As a fiduciary, VanEck (the “Firm”) is expected to act in the best interests of its clients. Irrespective of the account relationship, VanEck’s fiduciary obligation applies in every aspect of its dealings with its clients.
VanEck’s approach to responsible investment incorporates environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) responsibilities into its active investment process. VanEck views ESG factors as fundamental and integral components of its active investment process and is committed to incorporating them, where possible, into its active investment analysis, decision making, and ownership policies.
VanEck believes that it is in the interest of its clients to consider these factors when making an investment decision. It also believes that a strong or genuinely improving ESG record should translate into a company’s differentiated financial performance and may have an impact on valuation. It further believes that companies exhibiting strong ESG practices will more likely be successful over the medium to long term.
VanEck believes, in addition, that an essential part of its responsibility to clients is not only to encourage change that can enhance, protect, and provide opportunities for long-term returns for shareholders, but also to seek to mitigate associated risks.