Wide moat companies finished 2017 strongly.

For the month ending 31 December, 2017

Performance overview

The Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus Index™ (Moat Index) followed its strong November with positive relative performance in December, topping the broad US markets as represented by the S&P 500 Index (-1.37% vs. -1.86%). The Moat Index finished the year ahead by roughly 1.2% (14.06% vs. 12.79%).

Performance attribution: Consumer discretionary shines

Consumer discretionary companies were the primary driver of strong performance for the Moat Index in December. While Express Scripts Holding Co (ESRX US, +14.51%) was the top performing index constituent in December, firms such as Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW US, +11.48%), Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. (FOXA US, +8.11%), and L Brands Inc. (LB US, +7.40%) helped consumer discretionary lead the way.

The consumer staples and information technology sectors were the two sectors to detract from index performance, but only slightly.

Tech firm Veeva Systems Inc. (VEEV US, -8.19%) was the worst performing stock in the Moat Index after issuing guidance below expectations. The firm provides client relationship management services to the pharmaceutical industry and Morningstar lowered its fair value estimate four dollars to $65 on 6th December.



Source: VanEck, Morningstar.  Stock returns in US dollars all other returns in Australian dollars. Index returns are calculated to the last business day of the month and assume immediate reinvestment of all dividends and exclude costs associated with investing in MOAT. You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance of the indices or MOAT.

Important Disclosures

This commentary is not intended as a recommendation to buy or sell any of the named securities. Holdings will vary for MOAT and MOAT Index.

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This information is general in nature and not financial advice. It does not take into account any person’s individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision investors should read the product disclosure statement and with the assistance of a financial adviser consider if it is appropriate for their circumstances. A copy of the PDS is available atwww.vaneck.com.au or by calling 1300 68 38 37.

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Published: 09 August 2018