholder action against the board of a company that have completed an IPO,

spin-off, or direct listing within the past year. When evaluating companies that have recently gone public, Glass

Lewis will review the terms of the applicable governing documents in order to determine whether shareholder

rights are being severely restricted indefinitely. We believe boards that approve highly restrictive governing

documentshavedemonstratedthattheymaysubvertshareholderinterests followingtheIPO.Inconductingthis

evaluation, Glass Lewis will consider:

• Theadoptionofanti-takeoverprovisionssuchasapoisonpillorclassified board

• Supermajorityvoterequirementstoamendgoverning documents

• Thepresenceofexclusiveforumorfee-shifting provisions

• Whethershareholderscancallspecialmeetingsoract bywritten consent

• Thevotingstandardprovidedfortheelectionofdirectors

• Theabilityofshareholderstoremovedirectors withoutcause

• Thepresenceofevergreenprovisionsinthecompany'sequitycompensationarrangements

• Thepresenceofamulti-classsharestructurewhichdoes notaffordcommonshareholdersvotingpower

that is aligned with their economic interest

IncaseswhereGlassLewisdeterminesthattheboardhasapprovedoverlyrestrictivegoverningdocuments,we

will generally recommend voting against members of the governance committee. If there is no governance

committee, or if a portion of such committee members are not standing for election due to a classified board

structure, we will expand our recommendations to additional director nominees, based on who is standing for

election.

In cases where, preceding an IPO, the board adopts a multi-class share structure where voting rights are not

aligned with economic interest, or an anti-takeover provision, such as a poison pill or classified board, we will

generallyrecommendvotingagainstallmembersoftheboardwhoservedatthetimeoftheIPOiftheboard:(i)

did not also commit to submitting these provisions to a shareholder vote at the company's first shareholder

meeting following the IPO; or (ii) did not provide for a reasonable sunset of these provisions (generally three to

five years in the case of a classified board or poison pill; or seven years or less in the case of a multi-class share

structure). In the case of a multi-class share structure, if these provisions are put to a shareholder vote, we will

examine the level ofapproval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated shareholders when determining the vote

outcome.

In our view, adopting an anti-takeover device unfairly penalizes future shareholders who (except for electing to

buyorsellthestock)areunableto weighinonamatter thatcouldpotentiallynegativelyimpacttheirownership

interest.Thisnotionisstrengthenedwhenaboardadoptsaclassifiedboardwithaninfinite durationorapoison

pill with a five- to ten-year term immediately prior to going public, thereby insulating management for a

substantial amount of time.

In addition, shareholders should also be wary of companies that adopt supermajority voting requirements

before their IPO. Absent explicit provisions in the articles or bylaws stipulating that certain policies will be

phasedoutoveracertainperiodoftime,long-termshareholderscouldfindthemselvesinthepredicamentof

having to attain a supermajority vote to approve future proposals seeking to eliminate such policies.

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GovernanceFollowingaBusinessCombinationwithaSpecialPurpose Acquisition Company

Thebusinesscombinationofa privatecompanywithapubliclytradedspecialpurposeacquisitioncompany

(SPAC)facilitatestheprivateentitybecomingapubliclytradedcorporation.Thus,thebusinesscombination

representstheprivatecompany'sde-factoIPO.Webelievethatsomecaseswarrantshareholderactionagainst

the board of a company that have completed a business combination with a SPAC within the past year.

At meetings where shareholders vote on the business combination of a SPAC with a private company,

shareholdersaregenerallyvotingonanewcorporatecharterforthepost-combinationcompanyasacondition

to approval of the business combination. In many cases, shareholders are faced with the dilemma of having to

approve corporate charters that severely restrict shareholder rights to facilitate the business combination.

Therefore,whenshareholdersarerequiredtoapprovebindingchartersasaconditionto approvalofabusiness

combination with a SPAC, we believe shareholders should also be provided with advisory votes on material

charter amendments as a means to voice their opinions on such restrictive governance provisions.

When evaluating companies that have recently gone public via business combination with a SPAC, Glass Lewis

willreviewthetermsoftheapplicablegoverningdocumentstodeterminewhethershareholderrightsarebeing

severelyrestrictedindefinitelyandwhethertheserestrictiveprovisionswereputforth forashareholdervoteon

an advisory basis at the prior meeting where shareholders voted on the business combination.

In cases where, prior to the combined company becoming publicly traded, the board adopts a multi-class share

structure where voting rights are not aligned with economic interest, or an anti-takeover provision, such as a

poisonpillorclassifiedboard, we willgenerallyrecommendvotingagainstallmembersoftheboardwhoserved

at the time of the combined company becoming publicly traded if the board: (i) did not also submit these

provisions to a shareholder vote on an advisory basis at the prior meeting where shareholders voted on the

business combination; (ii) did not also commit to submitting these provisions to a shareholder vote at the

company'sfirstshareholdermeetingfollowingthecompanybecomingpubliclytraded;or(iii)didnotprovide for

a reasonable sunset of these provisions (generally three to five years in the case of a classified board or poison

pill; or seven years or less in the case of a multi-class share structure).

Consistent with our view on IPOs, adopting an anti-takeover device unfairly penalizes future shareholders who

(exceptforelectingtobuyorsellthestock)areunableto weighinonamatterthatcouldpotentiallynegatively

impact their ownership interest.

Dual-ListedorForeign-IncorporatedCompanies

Forcompaniesthattradeonmultipleexchangesorareincorporatedinforeignjurisdictionsbuttradeonlyinthe

U.S., we will apply the governance standard most relevant in each situation. We will consider a number of

factors in determining which Glass Lewis country-specific policy to apply, including but not limited to: (i) the

corporategovernancestructureandfeaturesofthecompanyincludingwhethertheboardstructureisuniqueto

a particularmarket; (ii) the nature ofthe proposals; (iii) the location ofthe company's primary listing, ifone can

bedetermined;(iv)theregulatory/governanceregimethattheboardisreportingagainst;and(v)theavailability

and completeness of the company's SEC filings.

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OTC-listedCompanies

Companies trading on the OTC Bulletin Board are not considered "listed companies" under SEC rules and

therefore not subject to the same governance standards as listed companies. However, we believe that more

stringentcorporategovernancestandardsshould beappliedtothesecompaniesgiventhattheirsharesarestill

publicly traded.

When reviewing OTC companies, Glass Lewis will review the available disclosure relating to the shareholder

meetingtodeterminewhethershareholdersareableto evaluateseveralkeypiecesofinformation,including:(i)

the composition of the board's key committees, if any; (ii) the level of share ownership of company insiders or

directors; (iii) the board meeting attendance record of directors; (iv) executive and non-employee director

compensation; (v) related-party transactions conducted during the past year; and (vi) the board's leadership

structure and determinations regarding director independence.

We are particularly concerned when company disclosure lacks any information regarding the board's key

committees.Webelievethatcommitteesoftheboardareanessentialtoolforclarifyinghowtheresponsibilities

of the board are being delegated, and specifically for indicating which directors are accountable for ensuring: (i)

the independence and quality of directors, and the transparency and integrity of the nominating process; (ii)

compensation programs that are fair and appropriate; (iii) proper oversight of the company's accounting,

financial reporting, and internal and external audits; and (iv) general adherence to principles of good corporate

governance.

Incaseswhere shareholdersare unable toidentify which boardmembers are responsible forensuring oversight

oftheabove-mentionedresponsibilities,wemayconsiderrecommendingagainstcertainmembersoftheboard.

Ordinarily,webelieveitistheresponsibilityofthecorporategovernancecommitteetoprovidethorough

disclosure ofthe board'sgovernance practices.Inthe absence ofsuchacommittee, we believe it isappropriate

toholdtheboard'schairor,ifsuchindividualisanexecutiveofthecompany,thelongest-servingnon-executive

board member accountable.

MutualFundBoards

Mutualfunds,orinvestmentcompanies,arestructured differentlyfromregularpubliccompanies(i.e.,operating

companies). Typically, members of a fund's advisor are on the board and management takes on a different role

from that of regular public companies. Thus, we focus on a short list of requirements, although many of our

guidelines remain the same.

Thefollowingmutualfundpoliciesaresimilartothepoliciesforregularpublic companies:

• **Sizeoftheboardofdirectors**— Theboardshouldbemadeupofbetweenfiveandtwentydirectors.

• **TheCFO on theboard**—NeithertheCFOofthefundnortheCFOofthefund'sregistered investment

advisorshouldserveonthe board.

• **Independenceoftheauditcommittee** —Theauditcommitteeshouldconsistsolelyofindependent

directors.

• **Auditcommitteefinancialexpert** —Atleastonememberoftheauditcommitteeshouldbedesignated

as the audit committee financial expert.

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Thefollowingdifferencesfromregularpubliccompaniesapplyatmutual funds:

• **Independenceoftheboard** —Webelievethatthree-fourthsofaninvestmentcompany'sboardshould

be made up of independent directors. This is consistent with a proposed SEC rule on investment

company boards. The Investment Company Act requires 40% of the board to be independent, but in

2001, the SEC amended the Exemptive Rules to require that a majority of a mutual fund board be

independent. In 2005, the SEC proposed increasing the independence threshold to 75%. In 2006, a

federal appealscourt ordered that thisrule amendment be put back out forpublic comment, putting it

back into "proposed rule" status. Since mutual fund boards play a vital role in overseeing the

relationship between the fund and its investment manager, there is greater need for independent

oversight than there is for an operating company board.

• **When the auditor is not up for ratification** — We do not recommend voting against the audit

committeeiftheauditorisnotupforratification.Dueto thedifferentlegalstructureofaninvestment

company compared to an operating company, the auditor for the investment company (i.e., mutual

fund)

doesnotconductthesameleveloffinancialreviewforeachinvestmentcompanyasforan

operating company.

• **Non-independent chair** — The SEC has proposed that the chair of the fund board be independent. We

agree that the roles of a mutual fund's chair and CEO should be separate. Although we believe this

would be best at all companies, we recommend voting against the chair of an investment company's

nominating committee as well as the board chair if the chair and CEO of a mutual fund are the same

person and the fund does not have an independent lead or presiding director. Seven former SEC

commissioners support the appointment of an independent chair and we agree with them that "an

independent board chair would be better able to create conditions favoring the long-term interests of

fundshareholdersthan wouldachair whoisanexecutiveoftheadvisor."(Seethecommentlettersent

to the SEC in support of the proposed rule at <u>http://www.sec.gov/news/studies/indchair.pdf</u>.)

• **Multiple funds overseen by the same director**— Unlike service on a public company board, mutual

fundboardsrequiremuchlessofatimecommitment.Mutualfunddirectorstypicallyserveondozensof

other mutual fund boards, often within the same fund complex. The Investment Company Institute's

(ICI) Overview of Fund Governance Practices, 1994-2012, indicates that the average number of funds

served by an independent director in 2012 was 53. Absent evidence that a specific director is hindered

from being an effective board member at a fund due to service on other funds' boards, we refrain from

maintaining acaponthe numberof outside mutual fund boardsthat we believe adirectorcanserve on.

DeclassifiedBoards

GlassLewisfavorstherepealofstaggeredboardsandtheannualelectionofdirectors.Webelievestaggered

boardsarelessaccountabletoshareholdersthanboards thatareelectedannually.Furthermore,we feelthe

annual election of directors encourages board members to focus on shareholder interests.

Empiricalstudieshaveshown:(i)staggeredboards areassociatedwithareductioninafirm'svaluation;and(ii)

in the context of hostile takeovers, staggered boards operate as a takeover defense, which entrenches

management, discourages potential acquirers, and delivers a lower return to target shareholders.

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In our view, there is no evidence to demonstrate that staggered boards improve shareholder returns in a

takeovercontext.Someresearchhasindicatedthatshareholdersare worseoffwhenastaggeredboardblocksa

transaction; further, when a staggered board negotiates a friendly transaction, no statistically significant

difference in premium occurs.<sup>35</sup> Additional research found that charter-based staggered boards "reduce the

marketvalueofafirmby4%to 6%ofitsmarketcapitalization"andthat"staggeredboardsbringaboutandnot

merely reflect this reduction in market value."<sup>36</sup> A subsequent study reaffirmed that classified boards reduce

shareholder value, finding "that the ongoing process of dismantling staggered boards, encouraged by

institutionalinvestors,couldwellcontributetoincreasingshareholderwealth."<sup>37</sup>

Shareholders have increasingly come to agree with this view. In 2019, 90% of S&P 500 companies had

declassifiedboards,upfrom68%in2009.<sup>38</sup>Managementproposalstodeclassifyboardsareapprovedwithnear

unanimityandshareholderproposalsonthetopicalsoreceivestrongshareholdersupport;in2014,shareholder

proposals requesting that companies declassify their boards received average support of 84% (excluding

abstentions and broker non-votes), whereas in 1987, only 16.4% of votes cast favored board declassification.<sup>39</sup>

Further, a growing number of companies, nearly half of all those targeted by shareholder proposals requesting

that all directors stand for election annually, either recommended shareholders support the proposal or made

no recommendation, a departure from the more traditional management recommendation to vote against

shareholder proposals.

Givenourbeliefthatdeclassifiedboardspromotedirectoraccountability,theempiricalevidencesuggesting

staggeredboardsreduceacompany'svalueandtheestablishedshareholderoppositiontosuchastructure,

Glass Lewis supports the declassification of boards and the annual election of directors.

BoardCompositionandRefreshment

Glass Lewis strongly supports routine director evaluation, including independent external reviews, and periodic

board refreshment to foster the sharing of diverse perspectives in the boardroom and the generation of new

ideas and business strategies. Further, we believe the board should evaluate the need for changes to board

composition based on an analysis of skills and experience necessary for the company, as well as the results of

thedirectorevaluations,asopposedto relyingsolelyon ageortenurelimits.Whennecessary,shareholderscan

address concerns regarding proper board composition through director elections.

35LucianBebchuk,JohnCoatesIV,GuhanSubramanian,"ThePowerfulAntitakeoverForceofStaggeredBoards:Further

Findings and a Reply to Symposium Participants," 55 Stanford Law Review 885-917 (2002).

36LucianBebchuk,AlmaCohen,"TheCostsofEntrenchedBoards"(2004).

37LucianBebchuk,AlmaCohenand CharlesC.Y.Wang,"StaggeredBoardsandtheWealthofShareholders:Evidencefrom

a Natural Experiment,"

SSRN:<u>http://ssrn.com/abstract=1706806</u>(2010),p.26.

38SpencerStuartBoardIndex,2019,p.15.

39LucianBebchuk,JohnCoatesIVandGuhanSubramanian,"ThePowerfulAntitakeoverForceofStaggeredBoards:Theory,

Evidence, and Policy".

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In our view, a director's experience can be a valuable asset to shareholders because of the complex, critical

issuesthatboards face.Thissaid,werecognizethatinrarecircumstances,alackofrefreshmentcancontribute

to a lack of board responsiveness to poor company performance.

Wewillnoteasapotentialconcerninstanceswherethe averagetenureofnon-executivedirectorsis10yearsor

more and no new directors have joined the board in the past five years. While we will be highlighting this as a

potential area of concern, we will not be making voting recommendations strictly on this basis, unless we have

identified other governance or board performance concerns.

On occasion, age or term limits can be used as a means to remove a director for boards that are unwilling to

policetheirmembershipandenforceturnover.Someshareholderssupporttermlimitsasawaytoforcechange

in such circumstances.

While we understand that age limits can aid board succession planning, the long-term impact of age limits

restricts experienced and potentially valuable board members from service through an arbitrary means. We

believethatshareholdersarebetteroffmonitoringtheboard'soverallcomposition,includingthediversityofits

members, the alignment of the board's areas of expertise with a company's strategy, the board's approach to

corporate governance, and its stewardship of company performance, rather than imposing inflexible rules that

don't necessarily correlate with returns or benefits for shareholders.

However,ifaboardadoptsterm/agelimits,itshould followthroughandnot waivesuchlimits. Incaseswhere

theboardwaivesitsterm/agelimits fortwo ormoreconsecutiveyears,GlassLewiswillgenerallyrecommend

that shareholders vote against the nominating and/or governance committee chair, unless a compelling

rationale is provided for why the board is proposing to waive this rule, such as consummation of a corporate

transaction.

BoardDiversity

Glass Lewis recognizes the importance ofensuring that the board is composed ofdirectors who have a diversity

of skills, thought and experience, as such diversity benefits companies by providing a broad range of

perspectivesandinsights.GlassLewiscloselyreviewsthecompositionoftheboardforrepresentation ofdiverse

director candidates.

BoardGenderDiversity

We consider the nominating and governance committee to be responsible for ensuring sufficient board

diversity,orforpubliclycommunicatingitsrationaleora planforincreasingdiversity.As such, wewillgenerally

recommend voting against the chair of the nominating committee of a board that is not at least 30 percent

gender diverse, or all members of the nominating committee of a board with no gender diverse directors, at

companies within the Russell 3000 index. For companies outside the Russell 3000 index, our policy requires a

minimum of one gender diverse director.

When making these voting recommendations, we will carefully review a company's disclosure of its diversity

considerationsandmay refrainfromrecommendingthat shareholdersvoteagainstdirectorswhenboardshave

provided sufficient rationale for the lack of diversity or a plan to address the lack of diversity, including a

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timelineofwhentheboardintendstoappointadditional genderdiversedirectors(generallybythenextannual

meeting or as soon as reasonably practicable).

We may extend our gender diversity recommendations to additional members of the nominating committee in

caseswherethecommitteechairisnotstandingforelectionduetoaclassifiedboard,or basedonother factors,

including the company's size and industry, applicable laws in its state of headquarters, and its overall

governance profile.

BoardUnderrepresentedCommunityDiversity

Wewillgenerallyrecommendagainstthechairofthenominatingcommitteeofaboardwith fewerthanone

director from an underrepresented community on the board at companies within the Russell 1000 index.

We define "underrepresented community director" as an individual who self-identifies as Black, African

American, North African, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native

Hawaiian, orAlaskanNative,or whoself-identifiesasamemberoftheLGBTQIA+community.Forthepurposes

ofthisevaluation,we willrelysolelyonself-identifieddemographic informationasdisclosedincompanyproxy

statements.

When making these voting recommendations, we will carefully review a company's disclosure of its diversity

considerationsandmay refrainfromrecommendingthat shareholdersvoteagainstdirectorswhenboardshave

provided a sufficient rationale or plan to address the lack of diversity on the board, including a timeline to

appoint additional directorsfrom an underrepresented community (generally by the next annual meeting oras

soon as reasonably practicable).

We may extend our underrepresented community diversity recommendations to additional members of the

nominating committee in cases where the committee chair is not standing for election due to a classified board,

orbasedonother factors,includingthecompany'ssizeandindustry,applicablelawsinitsstateofheadquarters,

and its overall governance profile.

StateLawsonDiversity

Several states have begun to encourage board diversity through legislation. Some state laws imposed

mandatoryboardcomposition requirements,whileotherstateshaveenactedorare consideringlegislationthat

encourages companies to diversify their boards but does not mandate board composition requirements.

Furthermore,severalstateshaveenactedorareconsideringenactingcertaindisclosureorreporting

requirements in filings made with each respective state annually.

Glass Lewis will recommend in accordance with mandatory board composition requirements set forth in

applicable state laws when they come into effect. We will generally refrain from recommending against

directorswhenapplicablestatelawsdonotmandateboardcomposition requirements,arenon-binding,or

solely impose disclosure or reporting requirements.

Wenotethat during2022,California'sSenateBill826andAssemblyBill979regardingboardgenderand

"underrepresentedcommunity"diversity,respectively,werebothdeemedtoviolatetheequalprotectionclause

of the California state constitution. These laws are currently in the appeals process.

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Accordingly, where we previously recommended in accordance with mandatory board composition

requirements set forth in California's SB 826 and AB 979, we will refrain from providing recommendations

pursuanttothesestateboardcompositionrequirementsuntilfurthernotice while wecontinuetomonitorthe

appeals process. However, we will continue to monitor compliance with these requirements.

DisclosureofDirectorDiversityandSkills

Becausecompanydisclosureiscriticalwhenmeasuringthemixofdiverseattributesand skillsofdirectors,Glass

Lewis assesses the quality of such disclosure in companies' proxy statements. Accordingly, we reflect how a

company's proxy statement presents: (i) the board's current percentage of racial/ethnic diversity; (ii) whether

the board's definition of diversity explicitly includes gender and/or race/ethnicity; (iii) whether the board has

adopted a policy requiring women andminoritiesto be included inthe initial pool ofcandidates when selecting

new director nominees (aka "Rooney Rule"); and (iv) board skills disclosure. Such ratings will help inform our

assessment ofacompany'soverall governance andmay be acontributing factorinourrecommendationswhen

additional board-related concerns have been identified.

AtcompaniesintheRussell1000indexthathavenotprovidedanydisclosureinanyoftheabovecategories,we

will generally recommend voting against the chair of the nominating and/or governance committee. Further,

when companies in the Russell 1000 index have not provided any disclosure of individual or aggregate racial/

ethnic minority boarddemographic information, we will generally recommendvoting against the chairof the

nominating and/or governance committee.

ProxyAccess

In lieu of running their own contested election, proxy access would not only allow certain shareholders to

nominate directors to company boards but the shareholder nominees would be included on the company's

ballot, significantly enhancing the ability of shareholders to play a meaningful role in selecting their

representatives.GlassLewisgenerallysupportsaffordingshareholderstherighttonominatedirectorcandidates

to management's proxy as a means to ensure that significant, long-term shareholders have an ability to

nominate candidates to the board.

Companiesgenerally seek shareholderapproval toamendcompany bylawstoadopt proxy accessinresponse to

shareholder engagement or pressure, usually in the form of a shareholder proposal requesting proxy access,

although some companies may adopt some elements of proxy access without prompting. Glass Lewis considers

severalfactorswhenevaluatingwhethertosupportproposalsforcompaniestoadoptproxyaccessincludingthe

specified minimum ownership and holding requirement for shareholders to nominate one or more directors, as

well as company size, performance and responsiveness to shareholders.

For a discussion of recent regulatory events in this area, along with a detailed overview of the Glass Lewis

approachtoshareholderproposals regardingProxyAccess,refertoGlassLewis' *ProxyPaperGuidelinesfor* 

*Shareholder Proposals & ESG-Related Issues*, available at <u>www.glasslewis.com</u>.

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MajorityVoteforElectionofDirectors

Majorityvotingfortheelectionofdirectorsisfastbecomingthedefactostandardincorporateboardelections.

In our view, the majority voting proposals are an effort to make the case for shareholder impact on director

elections on a company-specific basis.

While this proposal would not give shareholders the opportunity to nominate directors or lead to elections

where shareholders have a choice among director candidates, if implemented, the proposal would allow

shareholderstohaveavoiceindeterminingwhetherthe nomineesproposedbytheboardshouldactuallyserve

as the overseer-representatives of shareholders in the boardroom. We believe this would be a favorable

outcome for shareholders.

Thenumberofshareholderproposalsrequestingthatcompaniesadoptamajorityvotingstandardhasdeclined

significantly during the past decade, largely as a result of widespread adoption of majority voting or director

resignationpoliciesatU.S.companies.In2019,89%oftheS&P500Indexhadimplementedaresignationpolicy

for directors failing to receive majority shareholder support, compared to 65% in 2009.<sup>40</sup>

ThePluralityVoteStandard

Today, most U.S. companies still elect directors by a plurality vote standard. Under that standard, if one

shareholder holding only one share votes in favor of a nominee (including that director, if the director is a

shareholder),thatnominee"wins"theelectionandassumesaseatontheboard.Thecommonconcernamong

companies with a plurality voting standard is the possibility that one or more directors would not receive a

majority of votes, resulting in "failed elections."

AdvantagesofaMajority VoteStandard

Ifamajorityvotestandardwereimplemented,anomineewouldhavetoreceivethesupportofamajorityofthe

shares voted in order to be elected. Thus, shareholders could collectively vote to reject a director they believe

will not pursue their best interests. Given that so few directors (less than 100 a year) do not receive majority

support from shareholders, we think that a majority vote standard is reasonable since it will neither result in

many failed director elections nor reduce the willingness of qualified, shareholder-focused directors to serve in

the future. Further, most directors who fail to receive a majority shareholder vote in favor of their election do

not step down, underscoring the need for true majority voting.

Webelievethatamajorityvotestandardwilllikelyleadtomoreattentivedirectors.Althoughshareholdersonly

rarely fail to support directors, the occasional majority vote against a director's election will likely deter the

electionofdirectorswitharecordofignoringshareholderinterests.GlassLewiswillthereforegenerallysupport

proposals calling for the election of directors by a majority vote, excepting contested director elections.

Inresponsetothehighlevelofsupportmajorityvotinghasgarnered,manycompanieshavevoluntarilytaken

steps to implement majority voting or modified approaches to majority voting. These steps range from a

40SpencerStuartBoardIndex,2019,p.15.

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modifiedapproachrequiringdirectorsthatreceiveamajorityofwithheldvotestoresign(i.e.,aresignation

policy) to actually requiring a majority vote of outstanding shares to elect directors.

We feel that the modified approach does not go far enough because requiring a director to resign is not the

sameasrequiringamajorityvotetoelectadirectoranddoesnotallowshareholdersadefinitivevoiceinthe

electionprocess.Further, underthe modifiedapproach, the corporate governance committee couldreject a

resignation and, even if it accepts the resignation, the corporate governance committee decides on the

director'sreplacement.Andsincethemodifiedapproachisusuallyadoptedasapolicybytheboardoraboard

committee, it could be altered by the same board or committee at any time.

ConflictingandExcludedProposals

SEC Rule 14a-8(i)(9) allows companies to exclude shareholder proposals "if the proposal directly conflicts with

one of the company's own proposals to be submitted to shareholders at the same meeting." On October 22,

2015, the SEC issued StaffLegal BulletinNo. 14H (SLB 14H)clarifying itsrule concerning the exclusion ofcertain

shareholderproposalswhen similaritemsarealsoontheballot.SLB14Hincreasedtheburdenoncompaniesto

prove to SEC staff that a conflict exists; therefore, many companies still chose to place management proposals

alongside similar shareholder proposals in many cases.

Duringthe2018proxyseason,anewtrendintheSEC'sinterpretationofthisruleemerged.Uponsubmissionof

shareholder proposals requesting that companies adopt a lower special meeting threshold, several companies

petitioned the SEC for no-action relief under the premise that the shareholder proposals conflicted with

management's own special meeting proposals, even though the management proposals set a higher threshold

than those requested by the proponent. No-action relief was granted to these companies; however, the SEC

stipulated that the companies must state in the rationale for the management proposals that a vote in favor of

management'sproposal wastantamounttoavoteagainsttheadoptionofalowerspecialmeetingthreshold.In

certain instances, shareholder proposals to lower an existing special meeting right threshold were excluded on

the basis that they conflicted with management proposals seeking to ratify the existing special meeting rights.

We find the exclusion of these shareholder proposals to be especially problematic as, in these instances,

shareholders are not offered any enhanced shareholder right, nor would the approval (or rejection) of the

ratificationproposalinitiateanytypeofmeaningfulchangetoshareholders' rights.

