Van Eck looks like it’s moving further into self-indexing, with the launch of four new indexes.
Van Eck’s Germany-based indexing unit launched four new indexes today that target territory already traveled by three existing Market Vector equity ETFs and one that is in registration—portending switchovers on the three existing funds to in-house indexes.
Van Eck is clearly moving to use of its own indexes on its family of ETFs. For example, the New York-based company switched indexes in March on its Market Vectors Russia ETF (NYSEArca: RSX) to the Market Vectors Russia Index from the DAXglobal Russia+ Index.
New indexes targeting gaming, steel, coal and the related existing ETFs are:
- Market Vectors Global Gaming Index (MVBJK), which could end up being the basis for the Market Vectors Gaming ETF (NYSEArca: BJK)
- Market Vectors Global Steel Index (MVSLX), which could end up being the basis for the Market Vectors Steel ETF (NYSEArca: SLX)
- Market Vectors Global Coal Index (MVKOL), which could end up being the basis for the Market Vectors Coal ETF (NYSEArca: KOL)
The fourth index, the Market Vectors Global Chemical Index (MVCHMX), was already identified in regulatory paperwork as the underlying benchmark for the proposed The Market Vectors Global Chemicals ETF the Van Eck put into registration in March.
Current Indexes
As things stand, the gaming ETF—BJK—is currently tied to the S-Network Global Gaming Index (WAGRT)—a rules-based modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjustable index.
The steel ETF—SLX—is based on the New York Stock Exchange’s Steel Index (STEEL) a capitalization-weighted index comprising publicly traded companies involved in the production of steel products and/or in mining.
The coal fund—KOL—is tied to the Stowe Coal Index (TCOAL), a rules-based modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking a global universe of companies engaged in the coal business.
The New Indexes
As noted, the global chemicals ETF will be based on a Van Eck Index.
The four new indexes, and their distinguishing characteristics, are as follows:
- The Market Vectors Global Chemical Index (MVCHMX)
Includes chemical, agricultural chemical, specialty chemical and diversified chemical companies as well as ones involved with rubber and plastics, coatings, paints and industrial gases. Top holdings are BASF at 7.23 percent, El du Pont at 5.85 percent, Monsanto at 4.64 percent, Dow Chemical at 4.52 percent and Potash at 4.26 percent.
- Market Vectors Global Steel Index (MVSLX)
Includes companies involved with steel pipes and steel tubes, steel trading, and mining and procession of iron ore. Top holdings are Rio Tinto at 8.38 percent, Vale preferred shares at 8.31 percent, Posco at 6.80 percent and ArcelorMittal at 4.8 percent.
- Market Vectors Global Coal Index (MVKOL)
Includes companies that derive revenue from coal production, mining, storage and transportation. Top holdings include China Shenhua Energy at 8.61 percent, Peabody Energy at 7.91 percent, Consol Energy at 7.19 percent, Joy Global at 6.55 percent and QR National at 5.96 percent.
- Market Vectors Global Gaming Index (MVBJK)
Includes companies that derive revenue from casino and casino hotels, sports betting, lottery services as well as from gaming services and gaming technology. Top holding include Wynn Resorts at 7.92 percent, Las Vegas Sands at 7.55 percent, Sands China at 6.77 percent, Genting Bhd at 6.45 percent and Genting Singapore at 6.33 percent.
