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Keeping Up with the Joneses

26 March 2019

 

For the Month Ending February 28, 2019

The Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MWMFTR, or "U.S. Moat Index") outpaced the broad U.S. equity markets as represented by the S&P 500 Index (3.66% vs. 3.21%) in February. Tech companies became a more prominent exposure in the U.S. Moat Index following the December index review, and the sector represented an outsized portion of the U.S. Moat Index’s return for the month, similar to the broad market. Consumer staples companies were also strong contributors for the month, and all sectors posted positive returns.

Small Exposure Packs Big Punch

The lone real estate company in the U.S. Moat Index, Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (JLL, +15.14%) was the largest contributor to returns in February. JLL’s stock price surged in mid-February after the release of 2018 earnings results that beat consensus estimates. Morningstar’s equity research team believes the company is better prepared to weather potential downturns now than it was during the Great Recession.

This is not the first time JLL has been in the index portfolio. As recently as 2016, JLL was viewed by Morningstar as undervalued and was added to the index. It was later removed as its rising stock price moved more inline with its declining fair value estimate. JLL returned to the U.S. Moat Index in September and December 2018 after a sell-off that began in early August.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL): Three Year Price and Fair Value as of 2/28/2019

Moat Stock: Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL): Three Year Price and Fair Value

Source: Morningstar. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For illustrative purposes only. Not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Visit vaneck.com to view daily ETF and index holdings

According to Morningstar, JLL benefits from intangible assets, the leading source of moats, due to its brand. A positive brand can play a key role in helping companies stay ahead of competitors by promoting sales, building trust, and inspiring customer loyalty. Morningstar’s analysts believe JLL’s brand helps the company attract both clients and talent.

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This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the prospectus of the UCITS and to the KID before making any final investment decisions.

This information originates from VanEck (Europe) GmbH, which has been appointed as distributor of VanEck products in Europe by the Management Company VanEck Asset Management B.V., incorporated under Dutch law and registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). VanEck (Europe) GmbH with registered address at Kreuznacher Str. 30, 60486 Frankfurt, Germany, is a financial services provider regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany (BaFin).

The information is intended only to provide general and preliminary information to investors and shall not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice VanEck (Europe) GmbH, VanEck Switzerland AG, VanEck Securities UK Limited and their associated and affiliated companies (together “VanEck”) assume no liability with regards to any investment, divestment or retention decision taken by the investor on the basis of this information. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) but not necessarily those of VanEck. Opinions are current as of the publication date and are subject to change with market conditions. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results. Information provided by third party sources is believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Brokerage or transaction fees may apply.

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Morningstar® US Sustainability Moat Focus Index is a trade mark of Morningstar Inc. and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by VanEck. VanEck Morningstar US Sustainable Wide Moat UCITS ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar and Morningstar makes no representation regarding the advisability in VanEck Morningstar US Sustainable Wide Moat UCITS ETF.
Effective December 17, 2021 the Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexTM has been replaced with the Morningstar® US Sustainability Moat Focus Index.
Effective June 20, 2016, Morningstar implemented several changes to the Morningstar Wide Moat Focus Index construction rules. Among other changes, the index increased its constituent count from 20 stocks to at least 40 stocks and modified its rebalance and reconstitution methodology. These changes may result in more diversified exposure, lower turnover and longer holding periods for index constituents than under the rules in effect prior to this date.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

All performance information is based on historical data and does not predict future returns. Investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal.

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