Ininstanceswherecompanieshaveexcludedshareholderproposals,suchasthoseinstanceswherespecial

meetingshareholderproposalsareexcludedasaresultof"conflicting"managementproposals,GlassLewis will

takeacase-by-caseapproach,takingintoaccountthefollowing issues:

• Thethresholdproposedbytheshareholder resolution;

• Thethresholdproposedorestablishedbymanagementandtheattendantrationaleforthe threshold;

• Whethermanagement'sproposalisseekingtoratifyanexistingspecialmeetingrightoradopta bylaw

thatwouldestablishaspecialmeetingright;and

• Thecompany'soverallgovernanceprofile,includingitsoverallresponsivenesstoandengagementwith

shareholders.

GlassLewisgenerallyfavorsa10-15%specialmeetingright.Accordingly,GlassLewiswillgenerally recommend

voting for management or shareholder proposals that fall within this range. When faced with conflicting

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proposals,GlassLewiswillgenerallyrecommendin favor ofthelowerspecialmeetingrightandwillrecommend

voting against the proposal with the higher threshold. However, in instances where there are conflicting

managementandshareholderproposalsandacompanyhasnotestablishedaspecialmeetingright,GlassLewis

may recommend that shareholders vote in favor of the shareholder proposal and that they abstain from a

management-proposed bylaw amendment seeking to establish a special meeting right. We believe that an

abstention is appropriate in this instance in order to ensure that shareholders are sending a clear signal

regarding theirpreference forthe appropriate threshold fora special meeting right, while not directly opposing

the establishment of such a right.

Incaseswherethecompanyexcludesashareholderproposalseekingareducedspecialmeetingrightbymeans

ofratifyingamanagementproposalthatismateriallydifferentfromtheshareholderproposal, wewillgenerally

recommend voting against the chair or members of the governance committee.

Inotherinstancesofconflictingmanagementandshareholderproposals,GlassLewiswillconsiderthefollowing:

• Thenatureoftheunderlyingissue;

• Thebenefittoshareholdersofimplementingthe proposal;

• Thematerialityofthedifferencesbetweenthetermsoftheshareholderproposalandmanagement

proposal;

• Thecontextofacompany'sshareholderbase,corporatestructureandotherrelevantcircumstances;

and

• Acompany'soverallgovernanceprofileand, specifically, itsresponsivenesstoshareholders as

evidencedbyacompany'sresponsetopreviousshareholderproposalsanditsadoptionofprogressive

shareholderrightsprovisions.

In recent years, we have seen the dynamic nature of the considerations given by the SEC when determining

whether companies may exclude certain shareholder proposals. We understand that not all shareholder

proposals serve the long-term interests of shareholders, and value and respect the limitations placed on

shareholderproponents,ascertainshareholderproposalscanundulyburdencompanies.However,GlassLewis

believes that shareholders should be able to vote on issues of material importance.

We view the shareholder proposal process as an important part of advancing shareholder rights and

encouraging responsible and financially sustainable businesspractices.While recognizing that certain proposals

cross the line between the purview of shareholders and that of the board, we generally believe that companies

should not limit investors' ability to vote on shareholder proposals that advance certain rights or promote

beneficial disclosure. Accordingly, Glass Lewis will make note of instances where a company has successfully

petitioned the SEC to exclude shareholder proposals. If after review we believe that the exclusion of a

shareholderproposalisdetrimentaltoshareholders,we may,incertainverylimitedcircumstances,recommend

against members of the governance committee.

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TransparencyandIntegrityinFinancial

Reporting

AuditorRatification

Theauditor's roleasgatekeeperiscrucialinensuringtheintegrityandtransparencyofthefinancialinformation

necessary forprotecting shareholdervalue.Shareholders rely onthe auditortoask toughquestionsandtodoa

thorough analysis of a company's books to ensure that the information provided to shareholders is complete,

accurate, fair, and that it is a reasonable representation of a company's financial position. The only way

shareholders can make rational investment decisions is if the market is equipped with accurate information

aboutacompany'sfiscalhealth. AsstatedintheOctober6, 2008 FinalReportoftheAdvisoryCommitteeonthe

Auditing Profession to the U.S. Department of the Treasury:

*"The auditor is expected to offer critical and objective judgment on the financial matters under* 

*consideration, and actual and perceived absence of conflicts is critical to that expectation. The* 

*Committee believes that auditors, investors, public companies, and other market participants must* 

*understandtheindependencerequirementsandtheirobjectives,andthatauditorsmustadoptamindset* 

*of skepticism when facing situations that may compromise their independence."*

As such, shareholders should demand an objective, competent and diligent auditor who performs at or above

professionalstandardsateverycompanyinwhichtheinvestorsholdaninterest.Likedirectors,auditorsshould

be free fromconflictsofinterest and shouldavoidsituationsrequiring achoice betweenthe auditor'sinterests

and the public's interests. Almost without exception, shareholders should be able to annually review an

auditor's performance and to annually ratify a board's auditor selection. Moreover, in October 2008, the

AdvisoryCommitteeontheAuditingProfession wentevenfurther,andrecommendedthat"tofurtherenhance

audit committee oversight and auditor accountability ... disclosure in the company proxy statement regarding

shareholder ratification [should] include the name(s) of the senior auditing partner(s) staffed on the

engagement."<sup>41</sup>

On August 16, 2011, the PCAOB issued a Concept Release seeking public comment on ways that auditor

independence, objectivity and professional skepticism could be enhanced, with a specific emphasis on

mandatory audit firm rotation. The PCAOB convened several public roundtable meetings during 2012 to further

discusssuchmatters.GlassLewisbelievesauditorrotationcanensureboththeindependenceoftheauditorand

the integrity of the audit; we will typically recommend supporting proposals to require auditor rotation when

the proposal uses a reasonable period of time (usually not less than 5-7 years), particularly at companies with a

history of accounting problems.

On June 1, 2017, the PCAOB adopted new standards to enhance auditor reports by providing additional

important information to investors. For companies with fiscal year end dates on or after December 15, 2017,

reports were required to include the year in which the auditor began serving consecutively as the company's

auditor. For large accelerated filers with fiscal year ends of June 30, 2019 or later, and for all other companies

withfiscalyearendsofDecember15, 2020 orlater,communicationofcriticalauditmatters(CAMs)willalsobe

required. CAMs are matters that have been communicated to the audit committee, are related to accounts or

41"FinalReportoftheAdvisoryCommitteeontheAuditingProfessiontotheU.S.DepartmentoftheTreasury."p.VIII:20,

October 6, 2008.

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disclosuresthatarematerialtothefinancialstatements,andinvolveespeciallychallenging,subjective,or

complex auditor judgment.

Glass Lewis believes the additional reporting requirements are beneficial for investors. The additional

disclosures can provide investors with information that is critical to making an informed judgment about an

auditor's independence and performance. Furthermore, we believe the additional requirements are an

importantsteptowardenhancingtherelevanceandusefulnessofauditorreports,whichtoooftenareseenas

boilerplatecompliancedocumentsthatlacktherelevantdetailstoprovidemeaningful insightintoaparticular

audit.

VotingRecommendationsonAuditorRatification

We generally support management's choice of auditor except when we believe the auditor's independence or

audit integrity has been compromised. Where a board has not allowed shareholders to review and ratify an

auditor, we typically recommend voting against the audit committee chair. When there have been material

restatementsofannualfinancialstatementsormaterial weaknessesininternalcontrols,weusuallyrecommend

voting against the entire audit committee.

Reasonswhywemaynotrecommendratificationofanauditorinclude:

• Whenauditfeesplusaudit-relatedfeestotallessthanthetaxfeesand/orothernon-audit fees.

• Recent materialrestatementsofannualfinancialstatements,includingthoseresulting inthereporting

ofmaterialweaknessesininternalcontrolsandincludinglatefilingsbythecompanywheretheauditor

bears some responsibility for the restatement or late filing.<sup>42</sup>

• Whentheauditorperformsprohibitedservicessuchastax-shelterwork,taxservicesfortheCEOorCFO,

or contingent-fee work, such as a fee based on a percentage of economic benefit to the company.

• Whenauditfeesareexcessivelylow,especiallywhencomparedwithothercompaniesinthesame

industry.

• Whenthecompanyhasaggressiveaccountingpolicies.

• Whenthecompanyhaspoordisclosureorlackoftransparencyinitsfinancialstatements.

• Wheretheauditorlimiteditsliabilitythroughitscontractwiththecompanyortheauditcontract

requires the corporation to use alternative dispute resolution procedures without adequate

justification.

• Wealsolookforotherrelationshipsorconcernswiththeauditorthat mightsuggestaconflict between

theauditor'sinterestsandshareholderinterests.

• Indeterminingwhethershareholders wouldbenefitfromrotatingthecompany'sauditor,where

relevant we will considerfactorsthat may call intoquestionanauditor'seffectiveness, including auditor

tenure, a pattern of inaccurate audits, and any ongoing litigation or significant controversies. When

GlassLewisconsidersongoinglitigationandsignificantcontroversies,itismindfulthatsuchmattersmay

involve unadjudicated allegations. Glass Lewis does not assume the truth of such allegations or that the

42An auditor does not audit interim financial statements. Thus, we generally do not believe that an auditor should be opposed

duetoarestatementofinterimfinancialstatements unlessthenatureofthemisstatementisclearfromareading of the

incorrect financial statements.

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lawhasbeenviolated.Instead,GlassLewisfocusesmore broadlyonwhether,undertheparticular facts

andcircumstancespresented,thenatureandnumberofsuchlawsuitsorothersignificantcontroversies

reflectsontheriskprofileofthecompanyorsuggeststhatappropriaterisk mitigationmeasuresmaybe

warranted."

PensionAccountingIssues

Apensionaccountingquestionoccasionallyraisedinproxyproposals iswhateffect,ifany,projectedreturnson

employee pension assets should have on a company's net income. This issue often arises in the executive-

compensationcontextinadiscussionoftheextenttowhichpensionaccountingshouldbereflectedinbusiness

performance for purposes of calculating payments to executives.

Glass Lewis believes that pension credits should not be included in measuring income that is used to award

performance-basedcompensation.Becausemanyofthe assumptionsusedinaccountingforretirementplans

aresubjecttothecompany'sdiscretion,managementwouldhaveanobviousconflictofinterestifpay weretied

to pension income. In our view, projected income from pensions does not truly reflect a company's

performance.

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TheLinkBetweenCompensationand

Performance

GlassLewiscarefullyreviewsthecompensationawardedtoseniorexecutives,aswebelievethatthisisan

important area in which the board's priorities are revealed. Glass Lewis strongly believes executive

compensation should be linked directly with the performance of the business the executive is charged with

managing. We believe the most effective compensation arrangements provide for an appropriate mix of

performance-basedshort-andlong-termincentivesinadditiontofixedpayelementswhilepromotingaprudent

and sustainable level of risk-taking.

Glass Lewis believes that comprehensive, timely and transparent disclosure of executive pay is critical to

allowing shareholders to evaluate the extent to which pay is aligned with company performance. When

reviewing proxymaterials,GlassLewisexamines whetherthecompanydisclosestheperformancemetrics used

to determine executive compensation. We recognize performance metrics must necessarily vary depending on

thecompanyandindustry,amongother factors,andmayincludeawidevarietyoffinancialmeasuresaswellas

industry-specific performance indicators. However, we believe companies should disclose why the specific

performance metrics were selected and how the actions they are designed to incentivize will lead to better

corporate performance.

Moreover, it israrely in shareholders' intereststo disclose competitive data about individual salariesbelowthe

seniorexecutivelevel.Suchdisclosurecouldcreateinternalpersonneldiscordthatwouldbecounterproductive

for the company and its shareholders.We do not believe shareholders need or will benefit from detailed

reports about individual management employees other than the most senior executives.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-

on-Pay)

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") required most

companiestoholdanadvisoryvoteonexecutivecompensationatthefirstshareholdermeetingthatoccurssix

months after enactment of the bill (January 21, 2011).

This practice of allowing shareholders a non-binding vote on a company's compensation report is standard

practiceinmanynon-U.S.countries,andhasbeenarequirementformostcompaniesintheUnitedKingdom

since 2003 and in Australia since 2005. Although say-on-pay proposals are non-binding, a high level of

"against"or "abstain"votesindicatessubstantialshareholderconcernaboutacompany'scompensationpolicies

andprocedures.

Giventhecomplexityofmostcompanies'compensationprograms,GlassLewisappliesahighly nuanced

approachwhenanalyzingadvisoryvotesonexecutivecompensation.Werevieweachcompany'scompensation

on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that each company must be examined in the context of industry, size,

maturity, performance, financial condition, its historic pay for performance practices, and any other relevant

internal or external factors.

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We believe that each company should design and apply specific compensation policies and practices that are

appropriatetothecircumstancesofthecompanyand,in particular,willattractandretaincompetentexecutives

and other staff, while motivating them to grow the company's long-term shareholder value.

Where we find those specific policies and practices serve to reasonably align compensation with performance,

and such practices are adequately disclosed, Glass Lewis will recommend supporting the company's approach.

If,however,thosespecificpoliciesandpracticesfailtodemonstrablylinkcompensationwithperformance,Glass

Lewis will generally recommend voting against the say-on-pay proposal.

GlassLewisreviewssay-on-payproposalson bothaqualitativebasisandaquantitativebasis,withafocuson

several main areas:

• Theoveralldesignandstructureofthecompany'sexecutivecompensationprogramsincluding selection

andchallengingnatureofperformance metrics;

• Theimplementationandeffectivenessofthecompany'sexecutivecompensationprogramsincluding

paymixanduseofperformancemetricsindeterminingpay levels;

• Thequalityandcontentofthecompany'sdisclosure;

• Thequantumpaidtoexecutives;and

• Thelinkbetweencompensationand performanceasindicatedbythecompany'scurrentandpastpay-

for-performance grades.

We alsoreviewany significant changesormodifications, including post fiscalyear-endchangesandone-time

awards,particularlywherethechangestouchuponissuesthatarematerialtoGlassLewisrecommendations.

Additionally, while we recognize their rarity in the U.S. market, beneficial features such as but not limited to

post-vesting and/or post-retirement holding requirements may be viewed positively in our holistic analysis.

Say-on-PayVotingRecommendations

In cases where we find deficiencies in a company's compensation program's design, implementation or

management,wewillrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainstthesay-on-payproposal.Generally,such

instances include:

• Evidence of a pattern of poor pay-for-performance practices (e.g., deficient or failing pay-for-

performancegradesoramisalignmentbetweenincentivepayoutsandtheshareholderexperience),

• Unclear or questionable disclosure regarding the overall compensation structure (e.g., limited

informationregardingbenchmarkingprocesses,limitedrationaleforbonusperformancemetricsand

targets, etc.),

• Questionable adjustments to certain aspects of the overall compensation structure (e.g., limited

rationaleforsignificantchangestoperformancetargetsormetrics,thepayoutofguaranteedbonuses

or sizable retention grants, etc.), and/or

• Otheregregiouscompensationpractices.

Glass Lewis approaches its analysis of executive compensation programs on a case-by-case basis.Glass Lewis

reviews all factors related to named executive officer compensation, including quantitative analyses, structural

features,thepresenceofeffectivebestpracticepolicies,disclosurequalityandtrajectory-relatedfactors.Except

for particularly egregious pay decisions and practices, no one factor would ordinarily lead to an unfavorable

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recommendationwithoutareviewofthecompany's rationaleand/ortheinfluenceofsuchdecisionsor

practicesonotheraspectsofthepayprogram,mostnotablythecompany'sabilitytoalignexecutivepaywith

performanceandtheshareholderexperience.

Althoughnotanexhaustivelist,thefollowing factorsare viewednegatively. Whenweighedtogether,theymay

cause Glass Lewis to recommend voting against a say-on-pay vote:

• Inappropriateoroutsizedself-selectedpeergroupsand/orbenchmarkingissuessuchascompensation

targets set well above the median without adequate justification;

• Egregiousorexcessivebonuses,equityawards,perquisitesorseverancepayments,includinggolden

handshakes and golden parachutes;

• Insufficientresponsetolowshareholdersupport;

• Problematiccontractualpayments,suchasguaranteed bonuses;

• Adjustmentstoperformanceresultsthatleadtoproblematicpayoutcomes;

• Insufficientlychallengingperformancetargetsand/orhighpotentialpayoutopportunities;

• Performancetargetsloweredwithoutjustification;

• Discretionarybonusespaidwhenshort-orlong-termincentiveplantargetswerenotmet;

• Highexecutivepayrelativetopeersthatisnotjustifiedbyoutstandingcompanyperformance; and

• Thetermsofthelong-termincentiveplansareinappropriate(pleasesee"Long-Term Incentives").

TheaforementionedissuesinfluenceGlassLewis'assessmentofthestructureofacompany'scompensation

program. We evaluate structure on a "Good, Fair, Poor" rating scale whereby a "Good" rating represents a

compensation program with little to no concerns and market-leading practices, a "Fair" rating represents a

compensation program with some concerns but general adherence to best practices and a "Poor" rating

represents a compensation program that deviates significantly from best practice or contains one or more

egregious compensation practices.

We believe that it is important for companies to provide investors with clearand complete disclosure ofall the

significant terms of compensation arrangements. Similar to structure, we evaluate disclosure on a "Good, Fair,

Poor" rating scale. A "Good" rating represents a thorough discussion of all elements of compensation with

rationale. A "Fair" rating represents an adequate discussion of all or most elements of compensation with

rationale.A"Poor"ratingrepresentsanincompleteorabsentdiscussionof compensation.Ininstanceswherea

companyhassimplyfailedtoprovidesufficientdisclosureofitspolicies,wemayrecommendshareholdersvote

against thisproposal solely on thisbasis, regardlessofthe appropriateness ofcompensation levels. GlassLewis

understands that regulatory disclosure rules such as smaller reporting company disclosure standards may

condonetheomissionofkeyexecutivecompensationinformation.However,webelievethatcompaniesshould

provide sufficient information in the proxy statement to enable shareholders to vote in an informed manner.

Ingeneral,mostcompanieswillfall withinthe"Fair"rangeforbothstructureanddisclosure,andGlassLewis

largely uses the "Good" and "Poor" ratings to highlight outliers.

Whereweidentifyegregiouscompensationpractices,wemayalsorecommendvotingagainstthecompensation

committee based on the practices or actions of its members during the year. Such practices may include

approving large one-off payments, the inappropriate, unjustified use of discretion, or sustained poor pay for

performance practices. (Refer to the section on "Compensation Committee Performance" for more

information.)

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CompanyResponsiveness

When companies receive a significant level of shareholder opposition to a say-on-pay proposal, which occurs

when more than 20% of votes on the proposal are cast as AGAINST and/or ABSTAIN, we believe the board

should demonstrate a commensurate level of engagement and responsiveness to the concerns behind the

disapproval, with a particular focus on responding to shareholder feedback. When assessing the level of

opposition to say-on-pay proposals, we may further examine the level of opposition among disinterested

shareholders as an independent group. While we recognize that sweeping changes cannot be made to a

compensationprogram without due consideration, andthat oftenamajority ofshareholders may have votedin

favor of the proposal, given that the average approval rate for say-on-pay proposals is about 90%, we believe

thecompensationcommitteeshoulddemonstrateinits proxystatementalevelofresponsetoasignificantvote

against. In general, our expectations regarding the minimum appropriate levels of responsiveness will

correspond with the level ofshareholder opposition, as expressed both through the magnitude of opposition in

a single year, and through the persistence of shareholder disapproval over time.

Responses we consider appropriate include engaging with large shareholders, especially dissenting

shareholders, to identify their concerns, and, where reasonable, implementing changes and/or making

commitmentsthatdirectlyaddressthoseconcernswithinthecompany'scompensationprogram.Incaseswhere

particularly egregious pay decisions caused the say on pay proposal to fail, Glass Lewis will closely consider

whether any changes were made directly relating to the pay decision that may address structural concerns that

shareholders have. In the absence of any evidence in the disclosure that the board is actively engaging

shareholders on these issues and responding accordingly, we may recommend holding compensation

committee members accountable for failing to adequately respond to shareholder opposition. Regarding such

recommendations, careful consideration will be given to the level of shareholder protest and the severity and

history of compensation practices.

PayforPerformance

GlassLewisbelieves an integral part ofa well-structured compensation package isa successful link between pay

and performance. Our proprietary pay-for-performance model, which serves as our primary quantitative

analysis,was developedtobetterevaluatethelinkbetweenpayandperformance.Generally,compensationand

performancearemeasuredagainstapeergroupofappropriatecompaniesthatmayoverlap,toacertainextent,

with a company's self-disclosed peers. This quantitative analysis provides a consistent framework and historical

context for our clients to determine how well companies link executive compensation to relative performance.

Companies that demonstrate a weaker link are more likely to receive a negative recommendation; however,

other qualitative factors such as overall incentive structure, significant forthcoming changes to the

compensation program or reasonable long-term payout levels may mitigate our concerns to a certain extent.

While we assign companies a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F based on the alignment between pay and

performanceunderourprimarymodel,thegradesderivedfromtheGlassLewispay-for-performanceanalysis

do not follow the traditional U.S. school letter grade system. Rather, the grades are generally interpreted as

follows:

**GradeofA**:Thecompany'spercentilerankforpayissignificantlylessthanitspercentilerankforperformance

**GradeofB**: Thecompany'spercentile rankforpayismoderatelylessthanitspercentilerankfor performance

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**GradeofC**:Thecompany'spercentilerankforpayisapproximatelyalignedwithitspercentilerankfor

performance

**GradeofD**: Thecompany'spercentilerankforpayishigherthanitspercentilerankforperformance

**GradeofF**: Thecompany'spercentilerankforpayissignificantlyhigherthanitspercentilerankforperformance

Separately,aspecificcomparisonbetweenthecompany'sexecutivepayanditspeers'executivepaylevels may

be discussed in the analysis for additional insight into the grade. Likewise, a specific comparison between the

company's performance and its peers' performance is reflected in the analysis for further context.

We use this analysis to inform our voting decisions on say-on-pay proposals. If a company receives a "D" or "F"

from our proprietary model, we are more likely to recommend that shareholders vote against the say-on-pay

proposal. However, important supplemental quantitative factors like analyses of realized pay levels and the

"compensationactuallypaid"datamandatedbytheSEC's2022 finalruleregardingpayversusperformance may

be considered, and other qualitative factors such as an effective overall incentive structure, the relevance of

selected performance metrics, significant forthcoming enhancements or reasonable long-term payout levels

maygiveuscausetorecommendinfavorofaproposalevenwhenwehaveidentifiedadisconnect betweenpay

and performance.

In determining the peer groups used in our pay-for-performance letter grades, Glass Lewis utilizes a proprietary

methodology that considers both market and industry peers, along with each company's self-disclosed peers

and peers of those company-disclosed peers. Each component is considered on a weighted basis and is subject

to size-based ranking and screening. Since the peer group used is based on an independent, proprietary

technique,itwilloftendifferfromtheoneusedbythecompanywhich,inturn, willaffecttheresultinganalyses.

While Glass Lewis believes that the independent, rigorous methodology it uses provides a valuable perspective

on the company's compensation program, the company's self-selected peer group may also presented in the

Proxy Paper for comparative purposes and for supplemental analyses.

Short-Term Incentives

A short-term bonus or incentive (STI) should be demonstrably tied to performance. Whenever possible, we

believe a mix of corporate and individual performance measures is appropriate. We would normally expect

performance measures for STI plans to be based on company-wide or divisional financial measures as well as

non-financial, qualitative or non-formulaic factors such as those related to safety, environmental issues, and

customer satisfaction when they are material to the company's overall health. While we recognize that

companiesoperatingindifferentsectorsormarketsmay seektoutilizeawiderangeofmetrics,weexpectsuch

measures to be appropriately tied to a company's business drivers.

Further, the threshold, target and maximum performance goals and corresponding payout levels that can be

achieved under STI plans should be disclosed. Shareholders should expect stretching performance targets for

themaximumawardtobeachieved.Anyincreaseinthepotentialtargetandmaximumawardshouldbeclearly

justified to shareholders, as should any decrease in target and maximum performance levels from the previous

year.

Glass Lewis recognizes that disclosure of some measures or performance targets may include commercially

confidentialinformation. Therefore,webelieveitmaybe reasonabletoexcludesuchinformationinsomecases

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aslongasthecompanyprovidessufficientjustificationfornon-disclosure. However, whereashort-termbonus

hasbeenpaid,companiesshoulddisclosetheextenttowhichperformancehasbeenachievedagainstrelevant

targets, including disclosure of the actual target achieved.

Wheremanagementhasreceivedsignificantshort-termincentivepaymentsbutoverallperformanceand/orthe

shareholder experience over the measurement year prima facie appears to be poor or negative, we believe the

company should provide a clear explanation of why these significant short-term payments were made. We also

believe any significant changes to the program structure should be accompanied by rationalizing disclosure.

Further,whereacompanyhasappliedupwarddiscretion,whichincludeslowering goalsmid-year,increasing

calculatedpayoutsorretroactivelypro-ratingperformanceperiods,weexpectarobustdiscussionofwhythe

decision was necessary.

Adjustments to GAAP figures may be considered in Glass Lewis' assessment ofthe effectiveness ofthe incentive

at tying executive pay with performance. We believe that where companies use non-GAAP or bespoke metrics,

clearreconciliationsbetweenthesefiguresandGAAPfiguresinauditedfinancialstatementsshouldbeprovided.

Moreover, Glass Lewis believes that in circumstances where significant adjustments were applied to

performance results, thorough, detailed discussion of adjustments akin to a GAAP-to-non-GAAP reconciliation

and their impact on payouts within the proxy statement is warranted. The absence of such enhanced disclosure

forsignificant adjustmentswill impact GlassLewis' assessment ofthe quality ofdisclosure and, in turn, may play

a role in the overall recommendation for the advisory vote on executive compensation.

Glass Lewis recognizes the importance of the compensation committee's prudent and responsible exercise of

discretion over incentive pay outcomes to account for significant, material events that would otherwise be

excludedfromperformanceresultsofselectedmetricsofincentiveprograms.Forinstance,litigationsettlement

charges are typically removed from non-GAAP results before the determination of formulaic incentive payouts,

or health and safety failures may not be reflected in performance results where companies do not expressly

include health and safety metrics in incentive plans. Such events may nevertheless be consequential to

corporate performance results, impact the shareholder experience, and, in some cases, may present material

risks. Conversely, certain events may adversely impact formulaic payout results despite being outside

executives' control. We believe that companies should provide thorough discussion of how such events were

considered in the committee's decisions to exercise discretion over incentive payouts.

Wedonotgenerallyrecommendagainstapayprogram duetotheuseofanon-formulaicplan.Ifacompanyhas

chosentorelyprimarily onasubjectiveassessmentortheboard'sdiscretionindeterminingshort-termbonuses,

we believe that the proxy statement should provide a meaningful discussion of the board's rationale in

determining the bonuses paid as well as a rationale for the use of a non-formulaic mechanism. Particularly

where the aforementioned disclosures are substantial and satisfactory, such a structure will not provoke serious

concerninouranalysis onitsown. However, inconjunctionwithothersignificant issuesinaprogram'sdesignor

operation, such as a disconnect between pay and performance, the absence of a cap on payouts, or a lack of

performance-based long-term awards, the use of a non-formulaic bonus may help drive a negative

recommendation.

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Long-TermIncentives

Glass Lewis recognizes the value of equity-based incentive programs, which are often the primary long-term

incentiveforexecutives.Whenusedappropriately,theycanprovideavehicleforlinkinganexecutive'spayto

company performance, thereby aligning their interests with those of shareholders. In addition, equity-based

compensation can be an effective way to attract, retain and motivate key employees.

TherearecertainelementsthatGlassLewisbelievesare commontomostwell-structuredlong-termincentive

(LTI) plans. These include:

• Nore-testingorloweringofperformanceconditions;

• Performancemetricsthatcannotbeeasilymanipulatedbymanagement;

• Twoormoreperformance metrics;

• Atleastonerelativeperformancemetricthatcomparesthecompany'sperformancetoarelevantpeer

grouporindex;

• Performanceperiodsofatleastthreeyears;

• Stretchingmetricsthatincentivizeexecutivestostriveforoutstandingperformancewhilenot

encouraging excessive risk-taking;

• Reasonableindividualawardlimits;

• Equitygrantingpracticesthatareclearlydisclosedand

• Additionalpost-vestingholdingperiodstoencouragelong-termexecutiveshareownership.

In evaluating long-term incentive grants, Glass Lewis generally believes that at least half of the grant should

consist of performance-based awards, putting a material portion of executive compensation at-risk and

demonstrably linked to the performance of the company. While we will consistently raise concern with

programsthat donot meet thiscriterion, wemayrefrain fromanegativerecommendationintheabsenceof

othersignificantissues withtheprogram'sdesignoroperation.However,incaseswhereperformance-based

awardsaresignificantlyrolled backoreliminatedfroma company'slong-termincentiveplan,suchdecisionswill

generally be viewed negatively outside of exceptional circumstances. Given the reduction in rigor and

accountability in the pay program, Glass Lewis will assess the revision's impact on the pay program's ability to

align executive pay with performance and shareholder experience; programs that fail our assessment may

receive an unfavorable recommendation. They may also lead to an unfavorable recommendation from Glass

Lewisifthechangeisnotoffsetbymeaningful revisionssuchastopayquantumandvestingperiods,particularly

in the absence of cogent rationale.

As with the short-term incentive, Glass Lewis recognizes the importance of the compensation committee's

judiciousandresponsibleexerciseofdiscretion overincentivepayoutcomestoaccountforsignificantevents

that would otherwise be excluded from performance results of selected metrics of incentive programs. We

believe that companies should provide thorough discussion of how such events were considered in the

committee'sdecisionstoexercisediscretionorrefrainfromapplyingdiscretionoverincentivepayoutcomes.

Furthermore,considerations relatedtotheuseofnon-GAAP metricsundertheSTIplansimilarlyapplytothe

long-term incentive program.

Performancemeasuresshouldbecarefullyselectedandshouldrelatetothespecificbusiness/industryinwhich

thecompanyoperatesand,especially,tothekeyvaluedriversofthecompany'sbusiness.Aswithshort-term

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incentiveplans,thebasisforanyadjustmentstometricsorresultsshouldbeclearlyexplained,asshouldthe

company'sjudgmentontheuseofdiscretionandanysignificantchangestotheperformanceprogramstructure.

Whilecognizantoftheinherentcomplexityofcertainperformancemetrics,GlassLewisgenerallybelievesthat

measuring a company's performance with multiple metrics serves to provide a more complete picture of the

company's performance than a single metric. Further, reliance on just one metric may focus too much

managementattentiononasingletargetandisthereforemoresusceptibletomanipulation. Whenutilizedfor

relative measurements, external benchmarks such as a sector index or peer group should be disclosed and

transparent. The rationale behind the selection of a specific index or peer group should also be disclosed.

Internal performance benchmarks should also be disclosed and transparent, unless a cogent case for

confidentialityismadeandfullyexplained.Similarly,actualperformanceandvestinglevelsforpreviousgrants

earned during the fiscal year should be disclosed.

We also believe shareholders should evaluate the relative success of a company's compensation programs,

particularlywithregardtoexistingequity-basedincentiveplans,inlinkingpayandperformancewhenevaluating

potential changes to LTI plans and determining the impact of additional stock awards. We will therefore review

the company's pay-for-performance analyses (see above for more information) and specifically the proportion

of total compensation that is stock-based.

GrantsofFront-LoadedAwards

Many U.S. companies have chosen to provide large grants, usually in the form of equity awards, that are

intendedtoserveascompensationformultipleyears. Thispractice,oftencalledfront-loading,istakenupeither

in the regular course of business or as a response to specific business conditions and with a predetermined

objective. The so-called "mega-grant", an outsized award to one individual sometimes valued at over $100

millionissometimesbutnotalwaysprovidedasa front-loadedaward.Webelieveshareholdersshouldgenerally

be wary of this granting approach, and we accordingly weigh these grants with particular scrutiny.

While the use of front-loaded awards is intended to lock-in executive service and incentives, the same rigidity

also raises the risk of effectively tying the hands of the compensation committee. As compared with a more

responsive annual granting schedule program, front-loaded awards may preclude improvements or changes to

reflectevolvingbusinessstrategiesortorespondtootherunforeseenfactors. Additionally,ifstructuredpoorly,

early vesting of such awards may reduce or eliminate the retentive power at great cost to shareholders. The

considerableemphasisonasinglegrant canplaceintensepressuresonevery facet ofitsdesign,amplifying any

potential perverse incentives andcreating greaterroom forunintended consequences.In particular, provisions

around changes of control or separations of service must ensure that executives do not receive excessive

payouts that do not reflect shareholder experience or company performance.

We considera company'srationale forgranting awards underthisstructure and also expect any front-loaded

awards to include a firm commitment not to grant additional awards for a defined period, as is commonly

associatedwiththispractice.Evenwhensuchacommitmentisprovided,unexpectedcircumstancesmaylead

the board to make additional payments or awards for retention purposes, or to incentivize management

towards more realistic goals or a revised strategy. If a company breaks its commitment not to grant further

awards, wemayrecommendagainstthepayprogramunlessaconvincingrationaleisprovided.Themultiyear

nature of these awards generally lends itself to significantly higher compensation figures in the year of grant

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thanmightotherwisebeexpected.Inourqualitativeanalysisofthegrantsoffront-loadedawardstoexecutives,

GlassLewisconsidersthequantumoftheawardonanannualizedbasisandmaycomparethis resulttotheprior

practice and peer data, among other benchmarks. Additionally, for awards that are granted in the form of

equity, Glass Lewis may consider the total potential dilutive effect of such award on shareholders.

In situations where the front-loaded award was meant to cover a certain portion of the regular long-term

incentivegrant foreachyearduring thecoveredperiod, ouranalysis ofthevalueoftheremainingportionofthe

regular long-term incentives granted during the period covered by the award will account for the annualized

valueofthefront-loadedportion,andweexpectnosupplementalgrantbeawardedduringthevestingperiodof

the front-loaded portion.

LinkingExecutivePaytoEnvironmentalandSocialCriteria

Glass Lewis believes that explicit environmental and/or social (E&S) criteria in executive incentive plans, when

used appropriately, can serve to provide both executives and shareholders a clearline ofsight into a company's

ESG strategy, ambitions, and targets.Although we are strongly supportive of companies' incorporation of

material E&S risks and opportunities in their long-term strategic planning, we believe that the inclusion of E&S

metrics in compensation programs should be predicated on each company's unique circumstances. In order to

establish a meaningful link between pay and performance, companies must consider factors including their

industry,size,riskprofile,maturity,performance,financialcondition,andanyotherrelevantinternalorexternal

factors.

When a company is introducing E&S criteria into executive incentive plans, we believe it is important that

companiesprovide shareholderswithsufficient disclosure toallowthemtounderstandhowthese criteriaalign

withtheir strategies. Additionally, Glass Lewis recognizes that there may be situations where certain E&S

performance criteria are reasonably viewed as prerequisites for executive performance, as opposed to

behaviors and conditions that need to be incentivized. For example, we believe that shareholders should

interrogate the use of metrics that award executives for ethical behavior or compliance with policies and

regulations.It is our view that companies should provide shareholders with disclosures that clearly lay out the

rationaleforselectingspecificE&Smetrics,thetarget-settingprocess,andcorrespondingpayoutopportunities.

Further, particularly in the case of qualitative metrics, we believe that shareholders should be provided with a

clear understanding of the basis on which the criteria will be assessed. Where quantitative targets have been

set, we believe that shareholders are best served when these are disclosed on an ex-ante basis, or the board

should outline why it believes it is unable to do so.

While we believe that companies should generally set long-term targets for their environmental and social

ambitions, we are mindful that not all compensation schemes lend themselves to the inclusion ofE&S metrics.

Wealsoareoftheviewthatcompanies shouldretain flexibilityinnotonlychoosingtoincorporateE&Smetrics

in their compensation plans, but also in the placement of these metrics. For example, some companies may

resolve that including E&S criteria in the annual bonus may help to incentivize the achievement of short-term

milestones and allow for more maneuverability in strategic adjustments to long-term goals. Other companies

maydeterminethat theirlong-termsustainabilitytargetsarebest achievedbyincentivizing executivesthrough

metrics included in their long-term incentive plans.

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One-TimeAwards

Glass Lewis believes shareholders should generally be wary of awards granted outside of the standard incentive

schemes,assuchawardshavethepotentialtounderminetheintegrityofacompany'sregularincentiveplansor

the link between pay and performance, or both. We generally believe that ifthe existing incentive programs fail

to provide adequate incentives to executives, companies should redesign their compensation programs rather

than make additional grants.

However, Glass Lewis reviews grants of supplemental awards on a case-by-case, company-by-company basis to

giveadequateconsiderationforuniquecircumstances.Companiesshouldprovideathoroughdescriptionofthe

awards,includingacogentandconvincingexplanationoftheirnecessityandwhyexistingawardsdonotprovide

sufficient motivation and a discussion of how the quantum of the award and its structure were determined.

Further,suchawardsshouldbetiedtofutureserviceandperformancewheneverpossible.

Additionally, webelievecompaniesmakingsupplementalorone-timeawardsshouldalsodescribeifandhow

theregularcompensationarrangementswillbeaffectedbytheseadditionalgrants.Inreviewing acompany's

use of supplemental awards, Glass Lewis will evaluate the terms and size of the grants in the context of the

company's overall incentive strategy and granting practices, as well as the current operating environment.

ContractualPaymentsandArrangements

Beyond the quantum of contractual payments, Glass Lewis will also consider the design of any entitlements.

Certainexecutiveemploymenttermsmayhelptodriveanegativerecommendation,including,butnotlimited

to:

• Excessivelybroadchangeincontroltriggers;

• Inappropriateseveranceentitlements;

• Inadequatelyexplainedorexcessivesign-onarrangements;

• Guaranteedbonuses(especiallyasamultiyearoccurrence);and

• Failuretoaddressanyconcerningpracticesinamendedemployment agreements.

Ingeneral,wearewaryoftermsthatareexcessivelyrestrictiveinfavoroftheexecutive,orthat could

potentiallyincentivizebehaviorsthatarenotinacompany'sbest interest.

Sign-onAwardsandSeveranceBenefits

Weacknowledgethattheremaybecertaincostsassociatedwithtransitionsattheexecutivelevel.Inevaluating

the size of severance and sign-on arrangements, we may consider the executive's regular target compensation

level, or the sums paid to other executives (including the recipient's predecessor, where applicable) in

evaluating the appropriateness of such an arrangement.

Webelievesign-onarrangementsshouldbeclearlydisclosedandaccompaniedbyameaningfulexplanationof

the payments and the process by which the amounts were reached. Further, the details of and basis for any

"make-whole" payments (paid as compensation for awards forfeited from a previous employer) should be

provided.

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With respect to severance, we believe companies should abide by predetermined payouts in most

circumstances. While in limited circumstances some deviations may not be inappropriate, we believe

shareholdersshouldbeprovidedwithameaningfulexplanationofanyadditionalorincreasedbenefitsagreed

upon outside of regular arrangements. However, where Glass Lewis determines that such predetermined

payouts are particularly problematic or unfavorable to shareholders, we may consider the execution of such

payments in a negative recommendation for the advisory vote on executive compensation.

Inthe U.S.market, most companiesmaintainseverance entitlementsbasedonamultiple ofsalary and, inmany

cases,bonus.Inalmostallinstanceswesee,therelevantmultipleisthreeorless,eveninthecaseofachangein

control. We believe the basis and total value of severance should be reasonable and should not exceed the

upper limit of general market practice. We consider the inclusion of long-term incentives in cash severance

calculationsto be inappropriate, particularly given the commonality ofaccelerated vesting andthe proportional

weight of long-term incentives as a component of total pay. Additional considerations, however, will be

accounted for when reviewing atypically structured compensation approaches.

ChangeinControl

Glass Lewis considers double-trigger change in control arrangements, which require both a change in control

and termination orconstructive termination, to be best practice. Any arrangement that isnot explicitly double-

trigger may be considered a single-trigger or modified single-trigger arrangement. Companies that allow for

committeediscretionoverthetreatmentofunvestedawardsshouldcommittoprovidingclearrationaleforthe

committee'sultimate decisionastohowsuchawardsshouldbetreatedinthe eventachangeincontrol occurs.

Further, we believe that excessively broad definitions of change in control are potentially problematic as they

mayleadtosituationswhereexecutivesreceiveadditionalcompensationwherenomeaningfulchangeinstatus

or duties has occurred.

ExciseTaxGross-ups

Among other entitlements, Glass Lewis is strongly opposed to excise tax gross-ups related to IRC § 4999 and

their expansion, especially where no consideration is given to the safe harbor limit. We believe that under no

normalcircumstanceistheinclusion ofexcisetaxgross-upprovisionsinnewagreementsortheadditionof such

provisions to amended agreements acceptable. In consideration of the fact that minor increases in change-in-

control payments can lead to disproportionately large excise taxes, the potential negative impact of tax gross-

ups far outweighs any retentive benefit.

Dependingonthecircumstances,theadditionofnewgross-upsaroundthisexcisetaxmayleadto negative

recommendationsforacompany'ssay-on-payproposal, thechairofthecompensationcommittee,ortheentire

committee, particularly in cases where a company had committed not to provide any such entitlements in the

future. For situations in which the addition of new excise tax gross ups will be provided in connection with a

specific change-in-control transaction, this policy may be applied to the say-on-pay proposal, the golden

parachute proposal and recommendations related to the compensation committee for all involved corporate

parties, as appropriate.

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AmendedEmploymentAgreements

Any contractual arrangements providing for problematic pay practices which are not addressed in materially

amendedemploymentagreementswillpotentiallybeviewedbyGlassLewisasamissedopportunityonthepart

of the company to align its policies with current best practices. Such problematic pay practices include, but are

not limited to, excessive change in control entitlements, modified single-trigger change in control entitlements,

excise tax gross-ups, and multi-year guaranteed awards.

RecoupmentProvisions(Clawbacks)

OnOctober26, 2022,theSEC adoptedRule10D-1under theSecuritiesExchangeActof1934.Therulemandates

national securities exchanges and associations to promulgate new listing standards requiring companies to

maintainrecoupmentpolicies("clawbackprovisions").Thefinalclawbacklistingstandardswereapprovedby

theSEC,effectiveOctober2,2023and requiredlistedcompaniestoadoptacompliantpolicybyDecember1,

2023. Glass Lewis believes that clawback provisions play an important role in mitigating excessive risk-taking

that may be encouraged by poorly structured variable incentive programs. Current listing standards require

recoupment of erroneously awarded payouts to current and former executive officers in the event of an

accounting restatement or correction to previous financial statements that is material to the current period,

regardless of fault or misconduct.

Glass Lewis recognizes that excessive risk-taking that canmaterially and adversely impact shareholders may not

necessarily result in such restatements. We believe that clawback policies should allow recovery from current

andformerexecutiveofficersintheeventofarestatementoffinancialresultsorsimilarrevisionofperformance

indicatorsupon whichtheawardswerebased. Additionally, recoupmentpoliciesshouldprovidecompanies with

the ability to claw back variable incentive payments (whether time-based or performance-based) when there is

evidence of problematic decisions or actions, such as material misconduct, a material reputational failure,

material risk management failure, ora material operational failure, the consequencesof whichhave not already

been reflected in incentive payments and where recovery is warranted.

In situations where the company ultimately determines not to follow through with recovery, Glass Lewis will

assess the appropriateness of such determination for each case. A thorough, detailed discussion of the

company'sdecisiontonotpursuerecoupmentand,ifapplicable,howthecompanyhasotherwiserectifiedthe

disconnect between executive pay outcomes and negative impacts of their actions on the company and the

shareholder experience will be considered. The absence of such enhanced disclosure may impact Glass Lewis'

assessmentofthequalityofdisclosureand,inturn,may playaroleinGlassLewis'overallrecommendation for

the advisory vote on executive compensation. The clawback policy should provide recoupment authority

regardless of whether the employment of the executive officer was terminated with or without cause.

HedgingofStock

Glass Lewis believes that the hedging of shares by executives in the shares of the companies where they are

employed severs the alignment of interests of the executive with shareholders. We believe companies should

adoptstrictpoliciestoprohibitexecutivesfromhedging theeconomicriskassociatedwiththeirshareownership

in the company.

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PledgingofStock

GlassLewisbelievesthatshareholdersshouldexaminethefactsandcircumstancesofeachcompanyratherthan

applyaone-size-fits-allpolicyregardingemployeestockpledging. GlassLewisbelievesthat shareholdersbenefit

when employees, particularly senior executives, have meaningful financial interest in the success of the

companyundertheirmanagement,andthereforewerecognizethebenefits ofmeasuresdesignedtoencourage

employees to both buy shares out of their own pocket and to retain shares they have been granted; blanket

policies prohibiting stock pledging may discourage executives and employees from doing either.

However, we also recognize that the pledging of shares can present a risk that, depending on a host of factors,

an executive with significant pledged shares and limited other assets may have an incentive to take steps to

avoidaforcedsaleofsharesinthefaceofarapidstockpricedecline.Therefore,toavoid substantiallossesfrom

a forced sale to meet the terms of the loan, the executive may have an incentive to boost the stock price in the

short term in a manner that is unsustainable, thus hurting shareholders in the long-term. We also recognize

concernsregardingpledgingmaynotapplytolesssenioremployees,giventhelattergroup'ssignificantlymore

limitedinfluenceoveracompany'sstockprice.Therefore,webelievethattheissueofpledging sharesshouldbe

reviewed in that context, as should policies that distinguish between the two groups.

GlassLewisbelievesthatthebenefitsofstockownership byexecutivesandemployeesmayoutweightherisks

of stock pledging, depending on many factors. As such, Glass Lewis reviews all relevant factors in evaluating

proposed policies, limitations and prohibitions on pledging stock, including:

• Thenumberofshares pledged;

• Thepercentageexecutives'pledgedsharesareofoutstandingshares;

• Thepercentageexecutives'pledgedsharesareofeachexecutive'ssharesandtotal assets;

• Whetherthepledgedshareswerepurchasedbytheemployeeorgrantedbythecompany;

• Whethertherearedifferentpoliciesforpurchasedandgrantedshares;

• Whetherthegrantedsharesweretime-basedorperformance-based;

• Theoverallgovernanceprofileofthe company;

• Thevolatilityofthecompany'sstock(inordertodeterminethelikelihoodofasuddenstockpricedrop);

• Thenatureandcyclicality,ifapplicable,ofthecompany'sindustry;

• Theparticipationandeligibilityofexecutivesandemployeesinpledging;

• Thecompany'scurrentpoliciesregardingpledgingandanywaiverfromthesepoliciesforemployees

andexecutives; and

• Disclosureoftheextentofanypledging,particularlyamongseniorexecutives.

ExecutiveOwnershipGuidelines

Thealignmentbetweenshareholderinterestsandthose ofexecutives helpstoensurethatexecutivesareacting

in the best long-term interests of disinterested shareholders. Companies should facilitate this relationship

through the adoption and enforcement of meaningful minimum executive share ownership requirements.

CompaniesshouldclearlydisclosetheirexecutiveownershiprequirementsintheirCompensationDiscussionand

Analysis section and how the various types of outstanding equity awards are counted or excluded from the

ownership level calculation.

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In determining whether executives have met the requirements or not, the inclusion of unearned performance-

based full value awards and/or unexercised stock options without cogent rationale may be viewed as

problematic. While Glass Lewis views the inclusion of unearned performance-based equity in the ownership

determinationrenders executive share ownership policies less effective, we continue to believe that

performance-basedequitycompensationplaysanimportantrolein theseparateissueofaligningexecutivepay

with performance.

CompensationConsultantIndependence

As mandated by Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank Act, as of January 11, 2013, the SEC approved listing

requirements for both the NYSE and NASDAQ which require compensation committees to consider six factors

(https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2012/33-9330.pdf,p.31-32)inassessingcompensationadvisorindependence.

According to the SEC, "no one factor should be viewed as a determinative factor." Glass Lewis believes this six-

factor assessment is an important process for every compensation committee to undertake but believes

companies employing a consultant for board compensation, consulting and other corporate services should

provide clear disclosure beyond just a reference to examining the six points, in order to allow shareholders to

review the specific aspects of the various consultant relationships.

We believe compensation consultants are engaged to provide objective, disinterested, expert advice to the

compensationcommittee.Whentheconsultantoritsaffiliatesreceivesubstantialincomefromprovidingother

services to the company, we believe the potential for a conflict of interest arises and the independence of the

consultant may be jeopardized. Therefore, Glass Lewis will, when relevant, note the potential for a conflict of

interestwhenthefeespaidtotheadvisor oritsaffiliates forotherservicesexceedthosepaidforcompensation

consulting.

CEOPayRatio

As mandated by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Consumer and Protection Act, beginning in 2018,

issuers will be required to disclose the median annual total compensation of all employees except the CEO,the

total annual compensation of the CEO or equivalent position, and the ratio between the two amounts. Glass

Lewiswilldisplaythepayratioasadatapoint inourProxyPapers,asavailable.While werecognizethat thepay

ratiohasthepotentialtoprovideadditionalinsightwhen assessingacompany'spaypractices,atthistimeitwill

not be a determinative factor in our voting recommendations. On the other hand, we believe the underlying

data may help shareholders evaluate the rationale for certain executive pay decisions such as increases in fixed

pay levels.

FrequencyofSay-on-Pay

TheDodd-Frank Actalsorequirescompaniestoallowshareholdersanon-bindingvoteonthefrequencyofsay-

on-pay votes (i.e., every one, two or three years). Additionally, Dodd-Frank requires companies to hold such

votes on the frequency of say-on-pay votes at least once every six years.

Webelievecompaniesshouldsubmitsay-on-payvotestoshareholderseveryyear.Webelievethatthetimeand

financial burdens to a company with regard to an annual vote are relatively small and incremental and are

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outweighedbythebenefitstoshareholdersthroughmorefrequentaccountability.Implementingbiannualor

triennial votes on executive compensation limits shareholders' ability to hold the board accountable for its

compensation practices through means other than voting against the compensation committee. Unless a

company provides a compelling rationale or unique circumstances for say-on-pay votes less frequent than

annually, we will generally recommend that shareholders support annual votes on compensation.

VoteonGoldenParachuteArrangements

The Dodd-Frank Act also requires companies to provide shareholders with a separate non-binding vote on

approval of golden parachute compensation arrangements in connection with certain change-in-control

transactions.However,ifthegoldenparachutearrangementshavepreviouslybeensubjecttoasay-on-payvote

which shareholders approved, then this required vote is waived.

Glass Lewis believes the narrative and tabular disclosure of golden parachute arrangements benefits all

shareholders. Glass Lewis analyzes each golden parachute arrangement on a case-by-case basis, taking into

account, among other items: the nature of the change-in-control transaction, the ultimate value of the

payments particularly compared to the value of the transaction, any excise tax gross-up obligations, the tenure

and position of the executives in question before and after the transaction, any new or amended employment

agreements entered into in connection with the transaction, and the type of triggers involved (i.e., single vs.

double). In cases where new problematic features, such as excise tax gross-up obligations or new and excessive

single-trigger entitlements, are introduced in a golden parachute proposal, such features may contribute to a

negativerecommendationnotonlyforthegoldenparachuteproposalunderreview,butforthenextsay-on-pay

proposal of any involved corporate parties, as well as recommendations against their compensation committee

as appropriate.

Equity-BasedCompensationProposals

We believe that equity compensation awards, when not abused, are useful for retaining employees and

providinganincentiveforthemtoactinawaythatwillimprovecompanyperformance.GlassLewis recognizes

that equity-based compensation plans are critical components of a company's overall compensation program,

and we analyze such plans accordingly based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Our quantitative analysis assesses the plan's cost and the company's pace of granting utilizing a number of

differentanalyses,comparingtheprogramwithabsolutelimitswebelievearekeytoequityvaluecreationand

with a carefully chosen peer group. In general, our model seeks to determine whether the proposed plan is

either absolutely excessive or is more than one standard deviation away from the average plan for the peer

group on a range of criteria, including dilution to shareholders and the projected annual cost relative to the

company'sfinancialperformance.Eachoftheanalyses(andtheirconstituentparts)isweightedandtheplanis

scored in accordance with that weight.

We compare the program's expected annual expense with the business's operating metrics to help determine

whether the plan is excessive in light of company performance. We also compare the plan's expected annual

cost to the enterprise value of the firm rather than to market capitalization because the employees, managers

anddirectorsofthefirmcontributetothecreationofenterprisevaluebutnotnecessarilymarketcapitalization

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(thebiggestdifferenceisseenwherecashrepresentsthe vastmajorityofmarketcapitalization). Finally,wedo

notrelyexclusivelyonrelativecomparisonswithaveragesbecause,inadditiontocreepingaveragesservingto

inflate compensation, we believe that some absolute limits are warranted.

Wethenconsiderqualitativeaspectsoftheplansuchas planadministration,themethodandtermsofexercise,

repricing history, expressorimpliedrightstoreprice, andthe presence ofevergreenprovisions.We alsoclosely

reviewthechoiceanduseof, anddifficultyinmeeting,theawards'performancemetricsandtargets,ifany.We

believe significant changes to the terms of a plan should be explained for shareholders and clearly indicated.

Otherfactorssuchasacompany'ssizeandoperatingenvironmentmayalsobe relevantinassessingtheseverity

of concerns or the benefits of certain changes. Finally, we may consider a company's executive compensation

practices in certain situations, as applicable.

Weevaluateequityplansbasedoncertainoverarching principles:

• Companiesshouldseekmoreshares onlywhenneeded;

• Requested share amounts or share reserves should be conservative in size so that companies must seek

shareholder approval every three to four years (or more frequently);

• Ifaplanisrelativelyexpensive,itshouldnotgrantoptionssolelytoseniorexecutivesandboard

members;

• Dilutionofannualnet sharecountorvotingpower,alongwiththe"overhang"ofincentiveplans,should

be limited;

• Annualcostoftheplan (especiallyifnotshownontheincomestatement)shouldbereasonableasa

percentage of financial results and should be in line with the peer group;

• Theexpectedannualcostoftheplanshouldbeproportionaltothebusiness'svalue;

• Theintrinsicvaluethatoptiongranteesreceivedinthepastshouldbereasonablecomparedwiththe

business'sfinancialresults;

• Plansshouldnotpermitrepricingofstockoptionswithoutshareholderapproval;

• Plansshouldnotcontainexcessivelyliberaladministrativeorpaymentterms;

• Plansshouldnotcount sharesinwaysthat understatethepotentialdilution,orcost,to common

shareholders.Thisrefersto"inverse"full-valueawardmultipliers;

• Selectedperformancemetricsshouldbechallengingandappropriate,and shouldbesubjecttorelative

performance measurements; and

• Stockgrantsshouldbesubjecttominimumvestingand/orholdingperiodssufficienttoensure

sustainable performance and promote retention.

Meanwhile, for individual equity award proposals where the recipient of the proposed grant is also a large

shareholder of the company whose vote can materially affect the passage of the proposal, we believe that the

companyshouldstronglyconsiderthelevelofapprovalfromdisinterestedshareholdersbeforeproceedingwith

the proposed grant. Glass Lewis recognizes potential conflicts of interests when vote outcomes can be heavily

influencedbytherecipientofthegrant.Arequiredabstentionvoteornon-votefromtherecipientforanequity

award proposal in these situations can help to avoid such conflicts. This favorable feature will be weighed

alongside the structure, disclosure, dilution, provided rationale, and other provisions related to the individual

award to assess the award's alignment with long-term shareholder interests.

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OptionExchangesand Repricing

Glass Lewis is generally opposed to the repricing of employee and director options regardless of how it is

accomplished. Employees should have some downside risk in their equity-based compensation program and

repricing eliminates any such risk. As shareholders have substantial risk in owning stock, we believe that the

equitycompensationofemployeesanddirectorsshould besimilarlysituatedtoaligntheirinterests withthose

of shareholders. We believe this will facilitate appropriate risk- and opportunity-taking for the company by

employees.

We are concerned that option grantees who believe they will be "rescued" from underwater options will be

moreinclinedtotakeunjustifiablerisks.Moreover,apredictablepatternofrepricingorexchangessubstantially

alters a stock option's value because options that will practically never expire deeply out of the money are

worth far more than options that carry a risk of expiration.

Inshort,repricingsandoptionexchangeprogramschangethebargainbetweenshareholdersandemployees

after the bargain has been struck.

Thereisonecircumstanceinwhicharepricingoroptionexchangeprogrammaybeacceptable:if

macroeconomic or industry trends, rather than specific company issues, cause a stock's value to decline

dramatically and the repricing is necessary to motivate and retain employees. In viewing the company's stock

decline as part of a larger trend, we would expect the impact to approximately reflect the market or industry

price decline in terms of timing and magnitude. In this circumstance, we think it fair to conclude that option

granteesmaybesufferingfroma riskthatwasnotforeseeablewhentheoriginal"bargain"wasstruck.Insucha

scenario, we may opt to support a repricing or option exchange program only if sufficient conditions are met.

Welookforthefollowingfeaturesinarepricingorexchangeproposal:

• Officersandboardmemberscannotparticipateintheprogram;and

• Theexchangeisvalue-neutralorvalue-creativetoshareholdersusingveryconservative assumptions.

Inourevaluationoftheappropriatenessoftheprogram design,wealsoconsidertheinclusionofthefollowing

features:

• Thevestingrequirementsonexchangedorrepricedoptionsareextendedbeyondoneyear;

• Sharesreserved foroptionsthatarereacquiredin anoptionexchangewillpermanentlyretire(i.e.,will

not be available for future grants) so as to prevent additional shareholder dilution in the future; and

• Managementandtheboardmakeacogentcaseforneedingtomotivateandretainexistingemployees,

such as being in a competitive employment market.

OptionBackdating,Spring-LoadingandBullet-Dodging

GlassLewisviewsoptionbackdating,andtherelatedpracticesofspring-loadingandbullet-dodging,asegregious

actions that warrant holding the appropriate management and board members responsible. These practices are

similarto repricing optionsandeliminate much ofthe downside risk inherent in an option grant that isdesigned

to induce recipients to maximize shareholder return.

Backdatinganoptionistheactofchanging anoption'sgrantdatefromtheactualgrant datetoanearlierdate

whenthemarketpriceoftheunderlyingstockwaslower,resultinginalowerexercisepricefortheoption.In

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paststudies,GlassLewisidentified over270companiesthathavedisclosedinternalorgovernment

investigations into their past stock-option grants.

Spring-loadingisgrantingstockoptionswhileinpossessionofmaterial,positiveinformationthathasnotbeen

disclosed publicly. Bullet-dodging is delaying the grants of stock options until after the release of material,

negative information. This can allow option grants to be made at a lower price either before the release of

positive news or following the release of negative news, assuming the stock's price will move up or down in

response to the information. This raises a concern similar to that ofinsider trading, or the trading on material

non-public information.

Theexercisepriceforan optionisdetermined onthedayofgrant,providingtherecipientwiththesamemarket

risk as an investor who bought shares on that date. However, where options were backdated, the executive or

the board (or the compensation committee) changed the grant date retroactively. The new date may be at or

near the lowest price for the year or period. This would be like allowing an investor to look back and select the

lowest price of the year at which to buy shares.

A2006studyofoptiongrantsmadebetween1996and 2005at8,000companies foundthatoptionbackdating

canbeanindicationofpoorinternalcontrols. Thestudy foundthatoptionbackdatingwasmorelikelytooccur

at companies without a majority independent board and with a long-serving CEO; both factors, the study

concluded,wereassociatedwithgreaterCEOinfluenceonthecompany'scompensationandgovernance

practices.<sup>43</sup>

Whereacompanygrantedbackdatedoptionstoanexecutivewhoisalsoadirector,GlassLewiswillrecommend

voting against that executive/director, regardless of who decided to make the award. In addition, Glass Lewis

willrecommendvotingagainst thosedirectors whoeitherapprovedorallowedthebackdating.GlassLewis feels

that executives and directors who either benefited from backdated options or authorized the practice have

failed to act in the best interests of shareholders.

Given the severe tax and legal liabilities to the company from backdating, Glass Lewis will consider

recommending voting against members of the audit committee who served when options were backdated, a

restatement occurs, material weaknesses in internal controls exist and disclosures indicate there was a lack of

documentation.Thesecommitteemembersfailedintheirresponsibilitytoensuretheintegrityofthecompany's

financial reports.

When a company has engaged in spring-loading or bullet-dodging, Glass Lewis will consider recommending

votingagainstthecompensationcommitteememberswheretherehasbeenapatternofgrantingoptionsator

near historic lows. Glass Lewis will also recommend voting against executives serving on the board who

benefited from the spring-loading or bullet-dodging.

43LucianBebchuk,YanivGrinsteinandUrsPeyer."LUCKY CEOs."November, 2006.

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DirectorCompensationPlans

Glass Lewis believes that non-employee directors should receive reasonable and appropriate compensation for

the time and effort they spend serving on the board and its committees. However, a balance is required. Fees

shouldbecompetitiveinordertoretainandattract qualifiedindividuals,but excessivefeesrepresentafinancial

cost to the company and potentially compromise the objectivity and independence of non-employee directors.

We will consider recommending support for compensation plans that include option grants or other equity-

based awards that help to align the interests of outside directors with those of shareholders. However, to

ensuredirectorsarenotincentivizedinthesamemannerasexecutivesbutratherserveasacheckonimprudent

risk-taking in executive compensation plan design, equity grants to directors should not be performance-based.

Where an equity plan exclusively or primarily covers non-employee directors as participants, we do not believe

that the plan should provide for performance-based awards in any capacity.

When non-employee director equity grants are covered by the same equity plan that applies to a company's

broader employee base, we will use our proprietary model and analyst review of this model to guide our voting

recommendations.If suchaplanbroadlyallowsforperformance-basedawardstodirectorsorexplicitlyprovides

for such grants, we may recommend against the overall plan on this basis, particularly if the company has

granted performance-based awards to directors in past.

EmployeeStockPurchasePlans

Glass Lewis believes that employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) can provide employees with a sense of

ownership in their company and help strengthen the alignment between the interests of employees and

shareholders.WeevaluateESPPsbyassessingtheexpecteddiscount,purchaseperiod,expectedpurchase

activity(ifpreviousactivityhasbeendisclosed)andwhethertheplanhasa"lookback"feature.Exceptforthe

mostextremecases,GlassLewiswillgenerallysupporttheseplansgiventheregulatorypurchaselimitof

$25,000 per employee per year, which we believe is reasonable. We also look at the number of shares

requestedtoseeifaESPPwillsignificantlycontributetooverallshareholderdilution orifshareholderswillnot

have a chance to approve the program for an excessive period of time. As such, we will generally recommend

against ESPPs that contain "evergreen" provisions that automatically increase the number of shares available

under the ESPP each year.

ExecutiveCompensationTaxDeductibility—

AmendmenttoIRC162(M)

The "Tax Cut and Jobs Act" had significant implications on Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, a

provisionthatallowedcompaniestodeductcompensationinexcessof$1 million fortheCEOandthenextthree

most highly compensated executive officers, excluding the CFO, if the compensation is performance-based and

ispaid undershareholder-approved plans. GlassLewisdoes not generally viewamendmentsto equity plansand

changes to compensation programs in response to the elimination of tax deductions under 162(m) as

problematic. This specifically holds true if such modifications contribute to the maintenance of a sound

performance-based compensation program.

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Asgrandfatheredcontractsmaycontinuetobeeligiblefortaxdeductionsunderthetransition ruleforSection

162(m),companiesmaythereforesubmitincentiveplansforshareholderapprovaltotakeofadvantageofthe

tax deductibility afforded under 162(m) for certain types of compensation.

We believe the best practice for companies is to provide robust disclosure to shareholders so that they can

make fully informed judgments about the reasonableness of the proposed compensation plan. To allow for

meaningful shareholder review, we prefer that disclosure should include specific performance metrics, a

maximumawardpool,andamaximumawardamountperemployee.Wealsobelieveitisimportanttoanalyze

the estimated grants to see if they are reasonable and in line with the company's peers.

We typically recommend voting against a 162(m) proposal where: (i) a company fails to provide at least a list of

performancetargets;(ii)acompanyfailstoprovideone ofeitheratotalmaximumoranindividualmaximum;or

(iii)theproposedplanorindividualmaximumawardlimit isexcessivewhencomparedwiththeplansofthe

company'speers.

The company's record of aligning pay with performance (as evaluated using our proprietary pay-for-

performance model) also plays a role in our recommendation. Where a company has a record of setting

reasonable pay relative to business performance, we generally recommend voting in favor of a plan even if the

plancapsseemlargerelativetopeersbecausewerecognizethevalueinspecialpayarrangementsforcontinued

exceptional performance.

As with all other issues we review, our goal is to provide consistent but contextual advice given the specifics of

the company and ongoing performance. Overall, we recognize that it is generally not in shareholders' best

intereststovoteagainstsuchaplanandforgothepotentialtaxbenefitsinceshareholder rejectionofsuchplans

will not curtail the awards; it will only prevent the tax deduction associated with them.

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GovernanceStructureandthe Shareholder

Franchise

Anti-TakeoverMeasures

PoisonPills(ShareholderRightsPlans)

Glass Lewis believes that poison pill plans are not generally in shareholders' best interests. They can reduce

managementaccountabilitybysubstantiallylimitingopportunitiesforcorporatetakeovers.Rightsplanscanthus

prevent shareholders from receiving a buy-out premium for their stock. Typically we recommend that

shareholders vote against these plans to protect their financial interests and ensure that they have an

opportunity to consider any offer for their shares, especially those at a premium.

We believe boards should be given wide latitude in directing company activities and in charting the company's

course.However, onanissue suchasthis,wherethelink betweentheshareholders' financialinterestsandtheir

righttoconsiderandacceptbuyoutoffersissubstantial, webelievethatshareholdersshouldbeallowedtovote

on whether they support such a plan's implementation. This issue is different from other matters that are

typically left to board discretion. Its potential impact on and relation to shareholders is direct and substantial. It

isalsoanissue inwhichmanagement interestsmay be different fromthose ofshareholders; thus, ensuring that

shareholders have a voice is the only way to safeguard their interests.

In certain circumstances, we will support a poison pill that is limited in scope to accomplish a particular

objective,suchastheclosingofanimportantmerger,or apillthatcontainswhatwebelievetobeareasonable

qualifying offerclause.We will considersupporting apoisonpill planifthe qualifying offerclause includeseach

of the following attributes:

• Theformofofferisnotrequiredtobe anall-cashtransaction;

• Theofferisnotrequiredtoremainopenformorethan90businessdays;

• Theofferorispermittedtoamendtheoffer,reducetheoffer,orotherwisechangetheterms;

• Thereisnofairnessopinion requirement;and

• Thereisalowtonopremiumrequirement.

Wheretheserequirementsaremet,wetypicallyfeelcomfortablethatshareholderswillhavetheopportunityto

voice their opinion on any legitimate offer.

NOLPoisonPills

Similarly, Glass Lewis may consider supporting a limited poison pill in the event that a company seeks

shareholderapprovalofarightsplan fortheexpresspurposeofpreservingNetOperatingLosses(NOLs).While

companies with NOLs can generally carry these losses forward to offset future taxable income, Section 382

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oftheInternalRevenueCodelimitscompanies'abilityto useNOLsintheeventofa"changeofownership."<sup>44</sup>In

this case, a company may adopt or amend a poison pill (NOL pill) in order to prevent an inadvertent change of

ownership by multiple investors purchasing small chunks of stock at the same time, and thereby preserve the

ability to carry the NOLs forward. Often such NOL pills have trigger thresholds much lower than the common

15% or 20% thresholds, with some NOL pill triggers as low as 5%.

Inmanycases,companieswillproposetheadoptionofbylawamendmentsspecificallyrestrictingcertainshare

transfers,in additiontoproposingtheadoptionofaNOL pill.Ingeneral,if wesupportthetermsofaparticular

NOL pill, we will generally support the additionalprotective amendment inthe absence ofsignificant concerns

with the specific terms of that proposal.

As with traditional poison pills, NOL pills may deter shareholders and potentially serve as entrenchment

mechanisms.Certainfeaturessuchaslowthresholdscombinedwithactinginconcertprovisions,amongother

concerning terms, may disempower shareholders and insulate the board and management. When acting in

concert provisionsare present withinthe termsofaNOL pill, we believe this may raise concernsastothe true

objective of the pill.

Acting in concert provisions broaden the definition of beneficial ownership to prohibit parallel conduct, or

multiple shareholders party to a formal or informal agreement collaborating to influence the board and

management of a company, and aggregate the ownership of such shareholders towards the triggering

threshold. In our view, acting in concert provisions broadly limit the voice of shareholders and may diminish

theirabilitytoengageinaproductivedialoguewiththecompanyandwithother shareholders.Whenaboard

adopts defensive measures without engaging with shareholders, we take a dim view of the board and the

overall governance of the company.

Assuch, GlassLewisevaluates NOL pillson a strictly case-by-case basis, taking into consideration, among other

factors: (i) the value ofthe NOLs to the company; (ii) the likelihood ofa change ofownership based on the size

oftheholdingsandthenatureofthelargershareholders;(iii)thetriggerthreshold;(iv)thedurationoftheplan

(i.e., whether it contains a reasonable "sunset" provision, generally one year or less);(v) the inclusion of an

acting in concert provision; (vi) whether the pill is implemented following the filing of a Schedule 13D by a

shareholder or there is evidence of hostile activity or shareholder activism; and (vii) if the pill is subject to

periodic board review and/or shareholder ratification.

Webelievethatshareholdersshouldbeofferedtheopportunitytovoteonanyadoptionor renewalofaNOL

pill regardless of any potential tax benefit that it offers a company. As such, we will consider recommending

voting against those members of the board who served at the time when an NOL pill was adopted without

shareholder approval within the prior twelve months and where the NOL pill is not subject to shareholder

ratification.

44Section382of theInternalRevenueCoderefersto a"changeofownership"ofmorethan50percentagepointsbyone or

more 5% shareholders within a three-year period. The statute is intended to deter the "trafficking" of net operating losses.

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FairPriceProvisions

Fair price provisions, which are rare, require that certain minimum price and procedural requirements be

observed by any party that acquires more than a specified percentage of a corporation's common stock. The

provisionisintendedtoprotect minorityshareholdervaluewhenanacquirerseekstoaccomplish amergeror

othertransactionwhichwouldeliminateorchangetheinterestsoftheminorityshareholders.Theprovisionis

generally applied against the acquirer unless the takeover is approved by a majority of "continuing directors"

and holders of a majority, in some cases a supermajority as high as 80%, of the combined voting power of all

stock entitled to vote to alter, amend, or repeal the above provisions.

Theeffectofafairpriceprovisionistorequireapprovalofanymergeror businesscombinationwithan

"interestedshareholder"by51%ofthevotingstockofthecompany,excludingthesharesheldbytheinterested

shareholder. An interested shareholder is generally considered to be a holder of 10% or more of the company's

outstanding stock, but the trigger can vary.

Generally, provisions are put in place for the ostensible purpose of preventing a back-end merger where the

interested shareholder would be able to pay a lower price for the remaining shares of the company than he or

she paid to gain control. The effect of a fair price provision on shareholders, however, is to limit their ability to

gain a premium for their shares through a partial tender offer or open market acquisition which typically raise

the share price, often significantly. A fair price provision discourages such transactions because of the potential

costsofseekingshareholderapprovalandbecauseoftherestrictionsonpurchasepriceforcompletingamerger

or other transaction at a later time.

Glass Lewis believes that fair price provisions, while sometimes protecting shareholders from abuse in a

takeover situation, more often act as an impediment to takeovers, potentially limiting gains to shareholders

fromavarietyoftransactionsthatcould significantlyincreaseshareprice.Insomecases,eventheindependent

directors of the board cannot make exceptions when such exceptions may be in the best interests of

shareholders. Given the existence ofstate lawprotections for minority shareholders such as Section 203 ofthe

Delaware Corporations Code, we believe it is in the best interests of shareholders to remove fair price

provisions.

ControlShareStatutes

Certain states, including Delaware, have adopted control share acquisition statutes as an anti-takeover defense

forcertainclosed-endinvestmentcompaniesandbusinessdevelopmentcompanies.Controlsharestatutes may

prevent changes in control by limiting voting rights ofa person that acquires the ownership of"control shares."

Control shares are shares of stock equal to or exceeding specified percentages of company voting power, and a

control share statute prevents shares in excess of the specified percentage from being voted, unless: (i) the

boardapprovesthemtobevoted;or(ii)theholderofthe"controlshares"receivesapproval froma

supermajority of "non-interested" shareholders.

Dependingonthestateofincorporation,companiesmay automaticallyrelyoncontrolsharestatutesunlessthe

fund's board of trustees eliminates the application of the control share statute to any or all fund share

acquisitions, through adoption of a provision in the fund's governing instrument or by fund board action alone.

In certain other states, companies must adopt control share statutes.

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Inourview,controlsharestatuesdisenfranchiseshareholdersbyreducingtheirvotingpowertoalevellessthan

their economic interest and effectively function as an anti-takeover device. We believe all shareholders should

have an opportunity to vote all of their shares. Moreover, anti-takeover measures may prevent shareholders

from receiving a buy-out premium for their stock.

As such, we will generally recommend voting for proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes,

unlessdoingso wouldallowthecompletionofatakeoverthatisnotinthebestinterestsofshareholders;and

against proposals to amend the charter to include control share acquisition provisions.

Further, in cases where a closed-end fund or business development company has received a public buyout offer

andhasreliedonacontrolsharestatuteasadefensemechanismintheprioryear, wewillgenerallyrecommend

shareholdersvoteagainst thechairofthenominating andgovernancecommittee,absent acompellingrationale

as to why a rejected acquisition was not in the best interests of shareholders.

QuorumRequirements

GlassLewisbelievesthatacompany'squorum requirementshouldbesetatalevelhighenoughtoensurethata

broad range of shareholders are represented in person or by proxy, but low enough that the company can

transact necessary business. Companies in the U.S. are generally subject to quorum requirements under the

laws of their specific state of incorporation. Additionally, those companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market

arerequiredtospecifyaquorumintheirbylaws,providedhoweverthat suchquorum maynot belessthanone-

third of outstanding shares. Prior to 2013, the New York Stock Exchange required a quorum of 50% for listed

companies, although this requirement was dropped in recognition of individual state requirements and

potential confusion for issuers. Delaware, for example, required companies to provide for a quorum of no less

than one-third of outstanding shares; otherwise such quorum shall default to a majority.

We generally believe a majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote is an appropriate quorum for the

transaction of business at shareholder meetings. However, should a company seek shareholder approval of a

lowerquorumrequirementwewillgenerallysupportareducedquorumofatleastone-thirdofsharesentitled

to vote, either in person or by proxy. When evaluating such proposals, we also consider the specific facts and

circumstances of the company, such as size and shareholder base.

DirectorandOfficerIndemnification

While Glass Lewis strongly believes that directors and officers should be held to the highest standard when

carrying out their duties to shareholders, some protection from liability is reasonable to protect them against

certain suits so that these officers feel comfortable taking measured risks that may benefit shareholders. As

such,wefinditappropriateforacompanytoprovideindemnificationand/orenrollinliabilityinsurancetocover

its directors and officers so long as the terms of such agreements are reasonable.

OfficerExculpation

InAugust2022,theDelawareGeneralAssemblyamendedSection102(b)(7)oftheDelaware General

CorporationLaw("DGCL")toauthorizecorporationstoadoptaprovisionintheircertificateofincorporationto

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eliminateorlimitmonetaryliabilityofcertaincorporateofficers forbreachoffiduciaryduty ofcare.Previously,

the DGCL allowed only exculpation of corporate directors from breach of fiduciary duty of care claims if the

corporation's certificate of incorporation includes an exculpation provision.

Theamendmentauthorizescorporationstoprovideforexculpationofthefollowingofficers:(i)the

corporation'spresident,chiefexecutiveofficer,chiefoperatingofficer,chieffinancialofficer,chieflegalofficer,

controller, treasurer or chief accounting officer, (ii) "named executive officers" identified in the corporation's

SEC filings, and (iii) individuals who have agreed to be identified as officers of the corporation.

Corporate exculpation provisionsunderthe DGCL only apply to claimsforbreach ofthe duty ofcare, and not to

breachesofthedutyofloyalty.Exculpationprovisionsalsodonotapplytoactsoromissionsnotingoodfaithor

that involve intentional misconduct, knowing violations of the law, or transactions involving the receipt of any

improperpersonal benefits. Furthermore, officersmay not be exculpated from claimsbrought against them by,

or in the right of, the corporation (i.e., derivative actions).

Under Section 102(b)(7), a corporation must affirmatively elect to include an exculpation provision in its

certificateofincorporation.We willcloselyevaluateproposalstoadoptofficerexculpationprovisions onacase-

by-case basis. We will generally recommend voting against such proposals eliminating monetary liability for

breaches of the duty of care for certain corporate officers, unless compelling rationale for the adoption is

provided by the board, and the provisions are reasonable.

Reincorporation

Ingeneral,GlassLewisbelievesthattheboardisinthebestpositiontodeterminetheappropriatejurisdictionof

incorporation for the company. We review all proposals to reincorporate to a different state or country on a

case-by-case basis. Our review includes the changes in corporate governance provisions, especially those

relating to shareholder rights, material differences in corporate statutes and legal precedents, and relevant

financial benefits, among other factors, resulting from the change in domicile.

GlassLewiscloselyexaminestheimpactonshareholderrightsarisingfromachangeindomicileandgoverning

law, including the following:

• Willshareholdersgain/retaincertainrights(i.e.therighttocallspecialmeetings,therighttoactby

written consent, the ability to remove directors)?

• Doestheproposednewjurisdictionallowfordirectorandofficerexculpationand/orexclusiveforum

provisions?

• Whatarethefiduciaryduties(ifany)ofdirectors,officers,andmajorityshareholdersunderthenew

jurisdiction'sstatutes?

• Whatarethematerialdifferencesincorporatestatutes,caselaw,andjudicial systems?

• Isthecompanyproposingtoreincorporatetoajurisdictionconsideredtobea"taxhaven"?

Inaddition,whenexaminingaproposaltoreincorporate, wewillalsoconsidertheoverallgovernanceofthe

company, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Doesthecompanyhaveanti-takeoverprotectionssuchasapoisonpillorclassifiedboardin place?

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• Doesthecompanyhaveasignificantshareholderoristhecompanyotherwiseconsideredcontrolled?<sup>45</sup>

• Hastheboardbeenpreviouslyunresponsivetoshareholders(suchas failingtoimplementashareholder

proposal that received majority shareholder support)?

• Doesthecompanyhaveanindependentchairandistheboardsufficiently independent?

• Arethereothermaterialgovernanceissuesofconcernatthecompany?Hasthecompany's

performancematchedorexceededitspeersinthepast oneandthreeyears?

• HowhasthecompanyrankedinGlassLewis'pay-for-performanceanalysisduringthelastthree years?

Where there is a decline in shareholder rights, the financial benefits are de minimis, and the proposed

jurisdictionhassignificantly worse shareholder protections, wewill generally recommend votingagainst the

transaction.

In addition, costly, shareholder-initiated reincorporations are typically not the best route to achieve the

furtherance ofshareholderrights.We believe shareholdersare generally betterservedby proposing specific

shareholder resolutionsaddressingpertinentissueswhichmaybeimplementedatalowercost,andperhaps

even with board approval. However, when shareholders propose a shift into a jurisdiction with enhanced

shareholder rights, Glass Lewis examines the significant ways the company would benefit from shifting

jurisdictionsincluding anevaluationofthecriterialistedabove.Wenote,however,that wewill onlysupport

shareholder proposals to change a company's place of incorporation in exceptional circumstances.

ExclusiveForumandFee-ShiftingBylawProvisions

GlassLewisrecognizesthatcompaniesmaybesubjecttofrivolousandopportunisticlawsuits,particularlyin

conjunction with a merger or acquisition, that are expensive and distracting. In response, companies have

sought ways to prevent or limit the risk of such suits by adopting bylaws regarding where the suits must be

brought or shifting the burden of the legal expenses to the plaintiff, if unsuccessful at trial.

GlassLewisbelievesthatcharterorbylawprovisionslimitingashareholder'schoiceoflegalvenuearenotinthe

best interests of shareholders. Such clauses may effectively discourage the use of shareholder claims by

increasing their associated costs and making them more difficult to pursue. As such, shareholders should be

wary about approving any limitation on theirlegal recourse including limiting themselvesto a single jurisdiction

(e.g., Delaware or federal courts for matters arising under the Securities Act of 1933) without compelling

evidence that it will benefit shareholders.

For this reason, we recommend that shareholders vote against any bylaw or charter amendment seeking to

adopt an exclusive forum provision unless the company: (i) provides a compelling argument on why the

provision would directly benefit shareholders; (ii) provides evidence of abuse of legal process in other, non-

favoredjurisdictions;(iii)narrowlytailorssuchprovision totherisksinvolved;and(iv)maintainsastrongrecord

of good corporate governance practices.

45In cases where a controlled company is seeking to change its domicile, we will closely evaluate how the independent

membersoftheboardcametoitsrecommendation,if thecontrollingshareholderhadanyabilitytoinfluencetheboard, and if

the proposal is also put to a vote of disinterested shareholders.

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Moreover,intheeventaboardseeksshareholderapprovalofaforumselectionclausepursuanttoabundled

bylaw amendment rather than as a separate proposal, we will weigh the importance of the other bundled

provisions when determining the vote recommendation on the proposal. We will nonetheless recommend

voting against the chair of the governance committee for bundling disparate proposals into a single proposal

(refertoourdiscussionofnominatingandgovernancecommitteeperformanceinSectionIoftheguidelines).

Similarly,somecompanieshaveadoptedbylawsrequiringplaintiffswhosuethecompanyandfailtoreceivea

judgment in their favor pay the legal expenses of the company. These bylaws, also known as "fee-shifting" or

"loserpays"bylaws, will likely have a chilling effect on even meritorious shareholderlawsuitsasshareholders

would face an strong financial disincentive not to sue a company. Glass Lewis therefore strongly opposes the

adoption of such fee-shifting bylaws and, if adopted without shareholder approval, will recommend voting

against the governance committee. While we note that in June of 2015 the State of Delaware banned the

adoption of fee-shifting bylaws, such provisions could still be adopted by companies incorporated in other

states.

AuthorizedShares

Glass Lewis believes that adequate capital stock is important to a company's operation. When analyzing a

requestforadditionalshares,wetypicallyreviewfourcommonreasonswhyacompanymightneedadditional

capital stock:

1.**StockSplit**—Wetypicallyconsiderthreemetricswhenevaluatingwhetherwethinkastocksplitislikely

or necessary: The historical stock pre-split price, ifany; the current price relative to the company's most

common trading price overthe past 52 weeks; andsome absolute limitson stock price that, in ourview,

either always make a stock split appropriate if desired by management or would almost never be a

reasonable price at which to split a stock.

2.**Shareholder Defenses** — Additional authorized shares could be used to bolster takeover defenses such

as a poison pill. Proxy filings often discuss the usefulness of additional shares in defending against or

discouragingahostiletakeoverasareasonforarequestedincrease. GlassLewisistypicallyagainstsuch

defenses and will oppose actions intended to bolster such defenses.

3.**Financing for Acquisitions** — We look at whether the company has a history of using stock for

acquisitions and attempt to determine what levels of stock have typically been required to accomplish

suchtransactions.Likewise,welooktosee whetherthisisdiscussedasareasonforadditional sharesin

the proxy.

4.**Financing for Operations** — We review the company's cash position and its ability to secure financing

throughborrowingor othermeans.Welookatthecompany'shistoryofcapitalizationand whetherthe

company has had to use stock in the recent past as a means of raising capital.

Issuing additional shares generally dilutes existing holders in most circumstances. Further, the availability of

additional shares, where the board has discretion to implement a poison pill, can often serve as a deterrent to

interestedsuitors.Accordingly, wherewe findthatthecompanyhasnotdetailedaplan foruse oftheproposed

shares, or where the number of shares far exceeds those needed to accomplish a detailed plan, we typically

recommend against the authorization of additional shares. Similar concerns may also lead us to recommend

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againstaproposaltoconductareversestocksplitifthe boarddoesnotstatethatitwillreducethenumberof

authorized common shares in a ratio proportionate to the split.

With regard to authorizations and/or increases in preferred shares, Glass Lewis is generally against such

authorizations, which allow the board to determine the preferences, limitations and rights of the preferred

shares (known as "blank-check preferred stock"). We believe that granting such broad discretion should be of

concerntocommonshareholders,sinceblank-checkpreferredstockcouldbeusedasananti-takeoverdeviceor

in some other fashion that adversely affects the voting power or financial interests of common shareholders.

Therefore, we will generally recommend voting against such requests, unless the company discloses a

commitmenttonotusesuchsharesasananti-takeoverdefenseorinashareholderrightsplan,ordisclosesa

commitment to submit any shareholder rights plan to a shareholder vote prior to its adoption.

While we think that having adequate shares to allow management to make quick decisions and effectively

operatethebusinessiscritical,wepreferthat,forsignificanttransactions,managementcometoshareholders

to justify their use of additional shares rather than providing a blank check in the form of a large pool of

unallocated shares available for any purpose.

AdvanceNoticeRequirements

Wetypicallyrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainst proposalsthatwouldrequireadvancenoticeof

shareholder proposals or of director nominees.

These proposals typically attempt to require a certain amount of notice before shareholders are allowed to

place proposals on the ballot. Notice requirements typically range between three to six months prior to the

annualmeeting.Advancenoticerequirementstypicallymakeitimpossibleforashareholder whomissesthe

deadline to present a shareholder proposal or a director nominee that might be in the best interests of the

company and its shareholders.

We believe shareholders should be able to review and vote on all proposals and director nominees.

Shareholderscanalwaysvoteagainstproposalsthatappearwithlittlepriornotice.Shareholders,asownersofa

business, are capable of identifying issues on which they have sufficient information and ignoring issues on

which they have insufficient information. Setting arbitrary notice restrictions limits the opportunity for

shareholders to raise issues that may come up after the window closes.

VirtualShareholderMeetings

Agrowingcontingentofcompanieshaveelectedtohold shareholdermeetingsbyvirtual meansonly.Glass

Lewis believes that virtual meeting technology can be a useful complement to a traditional, in-person

shareholder meeting by expanding participation of shareholders who are unable to attend a shareholder

meeting in person (i.e., a "hybrid meeting"). However, we also believe that virtual-only meetings have the

potentialtocurbtheabilityofacompany'sshareholders tomeaningfullycommunicatewiththecompany's

management.

Prominent shareholder rights advocates, including the Council of Institutional Investors, have expressed

concernsthatsuchvirtual-onlymeetingsdonotapproximateanin-personexperienceandmayservetoreduce

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theboard'saccountabilitytoshareholders.Whenanalyzingthegovernanceprofileofcompaniesthatchooseto

hold virtual-only meetings, we look for robust disclosure in a company's proxy statement which assures

shareholders that they will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-

person meeting.

Examples of effective disclosure include: (i) addressing the ability of shareholders to ask questions during the

meeting,includingtimeguidelinesforshareholderquestions,rulesaroundwhattypesofquestionsareallowed,

and rules for how questions and comments will be recognized and disclosed to meeting participants; (ii)

procedures,ifany, forpostingappropriatequestionsreceivedduringthemeetingandthecompany'sanswers,

on the investor page of their website as soon as is practical after the meeting; (iii) addressing technical and

logistical issues related to accessing the virtual meeting platform; and (iv) procedures for accessing technical

support to assist in the event of any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting.

Wewillgenerallyrecommendvotingagainstmembersofthegovernancecommitteewheretheboardis

planning to hold a virtual-only shareholder meeting and the company does not provide such disclosure.

VotingStructure

Multi-ClassShareStructures

GlassLewisbelievesmulti-classvotingstructuresaretypicallynotinthebestinterestsofcommonshareholders.

Allowing one vote pershare generally operatesasasafeguardforcommonshareholdersby ensuring that those

who hold a significant minority of shares are able to weigh in on issues set forth by the board.

Furthermore, webelievethat theeconomic stakeofeachshareholder shouldmatchtheirvoting powerandthat

no small group of shareholders, family or otherwise, should have voting rights different from those of other

shareholders.Onmattersofgovernance andshareholderrights,webelieveshareholdersshouldhavethepower

to speak and the opportunity to effect change. That powershould not be concentrated in the handsofa few for

reasons other than economic stake.

We generally consider a multi-class share structure to reflect negatively on a company's overall corporate

governance. Because we believe that companies should have share capital structures that protect the interests

ofnon-controllingshareholdersaswellasanycontrolling entity,wetypicallyrecommendthatshareholdersvote

in favor of recapitalization proposals to eliminate dual-class share structures. Similarly, we will generally

recommend against proposals to adopt a new class of common stock. We will generally recommend voting

against the chair of the governance committee at companies with a multi-class share structure and unequal

voting rights when the company does not provide for a reasonable sunset of the multi-class share structure

(generally seven years or less).

In the case of a board that adopts a multi-class share structure in connection with an IPO, spin-off, or direct

listing withinthepastyear,wewillgenerallyrecommend votingagainstallmembersoftheboardwho servedat

the time of the IPO if the board: (i) did not also commit to submitting the multi-class structure to a shareholder

voteatthecompany'sfirstshareholdermeetingfollowingtheIPO;or(ii)didnotprovide forareasonablesunset

of the multi-class structure (generally seven years or less). If the multi-class share structure is put to a

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shareholdervote,we willexaminethelevelofapprovalordisapprovalattributedtounaffiliatedshareholders

when determining the vote outcome.

At companies that have multi-class share structures with unequal voting rights, we will carefully examine the

level of approval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated shareholders when determining whether board

responsiveness is warranted. In the case of companies that have multi-class share structures with unequal

voting rights, we will generally examine the level of approval or disapproval attributed to unaffiliated

shareholders on a "one share, one vote" basis. At controlled and multi-class companies, when at least 20% or

more of unaffiliated shareholders vote contrary to management, we believe that boards should engage with

shareholdersanddemonstratesomeinitiallevelofresponsiveness,andwhena majorityormoreofunaffiliated

shareholders vote contrary to management we believe that boards should engage with shareholders and

provide a more robust response to fully address shareholder concerns.

CumulativeVoting

Cumulative voting increases the ability of minority shareholders to elect a director by allowing shareholders to

cast as many shares of the stock they own multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. As companies

generallyhavemultiplenomineesupforelection,cumulativevotingallowsshareholderstocastalloftheirvotes

for a single nominee, or a smaller number of nominees than up for election, thereby raising the likelihood of

electing one or more of their preferred nominees to the board. It can be important when a board is controlled

byinsidersoraffiliatesandwherethecompany'sownershipstructureincludesoneormoreshareholderswho

controlamajority-votingblockofcompanystock.

GlassLewisbelievesthatcumulativevotinggenerallyactsasasafeguard forshareholdersbyensuringthatthose

who hold a significant minority of shares can elect a candidate of their choosing to the board. This allows the

creation of boards that are responsive to the interests of all shareholders rather than just a small group of

large holders.

Wereviewcumulativevotingproposals onacase-by-casebasis,factoringintheindependenceoftheboardand

thestatusofthecompany'sgovernancestructure.Butwetypicallyfindtheseproposalsonballotsatcompanies

whereindependenceislackingandwheretheappropriatechecksandbalancesfavoringshareholdersarenotin

place. In those instances we typically recommend in favor of cumulative voting.

Where a company has adopted a true majority vote standard (i.e., where a director must receive a majority of

votes cast to be elected, as opposed to a modified policy indicated by a resignation policy only), Glass Lewis will

recommend voting against cumulative voting proposals due to the incompatibility of the two election methods.

For companies that have not adopted a true majority voting standard but have adopted some form of majority

voting,GlassLewiswillalsogenerallyrecommendvotingagainstcumulativevotingproposalsifthecompanyhas

not adopted anti-takeover protections and has been responsive to shareholders.

Where a company has not adopted a majority voting standard and is facing both a shareholder proposal to

adopt majority voting and a shareholder proposal to adopt cumulative voting, Glass Lewis will support only the

majority voting proposal. When a company has both majority voting and cumulative voting in place, there is a

higher likelihood of one or more directors not being elected as a result of not receiving a majority vote. This is

becauseshareholdersexercisingtherighttocumulatetheirvotescouldunintentionallycausethefailedelection

of one or more directors for whom shareholders do not cumulate votes.

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SupermajorityVoteRequirements

GlassLewisbelievesthatsupermajorityvoterequirementsimpedeshareholderactiononballotitemscriticalto

shareholder interests. An example is in the takeover context, where supermajority vote requirements can

strongly limit the voice ofshareholders in making decisions on such crucial matters as selling the business. This

in turn degrades share value and can limit the possibility of buyout premiums to shareholders. Moreover,

webelievethat asupermajorityvoterequirementcanenableasmallgroupofshareholderstooverrulethewill

ofthemajorityshareholders.Webelievethatasimplemajorityisappropriatetoapproveallmatterspresented

to shareholders.

TransactionofOtherBusiness

Wetypicallyrecommendthatshareholdersnotgivetheirproxytomanagementtovoteonanyotherbusiness

items that may properly come before an annual or special meeting. In our opinion, granting unfettered

discretion is unwise.

Anti-GreenmailProposals

GlassLewiswillsupportproposalstoadoptaprovisionpreventingthepaymentofgreenmail,whichwouldserve

to prevent companies from buying back company stock at significant premiums from a certain shareholder.

Since a large or majority shareholder could attempt to compel a board into purchasing its shares at a large

premium,theanti-greenmailprovisionwouldgenerallyrequirethatamajorityofshareholdersotherthanthe

majority shareholder approve the buyback.

Mutual Funds: Investment Policies and Advisory Agreements

Glass Lewis believes that decisions about a fund's structure and/or a fund's relationship with its investment

advisoror sub-advisorsaregenerallybestlefttomanagementandthemembersoftheboard,absentashowing

of egregious or illegal conduct that might threaten shareholder value. As such, we focus our analyses of such

proposals on the following main areas:

• Thetermsofanyamendedadvisoryorsub-advisory agreement;

• Anychangesinthefeestructurepaidtotheinvestmentadvisor;and

• Anymaterialchangestothefund'sinvestmentobjectiveorstrategy.

Wegenerallysupportamendmentstoa fund'sinvestmentadvisoryagreementabsentamaterialchangethatis

not in the best interests ofshareholders. Asignificant increase in the fees paid to an investment advisor would

be reason for us to consider recommending voting against a proposed amendment to an investment advisory

agreement or fund reorganization. However, in certain cases, we are more inclined to support an increase in

advisory feesifsuch increases result from being performance-based ratherthan asset-based. Furthermore, we

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| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 80 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

generallysupportsub-advisoryagreementsbetweenafund'sadvisorandsub-advisor,primarilybecausethe

fees received by the sub-advisor are paid by the advisor, and not by the fund.

In matters pertaining to a fund's investment objective or strategy, we believe shareholders are best served

when a fund's objective or strategy closely resembles the investment discipline shareholders understood and

selectedwhentheyinitiallyboughtintothefund.Assuch,wegenerallyrecommendvotingagainstamendments

to a fund's investment objective or strategy when the proposed changes would leave shareholders with stakes

in a fund that is noticeably different than when originally purchased, and which could therefore potentially

negativelyimpactsomeinvestors'diversificationstrategies.

RealEstateInvestmentTrusts

The complex organizational, operational, tax and compliance requirements of Real Estate Investment Trusts

(REITs) provide for a unique shareholder evaluation. In simple terms, a REIT must have a minimum of 100

shareholders (the 100 Shareholder Test) and no more than 50% of the value of its shares can be held by five or

fewer individuals (the "5/50 Test"). At least 75% of a REITs' assets must be in real estate, it must derive 75% of

itsgrossincomefromrentsor mortgageinterest,anditmustpayout90%of itstaxableearningsasdividends.In

addition, as a publicly traded security listed on a stock exchange, a REIT must comply with the same general

listing requirements as a publicly traded equity.

In order to comply with such requirements, REITs typically include percentage ownership limitations in their

organizational documents, usually in the range of 5% to 10% of the REITs outstanding shares. Given the

complexitiesofREITsasanasset class,GlassLewisappliesahighlynuancedapproachinourevaluationofREIT

proposals, especially regarding changes in authorized share capital, including preferred stock.

PreferredStockIssuancesatREITs

Glass Lewis is generally against the authorization of "blank-check preferred stock." However, given the

requirement that a REIT must distribute 90% of its net income annually, it is inhibited from retaining capital to

make investments in its business. As such, we recognize that equity financing likely plays a key role in a REIT's

growthandcreationofshareholdervalue.Moreover,shareholderconcernregardingtheuseofpreferredstock

as an anti-takeover mechanism may be allayed by the fact that most REITs maintain ownership limitations in

their certificates of incorporation. For these reasons, along with the fact that REITs typically do not engage in

private placements of preferred stock (which result in the rights of common shareholders being adversely

impacted), we may support requests to authorize shares of blank-check preferred stock at REITs.

BusinessDevelopmentCompanies

theInvestmentCompanyActof1940andaretaxedasregulatedinvestmentcompanies(RICs)undertheInternal

Revenue Code. BDCs typically operate as publicly traded private equity firms that invest in early stage to mature

private companies as well as small public companies. BDCs realize operating income when their investments are

sold off, and therefore maintain complex organizational, operational, tax and compliance requirements that are

---

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 81 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

similartothoseofREITs—themostevidentofwhichisthatBDCsmustdistributeatleast90%oftheirtaxable

earnings as dividends.

AuthorizationtoSellSharesataPriceBelowNetAssetValue

ConsideringthatBDCsarerequiredtodistributenearlyalltheirearningstoshareholders,theysometimesneed

to offer additional shares of common stock in the public markets to finance operations and acquisitions.

However,shareholderapprovalis requiredinorder fora BDCtosellsharesofcommonstockatapricebelow

Net Asset Value (NAV). Glass Lewis evaluates these proposals using a case-by-case approach, but will

recommend supporting such requests if the following conditions are met:

• TheauthorizationtoallowshareissuancesbelowNAVhasanexpirationdateofoneyearorlessfrom

the date that shareholders approve the underlying proposal (i.e., the meeting date);

• TheproposeddiscountbelowNAVis minimal (ideallyno greaterthan20%);

• Theboardspecifiesthattheissuancewillhaveaminimalormodestdilutiveeffect(ideallynogreater

than25%ofthecompany'sthen-outstandingcommonstockpriortotheissuance);and

• Amajorityofthecompany'sindependentdirectorswhodonothaveafinancialinterestintheissuance

approvethe sale.

In short, we believe BDCs should demonstrate a responsible approach to issuing shares below NAV, by

proactivelyaddressingshareholderconcernsregardingthepotentialdilutionoftherequestedshareissuance,

and explaining if and how the company's past below-NAV share issuances have benefitted the company.

AuditorRatificationandBelow-NAVIssuances

When a BDC submits a below-NAV issuance for shareholder approval, we will refrain from recommending

against the audit committee chair for not including auditor ratification on the same ballot. Because of the

uniquewaytheseproposalsinteract,votesmaybetabulatedinamannerthatisnotinshareholders'interests.

Incaseswheretheseproposalsappearonthesameballot,auditorratificationisgenerallytheonly "routine

proposal," the presence of which triggers a scenario where broker non-votes may be counted toward

shareholder quorum, with unintended consequences.

Under the 1940 Act, below-NAV issuance proposals require relatively high shareholder approval. Specifically,

these proposalsmust be approved by the lesser of: (i)67%ofvotes cast ifa majority ofshares are represented

at the meeting; or (ii) a majority of outstanding shares. Meanwhile, any broker non-votes counted toward

quorumwillautomaticallyberegisteredas"against"votesforpurposesofthisproposal. Theunintendedresult

can be a case where the issuance proposal isnot approved, despite sufficient voting shares being cast in favor.

Because broker non-votes result from a lack of voting instruction by the shareholder, we do not believe

shareholders'abilitytoweighinontheselectionofauditoroutweighstheconsequencesof failingtoapprovean

issuance proposal due to such technicality.

---

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 82 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

SpecialPurposeAcquisitionCompanies

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), also known as "blank check companies," are publicly traded

entities with no commercial operations and are formed specifically to pool funds in order to complete a merger

or acquisition within a set time frame. In general, the acquisition target of a SPAC is either not yet identified or

otherwisenotexplicitlydisclosedtothepublicevenwhenthefoundersoftheSPACmayhaveatleastonetarget

in mind. Consequently, IPO investors often do not know what company they will ultimately be investing in.

SPACs are therefore very different from typical operating companies. Shareholders do not have the same

expectationsassociatedwithanordinarypubliclytraded companyandexecutiveofficersofaSPACtypicallydo

not continue in employment roles with an acquired company.

ExtensionofBusinessCombinationDeadline

Governing documents of SPACs typically provide for the return of IPO proceeds to common shareholders if no

qualifying business combination is consummated before a certain date. Because the time frames for the

consummationofsuchtransactionsarerelativelyshort, SPACswillsometimesholdspecialshareholdermeetings

at which shareholders are asked to extend the business combination deadline. In such cases, an acquisition

target will typically have been identified, but additional time is required to allow management of the SPAC to

finalize the terms of the deal.

Glass Lewis believes management and the board are generally in the best position to determine when the

extensionofabusinesscombinationdeadlineisneeded. Wethereforegenerallydefertotherecommendation

of management and support reasonable extension requests.

SPACBoardIndependence

The board of directors of a SPAC's acquisition target is in many cases already established prior to the business

combination. In some cases, however, the board's composition may change in connection with the business

combination,includingthepotentialadditionofindividualswhoservedinmanagementroleswiththeSPAC.The

role of a SPAC executive is unlike that of a typical operating company executive. Because the SPAC's only

business is identifying and executing an acquisition deal, the interests of a former SPAC executive are also

different.GlassLewisdoesnotautomaticallyconsidera formerSPAC executivetobeaffiliatedwiththeacquired

operating entity when their only position on the board of the combined entity is that of an otherwise

independent director. Absent any evidence of an employment relationship or continuing material financial

interest in the combined entity, we will therefore consider such directors to be independent.

DirectorCommitmentsofSPACExecutives

WebelievetheprimaryroleofexecutiveofficersatSPACsisidentifyingacquisitiontargetsfortheSPACand

consummating a business combination. Given the nature of these executive roles and the limited business

operationsofSPACs, whenadirectors' only executive role isat aSPAC, we will generally apply ourhigherlimit

forcompanydirectorships. Asaresult, wegenerallyrecommendthatshareholdersvoteagainstadirectorwho

serves in an executive role only at a SPAC while serving on more than five public company boards.

---

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 83 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

ShareholderProposals

GlassLewisbelievesthat shareholdersshould seektopromotegovernancestructuresthat protect shareholders,

support effective ESG oversight and reporting, and encourage director accountability. Accordingly, Glass Lewis

places a significant emphasis on promoting transparency, robust governance structures and companies'

responsivenesstoandengagementwithshareholders. Wealsobelievethatcompaniesshouldbetransparenton

how they are mitigating material ESG risks, including those related to climate change, human capital

management, and stakeholder relations.

Tothatend,weevaluateallshareholderproposals onacase-by-casebasiswithaviewtoprotecting long-term

shareholdervalue.Whilewearegenerallysupportiveofthosethatpromoteboardaccountability,shareholder

rights, and transparency, we consider all proposals in the context of a company's unique operations and risk

profile.

For a detailed review of our policies concerning compensation, environmental, social, and governance

shareholderproposals,pleaserefertoourcomprehensive *ProxyPaperGuidelinesforShareholderProposals&* 

*ESG-Related Issues*, available at <u>www.glasslewis.com/voting-policies-current/</u>.

---

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 84 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

OverallApproachtoEnvironmental, Social &

Governance Issues

GlassLewisevaluates all environmental and social issues through the lensoflong-term shareholdervalue. We

believe that companies should be considering material environmental and social factors in all aspects of their

operations and that companies should provide shareholders with disclosures that allow them to understand

how these factors are being considered and how attendant risks are being mitigated. We also are of the view

thatgovernanceisacriticalfactorinhowcompaniesmanageenvironmentaland socialrisksandopportunities

and that a well-governed company will be generally managing these issues better than one without a

governance structure that promotes board independence and accountability.

Webelievepartoftheboard's roleistoensurethatmanagementconductsacompleteriskanalysisofcompany

operations, including those that have material environmental andsocial implications. We believe that directors

should monitormanagement'sperformance inboth capitalizing on environmental and social opportunitiesand

mitigating environmental and social risks related to operations in order to best serve the interests of

shareholders. Companies face significant financial, legal and reputational risks resulting from poor

environmental and social practices, or negligent oversight thereof. Therefore, in cases where the board or

management has neglected to take action on a pressing issue that could negatively impact shareholder value,

we believe that shareholders should take necessary action in order to effect changes that will safeguard their

financial interests.

Given the importance of the role of the board in executing a sustainable business strategy that allows for the

realization of environmental and social opportunities and the mitigation of related risks, relating to

environmental risks and opportunities, we believe shareholders should seek to promote governance structures

that protect shareholders and promote director accountability. When management and the board have

displayeddisregard forenvironmentalorsocialrisks,haveengagedinegregiousorillegal conduct,orhavefailed

to adequately respond to current or imminent environmental and social risks that threaten shareholder value,

we believe shareholders should consider holding directors accountable. In such instances, we will generally

recommend against responsible members of the board that are specifically charged with oversight of the issue

in question.

Whenevaluatingenvironmentalandsocial factorsthatmayberelevanttoagivencompany,GlassLewisdoesso

in the context of the financial materiality of the issue to the company's operations. We believe that all

companies face risks associated with environmental and social issues. However, we recognize that these risks

manifest themselves differently at each company as a result of a company's operations, workforce, structure,

and geography, among other factors. Accordingly, we place a significant emphasis on the financial implications

of a company's actions with regard to impacts on its stakeholders and the environment.

Whenevaluatingenvironmentalandsocialissues,GlassLewisexaminescompanies':

**Directenvironmentalandsocialrisk** —Companiesshouldevaluatefinancialexposuretodirectenvironmental

risksassociatedwiththeiroperations.Examplesofdirect environmentalrisks include those associatedwithoil

or gas spills, contamination, hazardous leakages, explosions, or reduced water or air quality, among others.

Socialrisksmayincludenon-inclusiveemploymentpolicies,inadequatehumanrightspolicies,orissuesthat

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 85 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

adverselyaffectthecompany'sstakeholders. Further, webelievethatfirmsshouldconsidertheirexposureto

risks emanating from a broad range of issues, over which they may have no or only limited control, such as

insurancecompaniesbeingaffectedbyincreasedstormseverityandfrequencyresultingfromclimatechange

**Risk due to legislation and regulation** — Companies should evaluate their exposure to changes or potential

changesinregulationthataffectcurrentandplannedoperations.Regulationshould becarefullymonitoredinall

jurisdictions in which the company operates. We look closely at relevant and proposed legislation and evaluate

whether the company has responded proactively.

**Legal and reputationalrisk** — Failure to take action on important environmental or social issues may carry the

risk of inciting negative publicity and potentially costly litigation. While the effect of high-profile campaigns on

shareholdervalue may not be directly measurable, we believe it isprudent forcompaniesto carefully evaluate

the potential impacts of the public perception of their impacts on stakeholders and the environment. When

considering investigations and lawsuits, Glass Lewis is mindful that such matters may involve unadjudicated

allegations or other charges that have not been resolved. Glass Lewis does not assume the truth of such

allegationsorchargesorthatthelawhasbeenviolated.Instead,GlassLewisfocusesmorebroadlyonwhether,

under the particular facts and circumstances presented, the nature and number of such concerns, lawsuits or

investigations reflects on the risk profile of the company or suggests that appropriate risk mitigation measures

may be warranted.

**Governance risk** — Inadequate oversight of environmental and social issues carries significant risks to

companies. When leadership is ineffective or fails to thoroughly consider potential risks, such risks are likely

unmitigatedandcouldthuspresentsubstantialrisksto thecompany,ultimatelyleadingtolossofshareholder

value.

Glass Lewis believes that one of the most crucial factors in analyzing the risks presented to companies in the

form of environmental and social issues is the level and quality of oversight over such issues. When

management and the board have displayed disregard for environmental risks, have engaged in egregious or

illegal conduct, or have failed to adequately respond to current or imminent environmental risks that threaten

shareholder value, we believe shareholders should consider holding directors accountable. When companies

have not provided for explicit, board-level oversight of environmental and social matters and/or when a

substantialenvironmentalorsocialriskhasbeenignored orinadequatelyaddressed,wemayrecommendvoting

against membersofthe board. In addition, oralternatively, depending on the proposalspresented, we may also

consider recommending voting in favor of relevant shareholder proposals or against other relevant

management-proposed items, such as the ratification of auditor, a company's accounts and reports, or

ratification of management and board acts.

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 86 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

ConnectwithGlassLewis

CorporateWebsite\|<u>www.glasslewis.com</u>

Email\|<u>info@glasslewis.com</u>

Social\|<u>@glasslewis</u><u>Glass, Lewis & Co.</u>

![Image_28_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g6.jpg)

![Image_29_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g7.jpg)

GlobalLocations

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **North** <br>**America**<br>**Asia Pacific**<br>| **UnitedStates**<br>*Headquarters*<br>100PineStreet,Suite1925 <br>San Francisco, CA 94111<br>+14156784110<br>NewYork, NY<br>+16466062345<br>2323GrandBoulevard<br>Suite1125<br>KansasCity,MO64108<br>+18169454525<br>**Australia**<br>*CGIGlass Lewis*<br>Suite5.03,Level5<br>255GeorgeStreet<br>SydneyNSW2000<br>+61292999266<br>**Japan**<br>ShinjukuMitsuiBuilding <br>11th floor<br>2-1-1,Nishi-Shinjuku,Shinjuku-ku,<br>Tokyo163-0411,Japan<br>| **Europe** | **Ireland**<br>15 Henry Street <br>LimerickV94V9T4<br>+35361 534 343<br>**UnitedKingdom**<br>80Coleman Street<br>Suite 4.02 <br>LondonEC2R5BJ<br>+442076538800<br>**France**<br>*Proxinvest*<br>6Rued'Uzès<br>75002Paris<br>+33()145515043<br>**Germany**<br>*IVOXGlassLewis* <br>Kaiserallee 23a <br>76133 Karlsruhe<br>+497213549622<br>|

---

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|:---|:---|
| 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines — United States | 87 |

---

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

DISCLAIMER©2024Glass,Lewis&Co.,and/oritsaffiliates.AllRightsReserved.

ThisdocumentisintendedtoprovideanoverviewofGlassLewis'proxyvotingguidelines.Itisnotintendedto

beexhaustiveanddoesnotaddressallpotentialvotingissues.GlassLewis'proxyvotingguidelines,astheyapply

to certain issues or types of proposals, are further explained in supplemental guidelines and reports that are

made available on Glass Lewis' website – <u>http://www.glasslewis.com</u>. These guidelines have not been set or

approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory body. Additionally, none of

the information contained herein is or should be relied upon as investment advice. The content of this

documenthasbeendevelopedbasedonGlassLewis'experiencewithproxyvotingandcorporategovernance

issues, engagement with clients and issuers, and review of relevant studies and surveys, and has not been

tailored to any specific person or entity.

Glass Lewis' proxy voting guidelines are grounded in corporate governance best practices, which often exceed

minimumlegalrequirements.Accordingly,unlessspecificallynotedotherwise,afailuretomeettheseguidelines

should not be understood to mean that the company or individual involved has failed to meet applicable legal

requirements.

No representations or warranties express or implied, are made as to the accuracy or completeness of any

informationincludedherein.Inaddition,GlassLewisshallnotbeliableforanylossesordamagesarisingfrom or

in connection with the information contained herein or the use, reliance on, or inability to use any such

information. GlassLewisexpectsitssubscriberspossesssufficient experience and knowledge to make theirown

decisions entirely independent of any information contained in this document and subscribers are ultimately

andsolelyresponsibleformakingtheirowndecisions,including,but not limitedto,ensuring that suchdecisions

comply with all agreements, codes, duties, laws, ordinances, regulations, and other obligations applicable to

such subscriber.

All information contained in this report is protected by law, including, but not limited to,copyright law, and

noneofsuchinformation maybecopiedorotherwisereproduced,repackaged,furthertransmitted,transferred,

disseminated, redistributed or resold, or stored for subsequent use for any such purpose, in whole or in part, in

any form or manner, or by any means whatsoever, by any person without Glass Lewis' prior written consent.

![gl background.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g3.jpg)

International

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![glasslewislogo.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g4.jpg) | GLASS LEWIS |

---

2025 Benchmark Policy Guidelines

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An Overview of Glass Lewis' Approach to Proxy Advice

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;www.glasslewis.com

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>2</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

**Table of Contents**

<u>[Introduction](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[8](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Summary of Changes for 2025](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[8](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Oversight of Artificial Intelligence](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[8](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Appointment of Auditor for Sustainability Reporting](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[8](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Responsiveness to Shareholder Proposals](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[8](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Clarifying Amendments](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[9](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>Committee Performance</u>10

<u>[Overall Approach to Executive Compensation](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[10](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Election of Directors](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[10](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Election of Directors](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[12](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board and Committee Composition and Performance](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[12](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Composition](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[12](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Committee Composition](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[13](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Diversity](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[14](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Tenure and Refreshment](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[14](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Separation of the Roles of Chair and CEO](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[14](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Responsiveness](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[15](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Election Procedures](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[15](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Slate Elections](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[15](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Classified Boards](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[16](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Oversight of Material Issues](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[16](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Review of Risk Management Controls](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[16](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Oversight of Environmental and Social Issues](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[17](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Accountability for Climate-Related Issues](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[18](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Board Oversight of Technology](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[18](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>3</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

<u>[Financial Reporting](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[21](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Accounts and Reports](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[21](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Income Allocation (Distribution of Dividends)](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[21](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Appointment of Auditors and Authority to Set Fees](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[21](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Compensation](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[22](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Compensation Report/Compensation Policy](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[22](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Long-Term Incentive Plans](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[23](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Performance-Based Equity Compensation](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[23](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Director Compensation](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[24](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Retirement Benefits for Directors](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[24](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Governance Structure](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[24](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Amendments to the Articles of Association](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[25](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Virtual Meetings](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[25](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Anti-Takeover Measures](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[26](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Multi-Class Share Structures](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[26](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Poison Pills (Shareholder Rights Plans)](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[26](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Supermajority Vote Requirements](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[26](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Increase in Authorized Shares](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[27](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Issuance of Shares](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[27](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Repurchase of Shares](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[27](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Shareholder Proposals](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[28](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Overall Approach to Environmental, Social & Governance](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[29](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

<u>[Connect with Glass Lewis](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)</u>[31](#i7645f6b78a3e4034b97ab7d6315bdce2_1)

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>4</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

About Glass Lewis

Glass Lewis is the world's choice for governance solutions. We enable institutional investors and publicly

listed companies to make informed decisions based on research and data. We cover 30,000+ meetings each year,

across approximately 100 global markets. Our team has been providing in-depth analysis of companies since

2003, relying solely on publicly available information to inform its policies, research, and voting

recommendations.

Our customers include the majority of the world's largest pension plans, mutual funds, and asset

managers, collectively managing over $40 trillion in assets. We have teams located across the United States,

Europe, and Asia-Pacific giving us global reach with a local perspective on the important governance issues.

Investors around the world depend on Glass Lewis' **<u>Viewpoint</u>** platform to manage their proxy voting, policy

implementation, recordkeeping, and reporting. Our industry leading **<u>Proxy Paper</u>** product provides

comprehensive environmental, social, and governance research and voting recommendations weeks ahead of

voting deadlines. Public companies can also use our innovative **<u>Report Feedback Statement</u>** to deliver their

opinion on our proxy research directly to the voting decision makers at every investor client in time for voting

decisions to be made or changed.

The research team engages extensively with public companies, investors, regulators, and other industry

stakeholders to gain relevant context into the realities surrounding companies, sectors, and the market in

general. This enables us to provide the most comprehensive and pragmatic insights to our customers.

Join the Conversation

Glass Lewis is committed to ongoing engagement with all market participants.

<u>info@glasslewis.com</u>\| <u>www.glasslewis.com</u>

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>5</sub>

![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

Introduction

These guidelines provide a general overview of Glass Lewis' Benchmark Policy approach to proxy advice globally.

Glass Lewis publishes separate, detailed guidelines for all major global markets, which are publicly available on

the Glass Lewis website. Glass Lewis' regional Benchmark Policy guidelines are largely based on the regulations,

listing rules, codes of best practice and other relevant standards set in each country. While these guidelines

provide a high-level overview of our general policy approach, implementation varies in accordance with relevant

requirements or best practices in each market. For detailed information on the implementation of the policy

approach described below, refer to the Glass Lewis Benchmark Policy guidelines for the relevant country.

Summary of Changes for 2025

Board Oversight of Artificial Intelligence

In a new section of these guidelines, we have outlined our belief that boards should be cognizant of, and take

steps to mitigate exposure to, any material risks that could arise from their use or development of AI. Companies

that use or develop AI technologies should adopt strong internal frameworks that include ethical considerations

and ensure effective oversight of AI. Clear disclosure on how boards are overseeing AI and expanding their

collective expertise and understanding in this area is likely to be of value to shareholders.

In instances where there is evidence that insufficient oversight and/or management of AI technologies has

resulted in material harm to shareholders, we may recommend that shareholders vote against the re-election of

accountable directors, or other matters up for a shareholder vote, as appropriate, should we find the board's

oversight, response or disclosure concerning AI-related issues to be insufficient.

Please refer to the "Board Oversight of Artificial Intelligence" section of these guidelines for further information.

Appointment of Auditor for Sustainability Reporting

We have introduced wording to outline that when a company provides a shareholder vote on the appointment

of an auditor for sustainability reporting, the Benchmark Policy will generally recommend that shareholders

support the company's proposed choice, subject to our general policies on the company providing sufficient

information on the identity of and fees paid to the auditor, as well as to the independence and performance of

the auditor.

Please refer to the "Appointment of Auditors and Authority to Set Fees" section of these guidelines for further

information.

Board Responsiveness to Shareholder Proposals

We have expanded our commentary on board responsiveness to outline that when shareholder proposals

receive significant shareholder support (generally more than 30% of votes cast), the Benchmark Policy generally

takes the view that boards should engage with shareholders on the issue and provide disclosure addressing

shareholder concerns and outreach initiatives.

Please refer to the "Board Responsiveness" section of these guidelines for further information.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>6</sub>

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Clarifying Amendments

The following clarifications of our existing policies are included this year:

Director Accountability

We have clarified that the Benchmark Policy may recommend a vote against the chair, or all members, or key

board committees when there are material performance concerns with the committee in question. Further, we

have clarified that the Benchmark Policy may recommend a vote against a director in a board leadership position

(e.g. board chair or vice chair, lead independent director, committee chair) when we conclude that this director

holds primary accountability on the board for a certain issue.

Please refer to the "Board Composition" and "Committee Composition" sections of these guidelines for further

information.

Overall Approach to Executive Compensation

We have expanded the discussion of Glass Lewis' overall nuanced approach to reviewing executive

compensation proposals. In particular, we have highlighted that we conduct a holistic review of all relevant

factors and take a case-by-case approach to our analysis of pay programs, with a negative recommendation

being based on an individual factor only in particularly egregious cases.

Please refer to the "Compensation Report/Compensation Policy" section of these guidelines for further

information.

Election of Directors

We have restructured this section of the guidelines to group policy areas under the headings "Board and

Committee Composition and Performance", "Election Procedures", and "Board Oversight of Material Issues".

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>7</sub>

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Election of Directors

Board and Committee Composition and Performance

Boards are put in place to represent shareholders and protect their interests. Glass Lewis seeks boards with a

proven record of protecting shareholders and delivering value over the medium- and long-term. In our view,

boards working to protect and enhance the best interests of shareholders should include some independent

directors (the percentage will vary by local market practice and regulations), boast a record of positive

performance, have directors with diverse backgrounds, and appoint directors with a breadth and depth of

experience.

Board Composition

We look at each individual on the board and examine their relationships with the company, the company's

executives, and with other board members. The purpose of this inquiry is to determine whether pre-existing

personal, familial, or financial relationships are likely to impact the decisions of that board member.

Where the company does not disclose the names or backgrounds of director nominees with sufficient time in

advance of the shareholder meeting to evaluate their independence, performance or skills the Benchmark Policy

will generally recommend voting against or abstaining from voting on the election.

We recommend voting in favor of governance structures that will drive positive performance and enhance

shareholder value. The most crucial test of a board's commitment to the company and to its shareholders is the

performance of the board and its members. The performance of directors in their capacity as board members

and as executives of the company, when applicable, and in their roles at other companies where they serve is

critical to this evaluation. We generally believe that a board will be most effective in protecting shareholders'

interests when a majority of shareholder representatives on the board are independent, although we set higher

and lower thresholds in some markets on the basis of local best practice recommendations and prevailing

market practice. We typically accept the presence of representatives of a company's major shareholder(s) on the

board in line with their stake in a company's issued share capital or voting rights, so long as there is a sufficient

number of independent directors to represent free-float shareholders and allow for the formation of sufficiently

independent board committees.

We believe a director can be considered independent if they have no material financial, familial, or other current

relationships with the company, its executives or other board members except for service on the board and

standard fees paid for that service. Relationships that have existed within the three to five years, dependent on

the nature of the relationship, prior to the inquiry are usually considered to be "current" for purposes of this

test.

We consider a director to be affiliated if they have a material financial, familial or other relationship with the

company or its executives, but are not an employee of the company. This includes directors whose employers

have a material financial relationship with the company. This also includes a director who owns or controls,

directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the company's voting stock (except where local regulations or best practice

set a different threshold).

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>8</sub>

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We define an inside director as one who simultaneously serves as a director and as an employee of the

company. This category may include a board chair who acts as an employee of the company or is paid as an

employee of the company.

Although we typically recommend that shareholders support the election of independent directors, we will

recommend voting against directors for the following reasons:

• A director who attends less than 75% of the board and applicable committee meetings.

• A director who is also the CEO of a company where a serious restatement has occurred after the CEO

certified the pre-restatement financial statements.

• An affiliated director where the board is not sufficiently independent in accordance with market best

practice standards.

• There are substantial concerns regarding the performance and/or skills and experience of a director.

• The director can be considered to hold primary accountability for an issue due to their leadership

position on the board<sup>1</sup>.

We also feel that the following conflicts of interest may hinder a director's performance and will therefore

recommend voting against a:

• Director who sits on an excessive number of boards.

• Director who, or a director whose immediate family member, currently provides material professional

services to the company.

• Director who, or a director whose immediate family member, engages in airplane, real estate or other

similar deals, including perquisite type grants from the company.

• Director with an interlocking directorship.

Committee Composition

We believe that independent directors should serve on a company's audit, compensation, nominating and

governance committees. We will support boards with such a structure and encourage change where this is not

the case. We generally recommend that shareholders oppose the presence of executive directors on the audit

and compensation committee given the risks for conflicts of interest. We generally believe that the majority of

shareholder representatives on key board committees should be independent, although we set higher and lower

thresholds in some markets on the basis of local best practice recommendations and prevailing market practice.

The Benchmark Policy may recommend that shareholders vote against the chair, or all members, of key

committees when there are material performance concerns<sup>2</sup>.

<sup>1</sup>In some cases, the Benchmark Policy will consider directors in leadership positions on the board to hold primary

accountability for an issue and recommend against their re-election to the board. Depending on this issue, this could apply

to the chair or vice chair of the board, the lead independent director (if applicable), or the chair of key board committees.

<sup>2</sup>For instance, the Benchmark Policy will generally recommend a vote against the audit committee chair for ongoing

excessive non-audit fees or when a company fails to disclose audit fees, and may recommend a vote against all members of

the compensation committee for ongoing egregious compensation policies and practices. Please refer to local market

guidelines for further information on how committee members are held accountable for poor committee performance in

each market.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>9</sub>

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Board Diversity

Glass Lewis values the importance of board diversity, believing there are a number of benefits from having

individuals with a variety of backgrounds serving on boards. We consider the diversity of gender, backgrounds,

skills and experience of directors when evaluating board diversity. If a board has failed to address material

concerns regarding the mix of skills and experience of the non-executive directors or when it fails to meet legal

requirements or the best practice standard prevalent in the market for gender quotas and has not disclosed any

cogent explanation or plan regarding its approach to board diversity, we will consider recommending voting

against the chair of the nominating committee. We expect boards of main market companies listed in most

major global markets (e.g. Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, United Kingdom and United States), to comprise at

least one gender diverse director (women, or directors that identify with a gender other than male or female).

For European and North American companies listed on a blue-chip or mid-cap index (e.g. Russell 3000, TSX, FTSE

350, etc.), we expect at least 30% of the board to be composed of gender diverse directors. We apply a higher

standard where best practice recommendations or listing regulations set a higher target.

We also monitor company disclosure on diversity of ethnicity and other underrepresented communities at board

level. We expect large companies in markets with legal requirements or best practice recommendations in this

area (e.g. United States; United Kingdom) to provide clear disclosure on the board's performance or transition

plans.

Board Tenure and Refreshment

Glass Lewis strongly supports routine director evaluation, including independent external reviews, and periodic

board refreshment to foster the sharing of diverse perspectives in the boardroom and the generation of new

ideas and business strategies. In our view, a director's experience can be a valuable asset to shareholders

because of the complex, critical issues that boards face. This said, we recognize a lack of refreshment can

contribute to a lack of board responsiveness to poor company performance. We may consider recommending

voting against directors with a lengthy tenure (e.g. over 12 years) when we identify significant performance or

governance concerns indicating that a fresh perspective would be beneficial and we find no evidence of board

refreshment.

Where a board has established an age or term limit, we believe these should generally be applied equally for all

members of the board. If a board waives its age/term limits, the Benchmark Policy will consider recommending

shareholders vote against the chair of the nominating committee or equivalent, unless compelling rationale is

provided for why the board is proposing to waive this rule through an election/re-election.

Separation of the Roles of Chair and CEO

Glass Lewis believes that separating the roles of corporate officers and the chair of the board is a better

governance structure than a combined executive/chair position. The role of executives is to manage the

business on the basis of the course charted by the board. Executives should be in the position of reporting and

answering to the board for their performance in achieving the goals set out by such board. This becomes much

more complicated when management actually sits on, or chairs, the board.

We view an independent chair as better able to oversee the executives of the company and set a pro-

shareholder agenda without the management conflicts that a CEO and other executive insiders often face. This,

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>10</sub>

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in turn, leads to a more proactive and effective board of directors that is looking out for the interests of

shareholders above all else.

In the absence of an independent chair, we support the appointment of a presiding or lead director with

authority to set the agenda for the meetings and to lead sessions outside the presence of the insider chair.

We may recommend voting against the chair of the nominating committee when the chair and CEO roles are

combined and the board has not appointed an independent presiding or lead director.

Board Responsiveness

Glass Lewis believes that any time 20% or more of shareholders vote contrary to the recommendation of

management, the board should, depending on the issue, demonstrate some level of responsiveness to address

the concerns of shareholders, particularly in the case of a compensation or director election proposal. While the

20% threshold alone will not automatically generate a negative vote recommendation from Glass Lewis on a

future proposal (e.g., to recommend against a director nominee, against a remuneration proposal, etc.), it will

be a contributing factor to recommend a vote against management's recommendation in the event we

determine that the board did not respond appropriately. Additionally, when shareholder proposals receive

significant support (generally more than 30% of votes cast), we believe that boards should engage with

shareholders on the issue and provide disclosure addressing shareholder concerns and outreach initiatives.

In the case of companies with a controlling shareholder and/or with a multi-class share structure, we will

carefully examine the level of disapproval attributable to minority shareholders. As a general framework, our

evaluation of board responsiveness involves a review of the publicly available disclosures released following the

date of the company's last annual meeting up through the publication date of our most current Proxy Paper.

Election Procedures

Slate Elections

In some countries, companies elect their board members as a slate, whereby shareholders are unable to vote on

the election of each individual director, but rather are limited to voting for or against the board as a whole. In

countries where slate elections are common market practice, we will not recommend that shareholders oppose

an election on the basis of this election method alone.

We will generally recommend that shareholders support a director slate, unless we have identified

independence or performance concerns. When the proposed slate raises concerns regarding board or

committee independence, we will generally recommend that shareholders vote against the slate. In egregious

cases where we have identified concerns regarding the performance and/or experience of the board, its

committees, and/or individual directors, we will similarly recommend that shareholders vote against the director

slate.

Classified Boards

The Benchmark Policy favors the repeal of staggered boards in favor of the annual election of directors. We

believe that staggered boards are less accountable to shareholders than annually elected boards. Furthermore,

we feel that the annual election of directors encourages board members to focus on protecting the interests of

shareholders.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>11</sub>

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Board Oversight of Material Issues

Board Oversight of Risk Management Controls

We believe companies, particularly financial firms, should have a dedicated risk committee, or a committee of

the board charged with risk oversight, as well as a chief risk officer who reports directly to that committee, not

to the CEO or another executive. In cases where a company has disclosed a sizable loss or write-down, and

where a reasonable analysis indicates that the company's board-level risk committee should be held

accountable for poor oversight, we would recommend that shareholders vote against such committee members

on that basis. In addition, in cases where a company maintains a significant level of financial risk exposure but

fails to disclose any explicit form of board-level risk oversight (committee or otherwise), we will consider

recommending to vote against the board chair on that basis.

Board Oversight of Environmental and Social Issues

Glass Lewis recognizes the importance of ensuring the sustainability of companies' operations. We believe that

insufficient oversight of material environmental and social issues can present direct legal, financial, regulatory

and reputational risks that could serve to harm shareholder interests. Therefore, we believe that these issues

should be carefully monitored and managed by companies, and that companies should have an appropriate

oversight structure in place to ensure that they are mitigating attendant risks and capitalizing on related

opportunities to the best extent possible. The Benchmark Policy will generally recommend that shareholders

vote against the chair of the governance committee (or equivalent) of companies listed on a major blue-chip

index in key global markets that do not provide clear disclosure concerning the board-level oversight afforded to

material environmental and/or social issues. In general, we believe that shareholders are best served when this

responsibility is formally designated and codified in the appropriate committee charters or other governing

documents.

Board Accountability for Climate-Related Issues

Given the exceptionally broad impacts of a changing climate on companies, the economy, and society in general,

we view climate risk as a material risk for all companies. We therefore believe that boards should be considering

and evaluating their operational resilience under lower-carbon scenarios. While all companies maintain

exposure to climate-related risks, we believe that additional consideration should be given to, and that

disclosure should be provided by, those companies whose GHG emissions represent a financially material risk.

We believe that companies with this increased risk exposure should provide clear and comprehensive disclosure

regarding these risks, including how they are being mitigated and overseen. We believe such information is

crucial to allow investors to understand the company's management of this issue, as well as the impact of a

lower carbon future on the company's operations.

In line with this view, Glass Lewis will carefully examine the climate-related disclosures provided by large-cap

companies in developed capital markets<sup>3</sup> with material exposure to climate risk stemming from their own

<sup>3</sup>E.g., S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, etc.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>12</sub>

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operations<sup>4</sup> as well as companies where we believe emissions or climate impacts, or stakeholder scrutiny

thereof, represent an outsized, financially material risk in order to assess whether they have produced disclosure

that is aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Disclosures (TCFD) or IFRS S2

Climate-related Disclosures. We will also assess whether these companies have disclosed explicit and clearly

defined board-level oversight responsibilities for climate-related issues.

In instances where we find either (or both) of these disclosures to be absent or significantly lacking, we may

recommend voting against the chair of the committee (or board) charged with oversight of climate-related

issues, or if no committee has been charged with such oversight, the chair of the governance committee.

Further, we may extend our recommendation on this basis to additional members of the responsible committee

in cases where the committee chair is not standing for election due to a classified board, or based on other

factors, including the company's size and industry and its overall governance profile. In instances where

appropriate directors are not standing for election, we may instead recommend shareholders vote against other

matters that are up for a vote, such as the ratification of board acts, or the accounts and reports proposal.

Board Oversight of Technology

Cyber Risk Oversight

Companies and consumers are exposed to a growing risk of cyber-attacks. These attacks can result in customer

or employee data breaches, harm to a company's reputation, significant fines or penalties, and interruption to a

company's operations. Further, in some instances, cyber breaches can result in national security concerns, such

as those impacting companies operating as utilities, defense contractors, and energy companies.

In response to these issues, regulators have increasingly been focused on ensuring companies are providing

appropriate and timely disclosures and protections to stakeholders that could have been adversely impacted by

a breach in a company's cyber infrastructure.

Given the regulatory focus on, and the potential adverse outcomes from, cyber-related issues, it is our view that

cyber risk is material for all companies. We therefore believe that it is critical that companies evaluate and

mitigate these risks to the greatest extent possible. With that view, we encourage all issuers to provide clear

disclosure concerning the role of the board in overseeing issues related to cybersecurity, including how

companies are ensuring directors are fully versed on this rapidly evolving and dynamic issue. We believe such

disclosure can help shareholders understand the seriousness with which companies take this issue.

In the absence of material cyber incidents, we will generally not make voting recommendations on the basis of a

company's oversight or disclosure concerning cyber-related issues. However, in instances where cyber-attacks

have caused significant harm to shareholders, we will closely evaluate the board's oversight of cybersecurity as

well as the company's response and disclosures.

Moreover, in instances where a company has been materially impacted by a cyber-attack, we believe

shareholders can reasonably expect periodic updates communicating the company's ongoing progress towards

<sup>4</sup>This policy will generally apply to companies in the following SASB-defined industries: agricultural products, air freight &

logistics, airlines, chemicals, construction materials, containers & packaging, cruise lines, electric utilities & power

generators, food retailers & distributors, health care distributors, iron & steel producers, marine transportation, meat,

poultry & dairy, metals & mining, non-alcoholic beverages, oil & gas, pulp & paper products, rail transportation, road

transportation, semiconductors, waste management.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>13</sub>

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resolving and remediating the impact of the cyber-attack. We generally believe that shareholders are best

served when such updates include (but are not necessarily limited to) details such as when the company has

fully restored its information systems, when the company has returned to normal operations, what resources

the company is providing for affected stakeholders, and any other potentially relevant information, until the

company considers the impact of the cyber-attack to be fully remediated. These disclosures should focus on the

company's response to address the impacts to affected stakeholders and should not reveal specific and/or

technical details that could impede the company's response or remediation of the incident or that could assist

threat actors.

In such instances, we may recommend against appropriate directors should we find the board's oversight,

response or disclosure concerning cybersecurity-related issues to be insufficient, or not provided to

shareholders.

Board Oversight of Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, companies have rapidly begun to develop and adopt uses for artificial intelligence (AI)

technologies throughout various aspects of their operations. Deployed and overseen effectively, AI technologies

have the potential to make companies' operations and systems more efficient and productive. However, as the

use of these technologies has grown, so have the potential risks associated with companies' development and

use of AI. Given these potential risks, we believe that boards should be cognizant of, and take steps to mitigate

exposure to, any material risks that could arise from their use or development of AI.

Companies that use or develop AI technologies should consider adopting strong internal frameworks that

include ethical considerations and ensure they have provided a sufficient level of oversight of AI. As such, boards

may seek to ensure effective oversight and address skills gaps by engaging in continued board education and/or

appointing directors with AI expertise. With that view, we believe that all companies that develop or employ the

use of AI in their operations should provide clear disclosure concerning the role of the board in overseeing issues

related to AI, including how companies are ensuring directors are fully versed on this rapidly evolving and

dynamic issue. We believe such disclosure can help shareholders understand the seriousness with which

companies take this issue.

While we believe that it is important that these issues are overseen at the board level and that shareholders are

afforded meaningful disclosure of these oversight responsibilities, we believe that companies should determine

the best structure for this oversight. In our view, this oversight can be effectively conducted by specific directors,

the entire board, a separate committee, or combined with the responsibilities of a key committee.

In the absence of material incidents related to a company's use or management of AI-related issues, we will

generally not make voting recommendations on the basis of a company's oversight of, or disclosure concerning,

AI-related issues. However, in instances where there is evidence that insufficient oversight and/or management

of AI technologies has resulted in material harm to shareholders, Glass Lewis will review a company's overall

governance practices and identify which directors or board-level committees have been charged with oversight

of AI-related risks. We will also closely evaluate the board's response to, and management of, this issue as well

as any associated disclosures and may recommend voting against the re-election of accountable directors, or

other matters up for a shareholder vote, as appropriate, should we find the board's oversight, response or

disclosure concerning AI-related issues to be insufficient.

2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines<sub>14</sub>

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Financial Reporting

Accounts and Reports

Many countries require companies to submit the annual financial statements, director reports, and independent

auditors' reports to shareholders at a general meeting. The Benchmark Policy will usually recommend voting in

favor of these proposals except when there are concerns about the integrity of the statements/reports.

However, should the audited financial statements, auditor's report and/or annual report not be published at the

writing of our report, the Benchmark Policy will recommend that shareholders abstain from voting on this

proposal.

Income Allocation (Distribution of Dividends)

In many countries, companies must submit the allocation of income for shareholder approval. The Benchmark

Policy will generally recommend voting for such a proposal. However, we will give particular scrutiny to cases

where the company's dividend payout ratio is exceptionally low or excessively high relative to its peers, or the

proposed distribution represents a substantial departure from a company's disclosed dividend policy, and the

company has not provided a satisfactory explanation.

Appointment of Auditors and Authority to Set Fees

We believe that role of the auditor is crucial in protecting shareholder value. Like directors, auditors should be

free from conflicts of interest and should assiduously avoid situations that require them to make choices

between their own interests and the interests of the shareholders. The Benchmark Policy generally supports

management's recommendation regarding the selection of an auditor and supports granting the board the

authority to fix auditor fees except in cases where we conclude that the independence of an incumbent auditor

or the integrity of the audit has been compromised. However, the Benchmark Policy generally recommends

voting against ratification of the auditor and/or authorizing the board to set auditor fees for the following

reasons:

• When audit fees added to audit-related fees total less than one-half of total fees.

• When there have been any recent restatements or late filings by the company where the auditor bears

some responsibility for the restatement or late filing (e.g., a restatement due to a reporting error).

• When the company has aggressive accounting policies.

• When the company has poor disclosure or lack of transparency in financial statements.

• When there are other relationships or issues of concern with the auditor that might suggest a conflict

between the interest of the auditor and the interests of shareholders.

• When the company is changing auditors as a result of a disagreement between the company and the

auditor on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing

scope or procedures.

• Where the auditor's tenure is lengthy (e.g. over 10 years) and when we identify any ongoing litigation or

significant controversies which call into question an auditor's effectiveness.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 15 |

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When a company is seeking to appoint an auditor for sustainability reporting, the Benchmark Policy will

generally recommend that shareholders support a company's choice, subject to the company providing

sufficient information on the identity of and fees paid to the auditor, as well as to the independence and

performance of the auditor, as outlined above.

Compensation

Compensation Report/Compensation Policy

We closely review companies' remuneration practices and disclosure as outlined in company filings to evaluate

management-submitted compensation report and policy vote proposals. In evaluating these proposals, which

can be binding or non-binding depending on the country, we examine how well the company has disclosed

information pertinent to its compensation programs, the extent to which overall compensation is tied to

performance, the performance metrics selected by the company, and the levels of remuneration in comparison

to company performance and that of its peers.

Given the complexity of most companies' remuneration programs, Glass Lewis applies a highly nuanced

approach when analyzing executive compensation; we review all factors, including structural features, the

presence of effective best practices, disclosure quality, and trajectory-related factors. Further, we review

executive compensation on both a qualitative and quantitative basis, recognizing that each company must be

examined in the context of its industry, size, financial condition, its historic pay-for-performance practices,

ownership structure, and any other relevant internal or external factors. We also review any significant changes

or modifications, and associated rationale, made to a company's compensation structure or award levels,

including base salaries, on a case-by-case basis.

Except for particularly egregious pay decisions and practices, no one factor would ordinarily lead to an

unfavorable recommendation under the Benchmark Policy without a review of the company's rationale and/or

the influence of such decisions or practices on other aspects of the pay program, most notably the company's

ability to align executive pay with performance and the shareholder experience.

Nevertheless, while not an exhaustive list, the Benchmark Policy considers the following to be problematic pay

practices which may lead, or strongly contribute, to a recommendation to vote against a company's

compensation report or policy:

• Gross disconnect between pay and performance;

• Gross disconnect between remuneration outcomes and the experience of shareholders and other key

stakeholders (in particular company employees) in the year under review;

• Performance goals and metrics are inappropriate or insufficiently challenging;

• Lack of disclosure regarding performance metrics and goals as well as the extent to which the

performance metrics, targets and goals are implemented to enhance company performance and

encourage prudent risk-taking;

• Excessive weighting of short-term (e.g., generally less than three year) performance measurement in

incentive plans;

• Excessive discretion afforded to or exercised by management or the compensation committee to

deviate from defined performance metrics and goals in making awards;

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 16 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

• *Ex gratia* or other non-contractual payments have been made and the reasons for making the payments

have not been fully explained or the explanation is unconvincing;

• Guaranteed bonuses are established;

• Egregious or excessive bonuses, equity awards or severance payments;

• Excessive increases (e.g. over 10%) in fixed payments such as salary or pension entitlements that are not

adequately justified; and

• The proposed changes to the existing policy represent, on aggregate, a worsening of the overall

structure.

In addition, we look for the presence of other structural safeguards, such as executive shareholding

requirements, and clawback and malus policies for incentive plans. The absence of such safeguards may

contribute to a negative recommendation. In particularly egregious cases where we conclude that the

compensation committee has substantially failed to fulfill its duty to shareholders, we may also recommend that

shareholders vote against the chair, senior members, or all members of the committee, depending on the

seriousness and persistence of the issues identified.

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Glass Lewis recognizes the value of equity-based incentive programs. When used appropriately, they can provide

a vehicle for linking an employee's pay to a company's performance, thereby aligning their interests with those

of shareholders. Tying a portion of an employee's compensation to the performance of the company provides an

incentive to maximize share value. In addition, equity-based compensation is an effective way to attract, retain

and motivate key employees. In order to allow for meaningful shareholder review, incentive programs should

generally include: (i) specific and appropriate performance goals; (ii) a maximum award pool; and (iii) a

maximum award amount per employee. In addition, the payments made should be reasonable relative to the

performance of the business and total compensation to those covered by the plan should be in line with

compensation paid by the company's peers.

Performance-Based Equity Compensation

Glass Lewis believes in performance-based equity compensation plans for senior executives. We feel that

executives should be compensated with equity when their performance and that of the company warrants such

rewards. While we do not believe that equity-based compensation plans for all employees need to be based on

overall company performance, the Benchmark Policy does support such limitations for grants to senior

executives (although even some equity-based compensation of senior executives without performance criteria is

acceptable, such as in the case of moderate incentive grants made in an initial offer of employment). Boards

often argue that such a proposal would hinder them in attracting talent. We believe that boards can develop a

consistent, reliable approach, as boards of many companies have, that would still attract executives who believe

in their ability to guide the company to achieve its targets.

The Benchmark Policy generally recommends that shareholders vote in favor of performance-based option

requirements. There should be no retesting of performance conditions for all share- and option- based incentive

schemes. The Benchmark Policy will generally recommend that shareholders vote against performance-based

equity compensation plans that allow for re-testing.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 17 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

We pay particular attention to awards to major shareholders that serve as senior executives, mindful of the

natural alignment between shareholders' and the executive's interests and the potential for such grants to

further consolidate the executive's ownership level. We generally believe that the inclusion of challenging

targets attached to a diverse set of performance metrics can serve to mitigate concerns with such awards.

Where a company is proposing an individual equity award where the recipient of the proposed grant is also a

large shareholder, we believe that the company should strongly consider the level of approval from

disinterested shareholders before proceeding with the proposed grant. Glass Lewis recognizes potential conflicts

of interest when vote outcomes can be heavily influenced by the recipient of the grant. A required abstention

vote or non-vote from the recipient for an equity award proposal in these situations can help to avoid such

conflicts.

Director Compensation

Glass Lewis believes that non-employee directors should receive appropriate types and levels of compensation

for the time and effort they spend serving on the board and its committees. Director fees should be reasonable

in order to retain and attract qualified individuals. The Benchmark Policy supports compensation plans that

include non-performance-based equity awards. Glass Lewis compares the costs of these plans to the plans of

peer companies with similar market capitalizations in the same country to help inform its judgment on this issue.

Retirement Benefits for Directors

The Benchmark Policy will typically recommend voting against proposals to grant retirement benefits to non-

executive directors. Such extended payments can impair the objectivity and independence of these board

members. Directors should receive adequate compensation for their board service through initial and annual

fees.

Governance Structure

Amendments to the Articles of Association

We will evaluate proposed amendments to a company's articles of association on a case-by-case basis. We are

opposed to the practice of bundling several amendments under a single proposal because it prevents

shareholders from evaluating each amendment on its own merits. In such cases, we will analyze each change

individually and will recommend voting for the proposal only when we believe that the amendments on balance

are in the best interests of shareholders.

Virtual Meetings

Glass Lewis unequivocally supports companies facilitating the virtual participation of shareholders in general

meetings. We believe that virtual meeting technology can be a useful complement to a traditional, in-person

shareholder meeting by expanding participation of shareholders who are unable to attend a shareholder

meeting in person (i.e. a "hybrid meeting"). However, we also believe that virtual-only shareholder meetings can

curb the ability of a company's shareholders to participate in the meeting and meaningfully communicate with

company management and directors.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 18 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

Where companies are convening a meeting at which in-person attendance of shareholders is limited, we expect

companies to set and disclose clear procedures at the time of convocation regarding:

i) When, where, and how shareholders will have an opportunity to ask questions related to the

subjects normally discussed at the annual meeting, including a timeline for submitting questions,

types of appropriate questions, and rules for how questions and comments will be recognized and

disclosed to shareholders;

ii)In particular where there are restrictions on the ability of shareholders to question the board during

the meeting - the manner in which appropriate questions received during the meeting will be

addressed by the board; this should include a commitment that questions which meet the board's

guidelines are answered in a format that is accessible by all shareholders, such as on the company's

AGM or investor relations website;

iii)The procedure and requirements to participate in the meeting and access the meeting platform; and

iv)Technical support that is available to shareholders prior to and during the meeting. In egregious

cases where inadequate disclosure of the aforementioned has been provided to shareholders at the

time of convocation, we will generally recommend that shareholders hold the board or relevant

directors accountable.

Depending on a company's governance structure, country of incorporation, and the agenda of the meeting, this

may lead to recommendations that shareholders vote against members of the governance committee (or

equivalent; if up for re-election); the chair of the board (if up for re-election); and/or other agenda items

concerning board composition and performance as applicable (e.g. ratification of board acts). We will always

take into account local laws, best practices, and disclosure standards when assessing a company's performance

on this issue.

Anti-Takeover Measures

Multi-Class Share Structures

Glass Lewis believes multi-class voting structures are typically not in the best interests of common shareholders.

We believe the economic stake of each shareholder should match their voting power and that no small group of

shareholders, family or otherwise, should have voting rights different from those of other shareholders.

We generally consider a multi-class share structure to reflect negatively on a company's overall corporate

governance. Because we believe that allowing one vote per share best protects the interests of shareholders, we

typically recommend that shareholders vote in favor of recapitalization proposals to eliminate multi-class share

structures. Similarly, we will generally recommend voting against proposals to adopt a new class of common

stock.

The Benchmark Policy will generally recommend that shareholders vote against (a) certain director(s) and/or

other relevant agenda items at a North American or European company that adopts a multi-class share structure

with unequal voting rights in connection with an IPO, spin-off, or direct listing within the past year if the board:

(i) did not also commit to submitting the multi-class structure to a shareholder vote at the company's first

shareholder meeting following the IPO; or (ii) did not provide for a reasonable sunset of the multi-class structure

(generally seven years or less). The approach of the Benchmark Policy toward companies with existing multi-

class share structures with unequal voting varies between regions and is dependent on, inter alia, local market

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 19 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

practice and legislation, as well as our assessment on whether evidence exists that the share structure is

contributing to poor governance or the suppression of minority shareholder concerns.

Poison Pills (Shareholder Rights Plans)

Glass Lewis believes that poison pill plans generally are not in the best interests of shareholders. Specifically,

they can reduce management accountability by substantially limiting opportunities for corporate takeovers.

Rights plans can thus prevent shareholders from receiving a buy-out premium for their stock. We believe that

boards should be given wide latitude in directing the activities of the company and charting the company's

course. However, on an issue such as this where the link between the financial interests of shareholders and

their right to consider and accept buyout offers is so substantial, we believe that shareholders should be allowed

to vote on whether or not they support such a plan's implementation. In certain limited circumstances, we will

support a limited poison pill to accomplish a particular objective, such as the closing of an important merger, or

a pill that contains what we believe to be a reasonable 'qualifying offer' clause.

Supermajority Vote Requirements

Glass Lewis favors a simple majority voting structure except where a supermajority voting requirement is

explicitly intended to protect the rights of minority shareholders in a controlled company. In the case of

noncontrolled companies, supermajority vote requirements act as impediments to shareholder action on ballot

items that are critical to their interests. One key example is in the takeover context where supermajority vote

requirements can strongly limit shareholders' input in making decisions on such crucial matters as selling the

business.

Increase in Authorized Shares

Glass Lewis believes that having adequate capital stock available for issuance is important to the operation of a

company. We will generally support proposals when a company could reasonably use the requested shares for

financing, stock splits and stock dividends. While we believe that having adequate shares to allow management

to make quick decisions and effectively operate the business is critical, we prefer that, for significant

transactions, management come to shareholders to justify their use of additional shares rather than providing a

blank check in the form of large pools of unallocated shares available for any purpose.

In general, the Benchmark Policy will support proposals to increase authorized shares up to 100% of the number

of shares currently authorized unless, after the increase the company would be left with less than 30% of its

authorized shares outstanding. In markets where such authorities typically also authorize the board to issue new

shares without separate shareholder approval, we apply the policy described below on the issuance of shares.

Issuance of Shares

Issuing additional shares can dilute existing holders in some circumstances. Further, the availability of additional

shares, where the board has discretion to implement a poison pill, can often serve as a deterrent to interested

suitors. Accordingly, where we find that the company has not disclosed a detailed plan for use of the proposed

shares, or where the number of shares requested are excessive, the Benchmark Policy typically recommends

against the issuance. In the case of a private placement, we will also consider whether the company is offering a

discount to its share price.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 20 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

In general, the Benchmark Policy will support proposals to authorize the board to issue shares (with preemptive

rights) when the requested increase is equal to or less than the current issued share capital. This authority

should generally not exceed five years. In accordance with differing market best practice, in some countries, if a

proposal seeks to issue shares exceeding 33% of issued share capital, the company should explain the specific

rationale, which we analyze on a case-by-case basis.

We will also generally support proposals to suspend preemptive rights for a maximum of 5-20% of the issued

ordinary share capital of the company, depending on best practice in the country in which the company is

located. This authority should not exceed five years, or less for some countries.

Repurchase of Shares

The Benchmark Policy will recommend voting in favor of a proposal to repurchase shares when the plan includes

the following provisions: (i) a maximum number of shares which may be purchased (typically not more than

10-20% of the issued share capital); and (ii) a maximum price which may be paid for each share (as a percentage

of the market price). The Benchmark Policy may support a larger proposed repurchase program where the terms

of the program stipulate that repurchased shares must be cancelled.

Shareholder Proposals

Glass Lewis believes that shareholders should seek to promote governance structures that protect shareholders,

support effective ESG oversight and reporting, and encourage director accountability. Accordingly, Glass Lewis

places a significant emphasis on promoting transparency, robust governance structures and companies'

responsiveness to and engagement with shareholders. We also believe that companies should be transparent on

how they are mitigating material ESG risks, including those related to climate change, human capital

management, and stakeholder relations.

To that end, we evaluate all shareholder proposals on a case-by-case basis with a view to promoting long-term

shareholder value. While we are generally supportive of those that promote board accountability, shareholder

rights, and transparency, we consider all proposals in the context of a company's unique operations and risk

profile.

For a detailed review of our Benchmark Policy concerning compensation, environmental, social, and governance

shareholder proposals, please refer to our comprehensive *Proxy Paper Guidelines for Shareholder Proposals &* 

*ESG-Related Issues*, available at <u>www.glasslewis.com/voting-policies-current/</u>.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 21 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

Overall Approach to

Environmental, Social & Governance

Glass Lewis evaluates all environmental and social issues through the lens of long-term shareholder value. We

believe that companies should be considering material environmental and social factors in all aspects of their

operations and that companies should provide shareholders with disclosures that allow them to understand how

these factors are being considered and how attendant risks are being mitigated. We also are of the view that

governance is a critical factor in how companies manage environmental and social risks and opportunities and

that a well-governed company will be generally managing these issues better than one without a governance

structure that promotes board independence and accountability.

We believe part of the board's role is to ensure that management conducts a complete risk analysis of company

operations, including those that have material environmental and social implications. We believe that directors

should monitor management's performance in both capitalizing on environmental and social opportunities and

mitigating environmental and social risks related to operations in order to best serve the interests of

shareholders. Companies face significant financial, legal and reputational risks resulting from poor

environmental and social practices, or negligent oversight thereof. Therefore, in cases where the board or

management has neglected to take action on a pressing issue that could negatively impact shareholder value,

we believe that shareholders should take necessary action in order to effect changes that will safeguard their

financial interests.

Given the importance of the role of the board in executing a sustainable business strategy that allows for the

realization of environmental and social opportunities and the mitigation of related risks, relating to

environmental risks and opportunities, we believe shareholders should seek to promote governance structures

that protect shareholders and promote director accountability. When management and the board have

displayed disregard for environmental or social risks, have engaged in egregious or illegal conduct, or have failed

to adequately respond to current or imminent environmental and social risks that threaten shareholder value,

we believe shareholders should consider holding directors accountable. In such instances, we will generally

recommend against responsible members of the board that are specifically charged with oversight of the issue in

question.

When evaluating environmental and social factors that may be relevant to a given company, Glass Lewis does so

in the context of the financial materiality of the issue to the company's operations. We believe that all

companies face risks associated with environmental and social issues. However, we recognize that these risks

manifest themselves differently at each company as a result of a company's operations, workforce, structure,

and geography, among other factors. Accordingly, we place a significant emphasis on the financial implications

of a company's actions with regard to impacts on its stakeholders and the environment.

When evaluating environmental and social issues, Glass Lewis examines companies':

**Direct environmental and social risk** — Companies should evaluate financial exposure to direct environmental

risks associated with their operations. Examples of direct environmental risks include those associated with oil or

gas spills, contamination, hazardous leakages, explosions, or reduced water or air quality, among others. Social

risks may include non-inclusive employment policies, inadequate human rights policies, or issues that adversely

affect the company's stakeholders. Further, we believe that firms should consider their exposure to risks

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 22 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

emanating from a broad range of issues, over which they may have no or only limited control, such as insurance

companies being affected by increased storm severity and frequency resulting from climate change.

**Risk due to legislation and regulation** — Companies should evaluate their exposure to changes or potential

changes in regulation that affect current and planned operations. Regulation should be carefully monitored in all

jurisdictions in which the company operates. We look closely at relevant and proposed legislation and evaluate

whether the company has responded proactively.

**Legal and reputational risk** — Failure to take action on important environmental or social issues may carry the

risk of inciting negative publicity and potentially costly litigation. While the effect of high-profile campaigns on

shareholder value may not be directly measurable, we believe it is prudent for companies to carefully evaluate

the potential impacts of the public perception of their impacts on stakeholders and the environment. When

considering investigations and lawsuits, Glass Lewis is mindful that such matters may involve unadjudicated

allegations or other charges that have not been resolved. Glass Lewis does not assume the truth of such

allegations or charges or that the law has been violated. Instead, Glass Lewis focuses more broadly on whether,

under the particular facts and circumstances presented, the nature and number of such concerns, lawsuits or

investigations reflects on the risk profile of the company or suggests that appropriate risk mitigation measures

may be warranted.

**Governance risk** — Inadequate oversight of environmental and social issues carries significant risks to

companies. When leadership is ineffective or fails to thoroughly consider potential risks, such risks are likely

unmitigated and could thus present substantial risks to the company, ultimately leading to loss of shareholder

value.

Glass Lewis believes that one of the most crucial factors in analyzing the risks presented to companies in the

form of environmental and social issues is the level and quality of oversight over such issues. When management

and the board have displayed disregard for environmental risks, have engaged in egregious or illegal conduct, or

have failed to adequately respond to current or imminent environmental risks that threaten shareholder value,

we believe shareholders should consider holding directors accountable. When companies have not provided for

explicit, board-level oversight of environmental and social matters and/or when a substantial environmental or

social risk has been ignored or inadequately addressed, we may recommend voting against members of the

board. In addition, or alternatively, depending on the proposals presented, we may also consider recommending

voting in favor of relevant shareholder proposals or against other relevant management-proposed items, such as

the ratification of auditor, a company's accounts and reports, or ratification of management and board acts.

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| 2024 International Benchmark Policy Guidelines | 23 |

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![Image_1_001.jpg](ck0000768847-20250820_g5.jpg)

Connect with Glass Lewis

Corporate Website\| <u>www.glasslewis.com</u>

Email\| <u>info@glasslewis.com</u>

Social\| <u>@glasslewis</u><u>Glass, Lewis & Co.</u>

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GlobalLocations

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DISCLAIMER© 2025 Glass, Lewis & Co., and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

This document is intended to provide an overview of Glass Lewis' proxy voting guidelines. It is not intended to be

exhaustive and does not address all potential voting issues. Glass Lewis' proxy voting guidelines, as they apply to

certain issues or types of proposals, are further explained in supplemental guidelines and reports that are made

available on Glass Lewis' website – <u>http://www.glasslewis.com</u>. These guidelines have not been set or approved

by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory body. Additionally, none of the

information contained herein is or should be relied upon as investment advice. The content of this document

has been developed based on Glass Lewis' experience with proxy voting and corporate governance issues,

engagement with clients and issuers, and review of relevant studies and surveys, and has not been tailored to

any specific person or entity.

Glass Lewis' proxy voting guidelines are grounded in corporate governance best practices, which often exceed

minimum legal requirements. Accordingly, unless specifically noted otherwise, a failure to meet these guidelines

should not be understood to mean that the company or individual involved has failed to meet applicable legal

requirements.

No representations or warranties express or implied, are made as to the accuracy or completeness of any

information included herein. In addition, Glass Lewis shall not be liable for any losses or damages arising from or

in connection with the information contained herein or the use, reliance on, or inability to use any such

information. Glass Lewis expects its subscribers possess sufficient experience and knowledge to make their own

decisions entirely independent of any information contained in this document and subscribers are ultimately

and solely responsible for making their own decisions, including, but not limited to, ensuring that such decisions

comply with all agreements, codes, duties, laws, ordinances, regulations, and other obligations applicable to

such subscriber.

All information contained in this report is protected by law, including, but not limited to, copyright law, and

none of such information may be copied or otherwise reproduced, repackaged, further transmitted, transferred,

disseminated, redistributed or resold, or stored for subsequent use for any such purpose, in whole or in part, in

any form or manner, or by any means whatsoever, by any person without Glass Lewis' prior written consent. The

foregoing includes, but is not limited to, using these guidelines, in any manner and in whole or in part, in

connection with any training, self-improving, or machine learning software, algorithms, hardware, or other

artificial intelligence tools or aids of any kind, including, without limitation, large language models or other

generative artificial intelligence platforms or services, whether proprietary to you or a third party, or generally

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of any nature or description generated or derived by or using, in whole or in part, AI.

**VANECK FUNDS**

**PART C**

**OTHER INFORMATION**

**ITEM 28. EXHIBITS.**

(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) <u>[Master Trust Agreement and Amendments.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884720000016/vefmastertrustamendedres.htm)</u>(18)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) <u>[Amendment No. 36 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000031/vefamendno36tomta.htm)</u>(19)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) <u>[Amendment No. 37 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000031/vefamend37mta.htm)</u>(19)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) <u>[Amendment No. 38 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000149/vaneckfund-amendmentno38.htm)</u> (20)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) <u>[Amendment No. 39 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/vaneckfunds-amendment39t.htm)</u> (23)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) <u>[Amendment No. 40 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/vaneckfunds-amendment40t.htm)</u> (23)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) <u>[Amendment No. 41 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement,](vaneckfunds-maxamendment.htm)[filed herewith](vaneckfunds-maxamendment.htm)</u>.

(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041316006600/c83603_ex99-b.htm)</u>(14)

(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rights of security holders are contained in Articles IV, V and VI of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement, as amended, and Article 9 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws, both of which are incorporated by reference above.

(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Advisory Agreement with respect to Global Resources Fund (formerly known as Global Hard Assets Fund).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Advisory Agreement with respect to Emerging Markets Fund (formerly known as Global Balanced Fund)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843205000206/investadvisagmt.txt)</u>.(3)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>[Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to Emerging Markets Bond Fund (formerly known as Unconstrained Emerging Markets Bond Fund) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041310005766/c61678_ex99-d4.htm)</u>(8)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>[Revised Exhibit A, effective as of November 6, 2017, to the Investment Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041317003705/c89158_ex99d4ii.htm)</u>(15)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>[Revised Exhibit A, effective as of March 19, 2021, to the Investment Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000031/exhibitatoimamarch192021.htm)</u>(19)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) <u>[Revised Exhibit A, effective as of June 23, 2021, to the Investment Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000149/exhibitatoinvestmentadviso.htm)</u> (20)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) (i) <u>[Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to CM Commodity Index Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041313002346/c73527_exd-5.htm)</u>(11)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Revised Appendix A, effective as of May 1, 2014, to the Investment Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041314002169/c77373_exd5-ii.htm)</u>(13)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Appendix B, effective as of May 1, 2014, to the Investment Advisory Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041314002169/c77373_exd5-iii.htm)</u>(12)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) <u>[Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to Onchain Economy ETF](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000064/vaneckfunds-onchainecono.htm)</u>. (24)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) <u>[Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF,](investmentadvisoryagreem.htm)[filed herewith](investmentadvisoryagreem.htm)</u>.

(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding Class C shares of International Investors Gold Fund to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding Class A and Class C shares of Global Resources Fund (formerly known as Global Hard Assets Fund) to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding Class A shares of Emerging Markets Fund (formerly known as Global Balanced Fund) to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843205000206/securities-ltr.txt)</u>(3)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding CM Commodity Index Fund to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041310005766/c61678_ex99-e6.htm)</u>(8)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding Emerging Markets Bond Fund (formerly known as Unconstrained Emerging Markets Bond Fund) to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041312002545/c69447_ex-e7.htm)</u>(9)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041317003705/c89158_ex99e9.htm)</u>(15)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement to Distribution Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041319002448/c94060_ex99-e10.htm)</u>(17)

(e) (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Distribution Agreement relating to ETF series of VanEck Funds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/amendedrestateddistribut.htm)</u>.(24)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Revised Exhibit A adding VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)[to the Dis](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)[tribution Agreement relating to ETF Series of VanEck Funds](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)[,](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)[f](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)[iled herewith](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist.htm)</u>.

(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Form of Participant Agreement.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/formofapagreementupdated.htm)</u> (23)

(f)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Simplified Employee Plan.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Amended Retirement Plan for Self-Employed Individuals, Partnerships and Corporations Using Shares of International Investors Incorporated or the VanEck Funds.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

(g) (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Custodian Agreement with respect to non-ETF series of VanEck Funds and VanEck VIP Trust.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041301000631/0000930413-01-000631-0004.txt)</u>(2)

(g) (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Custodian Agreement with respect to ETF series of VanEck Funds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1137360/000113736019000201/a20190722vvttrustcustodyacct.htm)</u>.(22)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>[Joinder to Custodian Agreement with respect to ETF series of VanEck Funds.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/nodejoindertovvtcustodya.htm)</u> (23)

(h)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding International Investors Gold Fund to Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Forms of Procedural Agreement, Customer Agreement and Safekeeping Agreement with Merrill Lynch Futures Inc. and Morgan Stanley.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Letter Agreement adding Emerging Markets Fund (formerly known as Global Balanced Fund) to Accounting and Administrative Services Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843205000206/vaneck-letter.txt)</u>(3)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Data Access Service Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843205000206/service-agmt.txt)</u>(3)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>[Transfer Agency Agreement with SS&C.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843205000206/transferagentagrmnt.txt)</u>(3)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>[Transfer Agency Agreement with SSB, with respect to ETF series of VanEck Funds.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1137360/000113736019000201/a20190722vvttrusttransferage.htm)</u> (22)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>[Joinder to Transfer Agency Agreement with respect to ETF series of VanEck Funds.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/nodejoindertovvtcustodya.htm)</u> (23)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Form of Trustee Indemnification Agreement.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041307003865/c46167_ex99-h7.txt)</u>(5)

(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/0000950130-99-001141.txt)</u>(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to the addition of Class I of Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund (formerly known as Global Hard Assets Fund) and International Investors Gold Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000089843206000410/legal-opinion.txt)</u>(4)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to the addition of Class Y of Emerging Markets Fund, Global Resources Fund (formerly known as Global Hard Assets Fund) and International Investors Gold Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041310002583/c60237008_ex99-i4.htm)</u>(7)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to CM Commodity Index Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041310005766/c61678_ex99-i5.htm)</u>(8)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to Emerging Markets Bond Fund (formerly known as Unconstrained Emerging Markets Bond Fund).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041312003747/c68832_ex99-i7.htm)</u>(10)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041317003705/c89158_ex99i8.htm)</u>(15)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to the addition of Class Z shares of Emerging Markets Fund.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041319002448/c94060_ex99-i9.htm)</u>(17)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) <u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to Onchain Economy ETF.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/vefonchaineconomyetfstradl.htm)</u> (23)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) <u>[Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF,](vaneckfundsvalidityofshare.htm)[filed herewith](vaneckfundsvalidityofshare.htm)</u>.

(j) (1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Consent of](pwc-consentxconversionplan.htm)[PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP](pwc-consentxconversionplan.htm)[, filed herewith](pwc-consentxconversionplan.htm)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) <u>[Powers of Attorney.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041319001285/c93310_ex99-j3.htm)</u> (16).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) <u>[Power of Attorney for Mr. Jayesh Bhansali](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884723000015/vaneckfundspowerofattorney.htm)</u>. (21)

(k)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.

(l)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.

(m)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Form of Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041310005766/c61678_ex99-m.htm)</u>(8)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Amended Exhibit A to Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041313005715/c75044_ex-m2.htm)</u>(12)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) <u>[Amended Exhibit A to Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000031/vefexato12b-1plan03192021.htm)</u>(19)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) <u>[Amended Exhibit A to Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884721000149/vaneckfundsexatorule12b-1p.htm)</u>(20)

(n)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>[Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041317003705/c89158_ex99n.htm)</u>.(15)

(o)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reserved.

(p)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Code of Ethics of the Registrant.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000093041319002448/c94060_ex99-p1.htm)</u>(17)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Code of Ethics of Registrant's Investment Advisers and Principal Underwriter.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/768847/000076884725000051/vaneckcodeofethics-2102025.htm)</u> (23)

(1) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on March 1, 1999.

(2) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on March 19, 2001.

(3) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed February 25, 2005.

(4) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed May 1, 2006.

(5) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 30, 2007.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3# 3225409 v. 1

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(6) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 3, 2009.

(7) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 30, 2010.

(8) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed November 22, 2010.

(9) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 27, 2012.

(10) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed June 27, 2012.

(11) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 19, 2013.

(12) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 02-97596 and 811-04297, filed December 6, 2013.

(13) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 122 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 30, 2014.

(14) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 131 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed April 25, 2016.

(15) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 to Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed November 3, 2017.

(16) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 24, 2019.

(17) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on September 6, 2019.

(18) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 162 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 29, 2020.

(19) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 28, 2021.

(20) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on October 21, 2021.

(21) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 26, 2023.

(22) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,652 to Registration Statement of VanEck ETF Trust, File Nos. 333-123257 and 811-10325, filed on November 22, 2019.

(23) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 16, 2025.

(24) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, File Nos. 002-97596 and 811-04297, filed on April 29, 2025.

**ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND.**

Not Applicable.

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**ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement of the Registrant, as amended, each Advisory Agreement, each Sub-Advisory Agreement (if any), the Distribution Agreement, the Custodian Agreement, and the Data Access Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general effect of this Indemnification will be to indemnify the officers, trustees, employees and agents of the Registrant from costs and expenses arising from any action, suit or proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their being or having been a trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, except where such action is determined to have arisen out of the willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the trustee's, officer's, employee's or agent's office.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reference is also made to the individual Trustee Indemnification Agreements entered into with each of the Trustees of the Registrant. The Indemnification Agreements do not supersede or replace the indemnification under the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement of the Registrant, as amended. The Indemnification Agreements supplement the protections under the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement, by clarifying the scope of certain terms of the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement and providing a variety of procedural benefits, including with respect to protection from modification of the indemnification, term and survival of Registrant's obligations, and procedural enhancements with respect to, among other things, advancement of expenses, determination of entitlement, indemnification for expenses incurred by a Trustee as a witness and selection of counsel.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

**ITEM 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.**

Van Eck Associates Corporation and, solely for the CM Commodity Index Fund and the Onchain Economy ETF, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (the "Van Eck Advisers") are registered investment advisers and provide investment advisory services to the Registrant. Descriptions of the Van Eck Advisers, as applicable, under the caption "Management of the Funds" in the Registrant's Prospectuses and under the caption "Investment Advisory Services" in the Registrant's Statements of Additional Information, constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement are incorporated herein by reference. Information as to any business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by the Van Eck Advisers and their officers, directors or partners within the past two fiscal years is set forth under the caption "Trustees and Officers" in the Registrant's Statements of Additional Information and in their Form ADVs filed with the SEC (File No. 801-21340 for Van Eck Associates Corporation and File No. 801-65186 for Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 32. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS**

(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Van Eck Securities Corporation, principal underwriter for the Registrant, also distributes shares of VanEck VIP Trust and VanEck Vectors ETF Trust.

(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following table presents certain information with respect to each director and officer of Van Eck Securities Corporation. The principal business address for each director and officer of Van Eck Securities Corporation is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5# 3225409 v. 1

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---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **NAME** | **POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER** | **POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT** |
| Matthew A. Babinsky | Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary | Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
| Kristen Capuano | Managing Director, Head of Marketing and Product Strategy | N/A |
| Laura Hamilton | Assistant Vice President | Vice President |
| Brendan Gundersen | Managing Director, Head of Institutional Sales | N/A |
| Richard Potocki | Managing Director, Head of US Distribution | N/A |
| Matthew Bartlett | Manager, Internal Sales Desk | N/A |
| Laura Martinez | Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary | Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
| Lisa A. Moss | Assistant Vice President | Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
| Susan Curry | Assistant Vice President | Assistant Vice President |
| Lee Rappaport | Director, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | N/A |
| Jonathan R. Simon | Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
| F. Michael Gozzillo | Chief Compliance Officer | Chief Compliance Officer |
| Jan F. van Eck | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee |
| Joseph Giordano | Controller | N/A |

---

(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable

**ITEM 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The location of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), and the Rules promulgated thereunder is set forth below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts, books and documents maintained pursuant to 17 CFR 270 31a-1(b)(1), 31a-1(b)(2)(i), 31a-1(b)(2)(ii), 31a-1(b)(2)(iii), 31a-1(b)(4), 31a-1(b)(5), 31a-1(b)(6), 31a-1(b)(7), 31a-1(b)(8), 31a-1(b)(9), 31a-1(b)(10), 31a-1(b)(11), 31a-1(b)(12), 31a-1(d), 31a-1(f), 31a-2(a)(1) and 31a-2(e) are located at Van Eck Associates Corporation and Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation, 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts, books and documents maintained pursuant to 17 CFR 270 31a-2(c) are located at Van Eck Securities Corporation, 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts, books and documents relating to the custodian are located at State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts, books and documents maintained pursuant to 17 CFR 270 31a-1(b)(2)(iv) and 31a-2(a)(1) are located at DST Systems, Inc., 21 West Tenth Street, Kansas City, MO 64105.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts, books and documents maintained pursuant to 17 CFR 270 31a-1(b)(3), 31a-1(c), 31a-1(e), 31a-2(b), 31a-2(d) and 31a-3 are not applicable to the Registrant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All other records are maintained at the offices of the Registrant at 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6# 3225409 v. 1

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**ITEM 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.**

None.

**ITEM 35. UNDERTAKINGS.**

Not applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7# 3225409 v. 1

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Juan in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on the 20th day of August, 2025.

**VANECK FUNDS**

By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Laura I. Martinez &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>

Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura I. Martinez

Title: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacities and on the date indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| /s/ <u>Jan F. van Eck</u>\*<br>Jan F. van Eck | Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee | August 20, 2025 |
| /s/ <u>John J. Crimmins</u>\*<br>John J. Crimmins | Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | August 20, 2025 |
| /s/ <u>Jane DiRenzo Pigott</u>\*<br>Jane DiRenzo Pigott | Trustee | August 20, 2025 |
| /s/ <u>Jayesh Bhansali\*</u><br>Jayesh Bhansali | Trustee | August 20, 2025 |
| /s/ <u>Jon Lukomnik</u>\*<br>Jon Lukomnik | Trustee | August 20, 2025 |
| /s/ <u>R. Alastair Short</u>\*<br>R. Alastair Short | Trustee | August 20, 2025 |

---

\*By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Laura I. Martinez &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura I. Martinez

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attorney-In-Fact

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;August 20, 2025

# 3225409 v. 1

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**EXHIBIT INDEX**

(a)(7) Amendment No. 41 to Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement.

(d)(7) Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF.

(e)(2)(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revised Exhibit A adding VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF to the Distribution Agreement relating to ETF Series of VanEck Funds.

(i)(9) Opinion and Consent of Counsel with respect to VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF.

(j) (2) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; # 3225409 v. 1

## Ex-99.(A)(7)

![](vaneckfunds-maxamendment001.jpg)

MA SOC Filing Number: 202564065910 Date: 8/6/2025 9:22:37 AM

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![](vaneckfunds-maxamendment002.jpg)

To: Page: 3 of 4 2025-08-06 09:20:26 EDT 16179041617 From: Dahrlena Mitchell The undersigned hereby certifies that the Amendment set forth above has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

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![](vaneckfunds-maxamendment003.jpg)

To: Page: 4 of 4 2025-08-06 09:20:26 EDT 16179041617 From: Dahrlena Mitchell IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereto set his hands as of the day and year first above written. Matthew A. Babinsky, Assistant Secretary STATE OF NEW YORK) COUNTY OF NEW YORK)) Then personally appeared the above-named Matthew A. Babinsky and acknowledged this instrument to be his free act and deed this 5th day of August, 2025. hnaMor Gina M. Gomes GINA M. GOMES NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK Registration No. 01 GO5038685 Qualiffed in Richmond Count y Commisslon Explres January 30. 2027

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![](vaneckfunds-maxamendment004.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS I hereby certify that, upon examination of this document, duly submitted to me, it appears that the provisions of the General Laws relative to corporations have been complied with, and I hereby approve said articles; and the filing fee having been paid, said articles are deemed to have been filed with me on: WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN Secretary of the Commonwealth August 06, 2025 09:22 AM MA SOC Filing Number: 202564065910 Date: 8/6/2025 9:22:37 AM

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## Ex-99.(D)(7)

![](investmentadvisoryagreem001.jpg)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AGREEMENT made this 5th day of June, 2025 between Van Eck Associates Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and having its principal place of business in New York, New York (the "Adviser"), and VanEck Funds, a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business in New York, New York (the "Trust"). WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end- investment company and is so registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"); and WHEREAS, the Adviser is engaged principally in the business of rendering investment management services and is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares with each series; and in separate series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and WHEREAS, the Trust intends to offer its shares in one or more such series, as listed in Exhibit A hereto, which may be amended from time to time to add or remove a series (each a "Fund"), and invest the proceeds in securities, the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to render investment advisory and accounting and administrative services hereunder and with respect to which the Adviser is willing so to do; NOW, THEREFORE, WITNESSETH: That it is hereby agreed between the parties hereto as follows: 1. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISER The Trust hereby appoints the Adviser to act as investment Adviser and administrator to the Fund for the period and on the terms herein set forth. The Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided. 2. DUTIES OF ADVISER The Adviser shall furnish the following services and facilities to the Trust: (a) Investment Program. The Adviser will (i) furnish continuously an investment program for the Fund (ii) determine (subject to the overall supervision and review of the Board of Trustees of the Trust) what investments shall be purchased, held, sold or exchanged (including determining in which registered investment companies ("RICs") or other securities the assets of the Fund will be invested and determining the percentage of the Fund's assets that will be invested in each such RIC and other security) and what portion, if any, of the assets of the Fund shall be held uninvested, (iii) make changes on behalf of the Trust in the investments; (iv) make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the employment, retention and termination of investment sub- advisers to the Fund (a "Sub-Adviser"); and (v) periodically monitor the investment performance of the Sub-Advisers. The Adviser also will manage, supervise and conduct such other affairs and business of the Trust and matters incidental thereto, as the Adviser and the Trust agree, subject always to the control of the 00044964.1

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem002.jpg)

2 00044964.1 Board of Trustees of the Trust and to the provisions of the Master Trust Agreement of the Trust, the Trust's By-Laws and the 1940 Act. (b) Accounting and Administrative Services (i) The Adviser will perform the following accounting functions on an ongoing basis: (1) Journalize the Fund's investment, capital share and income and expense activities; (2) Verify investment buy/sell trade tickets when received from the Fund and transmit trades to the Trust's custodian for proper settlement; (3) Maintain individual ledgers for investment securities; (4) Reconcile cash and investment balances with the Trust's custodian, and provide the Fund with the beginning cash balance available for investment purposes; (5) Update the cash availability throughout the day as required by the Fund; (6) Posy to and prepare the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Operations; (7) Calculate various contractual expenses (e.g., transfer agency fees); (8) Control all disbursements and authorize such disbursements upon written instructions from authorized officers and agents; (9) Calculate capital gains and losses; (10) Determine the net income; (11) Obtain security prices, at the Fund's expense, to calculate the market value of the Fund's investments; (12) Delivery a copy of the daily portfolio valuation to the Fund; (13) Compute the Fund's net asset value; (14) Compute the Fund's yields, total return, expense ratios, and portfolio turnover rate; (15) Monitor the expense accruals and notify the Fund of any proposed adjustments; and (16) Prepare periodic unaudited financial statements. (ii) In addition to the accounting services described in the foregoing Paragraph 2(b)(i), the Adviser will provide or arrange for the following services for the Fund:

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem003.jpg)

3 00044964.1 (1) Prepare periodic audited financial statements; (2) Supply various statistical data as requested by the Board of Trustees of the Trust on an ongoing basis; (3) Prepare for execution and file the Federal and state tax returns; (4) Prepare and file periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")- on Form N-PORT and N-CEN-; (5) Prepare and file with the SEC the Trust's annual, semi-annual, and quarterly shareholder reports; (6) File registration statements on Form N-1A and other filings relating to the registration of Shares; (7) Monitor the Fund's status as a regulated investment company under SubChapter- M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (8) Maintain the Fund's fidelity bond as required by the 1940 Act; (9) Prepare materials for and record the proceedings of, in conjunction with the officers of the Trust, the meetings of the Trust's Board of Trustees; and (10) Prepare any other regulatory reports to and for any federal, local or state agency as may be required. In carrying out its duties hereunder, as well as any other activities undertaken on behalf of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement, the Adviser shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. (c) Office Space and Facilities. The Adviser will arrange to furnish the Trust office space in the offices of the Adviser, or in such other place or places as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all necessary office facilities, simple business equipment, supplies, utilities, and telephone service required for managing the investments of the Trust. (d) Personnel. The Adviser shall provide executive and clerical personnel for managing the investments of the Trust, and shall compensate officers and Trustees of the Trust if such persons are also employees of the Adviser or its affiliates, except as otherwise provided herein. (e) Portfolio Transactions. The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the account of the Trust with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, although the Trust will pay the actual brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions in accordance with Paragraph 3(d). In executing portfolio transactions and selecting

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem004.jpg)

4 00044964.1 brokers or dealers, the Adviser will use its best efforts to seek on behalf of the Trust the best overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Adviser shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any (for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis). In evaluating the best overall terms available, and in selecting the broker or dealer to execute a particular transaction, the Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) provided to the Trust and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all of the accounts over which investment discretion is so exercised by the Adviser or its affiliates. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the combining of orders for the sale or purchase of securities or other investments with other accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates provided that the Adviser does not favor any account over any other account and provided that any purchase or sale orders executed contemporaneously shall be allocated in a manner the Adviser deems equitable among the accounts involved. (f) Right to Receive Advice. (i) Advice of the Fund. If the Adviser shall be in doubt as to any action to be taken or omitted by it, it may request, and shall receive, from the Fund directions or advice. (ii) Advice of Counsel. If the Adviser or the Fund shall be in doubt as to any question of law involved in any action to be taken or omitted by the Adviser, it may request advice at the Fund's cost from counsel of its own choosing (who may be counsel for the Adviser or the Trust, at the option of the Adviser). (iii) Protection of the Adviser. The Adviser shall be protected in any action or inaction which it takes in reliance on any directions or advice received pursuant to subsections (i) or (ii) of this paragraph which the Adviser, after receipt of any such directions or advice in good faith believes to be consistent with such directions or advice as the case may be. However, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing upon the Adviser any obligation (i) to seek such directions, or advice or (ii) to act in accordance with such directions or advice when received. Nothing in this subsection shall excuse the Adviser when an action or omission on the part of the Adviser constitutes willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard by the Adviser of its duties under this Agreement. 3. EXPENSES OF THE TRUST During the term of this Agreement, the Adviser shall pay all of the expenses of each Fund, except for the fee payment under this Agreement, interest expense, offering costs, trading expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses.

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem005.jpg)

5 00044964.1 4. COMPENSATION For the services and facilities to be provided to the Trust by the Adviser as provided in Paragraph 2 hereof, the Trust shall pay the Adviser a fee at the annual rate set forth in Exhibit A ("Annual Fee"). The Trust shall pay such amounts monthly, based on the Fund's average daily net assets, as reflected in the books and records of the Trust in accordance with procedures established from time to time by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. 5. RELATIONS WITH TRUST Subject to and in accordance with the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement and By-Laws of the Trust and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Adviser, respectively, it is understood (i) that Trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of the Trust are or may be interested in the Adviser (or any successor thereof) as directors, officers, or otherwise; (ii) that directors, officers, agents and shareholders of the Adviser are or may be interested in the Trust as Trustees, officers, shareholders or otherwise; and (iii) that the Adviser (or any such successor) is or may be interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise and that the effect of any such adverse interests shall be governed by said Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement and By-Laws. 6. LIABILITY OF ADVISER AND OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST Neither the Adviser nor its officers, directors, employees, agents or controlling persons or assigns shall be liable for any error of judgment or law, or for any loss suffered by the Trust or its shareholders in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except that no provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser or such persons against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Adviser might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. 7. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT (a) Duration. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof for the Initial Series. Unless terminated as herein provided, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to each Fund on the date set forth in Exhibit A and shall continue in full force and effect for periods of one year thereafter so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by either the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, and (ii) in either event by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. (b) Termination.

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem006.jpg)

6 00044964.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), or by the Adviser, on sixty (60) days written notice to the other party. (d) Automatic Termination. This Agreement shall automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. 8. PRIOR AGREEMENT SUPERSEDED This Agreement supersedes any prior agreement relating to the subject matter hereof between the parties. 9. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE The services of the Adviser to the Trust hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others and to engage in other activities. 10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The term "VanEck Funds" means and refers to the Trustees from time to time serving under the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement of the Trust dated February 6, 1992, as the same may subsequently thereto have been, or subsequently hereto be amended. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust, personally, but bind only the assets and property of the Trust, as provided in the Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement of the Trust. 11. MISCELLANEOUS (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. (b) If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 12. NAME OF TRUST The Trust agrees and acknowledges that the Adviser is the owner of the name and mark "Van Eck" and that all use of any designation comprised in whole or part of Van Eck (a "Van Eck Mark") under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Adviser. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Trust shall cease all use of any Van Eck Mark(s) as soon as reasonably practicable.

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem007.jpg)

7 00044964.1 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above. VANECK FUNDS By: ____________________________ Name: Laura I. Martínez Title: Vice President VAN ECK ASSOCIATES CORPORATION By: ____________________________ Name: Matthew A. Babinsky Title: Vice President

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![](investmentadvisoryagreem008.jpg)

8 00044964.1 EXHIBIT A Fund Annual Advisory Fee (as a % of average daily net assets) Effective Date of Agreement\* VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF\*\* 0.75% June 5, 2025 \* The Agreement shall become effective on the date noted on this Exhibit A (the "Effective Date") for each Fund. Unless terminated as herein provided, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for the period ending two years after the Fund's Effective Date, or such shorter period as may be noted for the Fund on this Exhibit A (the "Initial Period"). After the applicable Initial Period, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a Fund for periods of one year thereafter so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by either the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, and (ii) in either event by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. \*\* The Initial Period for this Fund shall run until July 31, 2026.

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## Ex-99.(E)(2)(I)

![](vaneckfunds-exatoetfdist001.jpg)

EXHIBIT A (as amended on June 5, 2025) Onchain Economy ETF VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF

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## Ex-99.(I)(9)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![picture3.jpg](picture3.jpg) | 2000 K Street, N.W. <br>Suite 700 <br>Washington, DC 20006<br>T:202.822.9611 |

---

August 20, 2025

VanEck Funds

666 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

**Re: Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 to the Registration Statement of VanEck Funds** 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to VanEck Funds, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the issuance and sale by the Trust of its shares of beneficial interest, no par value (the "Shares"), of the VanEck Emerging Markets Bond ETF (the "Fund").

This opinion is furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 28(i) of Form N-1A under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act") and the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act").

We have examined the Trust's Master Trust Agreement, certain resolutions adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees relating to the creation, authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares, and a Certificate of Good Standing dated August 18, 2025 from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We have also examined the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be filed by the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, under the Investment Company Act and the Securities Act (the "Registration Statement"), as well as other items we deem material to this opinion.

In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts material to the opinion expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Trust and others.

This opinion is based exclusively on the provisions of the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts governing the issuance of the Shares of the Fund and the reported case law thereunder, and does not extend to the securities or "blue sky" laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other States.

We have assumed the following for purposes of this opinion:

**Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP** \| **stradley.com**

Chicago \| Los Angeles \| New York \| Philadelphia \| Washington, D.C

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VanEck Funds

August 20, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Shares will be issued in accordance with the Trust's Amended and Restated Master Trust Agreement and resolutions of the Trust's Board of Trustees relating to the creation, authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Shares will be issued against payment therefor as described in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information relating thereto included in the Registration Statement.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares will, when sold in accordance with the Registration Statement, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of the Trust, and we further consent to any reference in the Registration Statement of the Trust to the fact that this opinion concerning the legality of the issue has been rendered by us.

Very truly yours,

STRADLEY, RONON, STEVENS & YOUNG, LLP

BY: <u>/s/ Michael Schapiro</u> 

Michael Schapiro, a Partner

## Ex-99.(J)(2)

<br><u>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</u>

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of VanEck Funds of our report dated February 26, 2025, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Emerging Markets Bond Fund, which appears in VanEck Funds' Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2024. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Additional Information", "Financial Highlights" and "Other Information" in such Registration Statement.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

August 19, 2025

<br>