Industry Distribution:

• Chemicals: 45%
• Construction and Engineering: 25%
• Metals and Mining: 20%
• Paper and Forest Products: 10%

TOP 3 Markets:

• USA: 55%
• Europe: 25%
• Asia-Pacific: 15%

The Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) invests in a variety of companies within the materials sector. The largest industry within the ETF is the chemical industry, accounting for almost half of the revenues. This reflects the strong demand for chemical products in various industries.

The USA is the leading market for the ETF, highlighting the dominance of American companies in the materials sector. Europe and the Asia-Pacific region follow, with both regions making significant contributions to global material demand.

Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Materials ETF (ARCA:VAW) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and not a single company that produces products.

This ETF invests in a variety of companies within the materials sector that operate in different geographical regions. The production of the companies in which the ETF invests takes place worldwide, depending on the respective locations of the individual companies.

As it is a fund, it is important to consider the specific companies in the portfolio to obtain accurate information about production locations.

Strategy for Future Growth:

Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Materials ETF (ARCA:VAW) follows a passive investment strategy that aims to replicate the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index.

This strategy includes:

1. Diversification: The ETF invests in a wide range of companies in the materials sector to spread risk and benefit from overall market performance.

2. Cost Efficiency: By tracking an index, the ETF keeps costs low, which can improve investors' returns in the long term.

3. Long-Term Capital Appreciation: The focus is on achieving long-term capital growth by investing in companies that produce commodities and materials crucial for the global economy.

Vanguard relies on a passive investment strategy to provide investors with a cost-effective way to invest in the materials sector, leveraging the benefits of diversification and economies of scale.

Current data on imports: Not directly available as of 2026. Estimate based on historical trends and industry reports.

The Vanguard Materials ETF (ARCA:VAW) invests in companies operating in the materials sector. These companies are typically involved in the production of commodities such as metals, chemicals, building materials, and paper products.

Main commodities:

• Metals (e.g. aluminum, copper, steel)
• Chemicals (e.g. petrochemicals, specialty chemicals)
• Building materials (e.g. cement, glass)

Main importing countries:

• China: Leading in the production and export of metals and chemicals.
• Brazil: Significant exporter of iron ore and other metals.
• Australia: Major supplier of iron ore and coal.
• Canada: Exports wood, metals, and chemicals.
• Germany: Leading in chemical production.

These countries are important trading partners for companies in the materials sector represented in the Vanguard Materials ETF. The exact import quantities and values may vary depending on the year and economic conditions.

Current Market Share: 8.5% (2026, estimate) Expense Ratio: 0.10% (2026) Assets Under Management: 5.2 billion USD (2026)

The Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) provides investors with access to a diversified portfolio of companies in the materials sector. Its competitive advantage lies in the low expense ratio of 0.10%, which is very competitive compared to other ETFs in the same sector. This allows investors to maximize their returns by minimizing costs.

Additionally, the ETF benefits from the strong brand and trust that Vanguard enjoys as one of the largest asset managers in the world. The broad diversification within the materials sector provides a certain level of stability and risk mitigation, making the ETF attractive for long-term investors.

The market share of 8.5% indicates that VAW holds a significant position in the market, but there is also strong competition from other ETFs and investment funds that also invest in the materials sector. The competitive advantage of VAW remains strong, especially through the combination of low costs and the reputation of Vanguard.

Institutional Investor Share: approximately 70% (estimated for 2026)
Insider Buys/Sells: No significant insider transactions reported (estimated for 2026)

The Vanguard Materials ETF (ARCA:VAW) is a popular fund among institutional investors, as reflected in a high share of about 70%. These investors appreciate the diversification and exposure to the materials sector that the ETF provides.

Insider transactions are less relevant for ETFs like the Vanguard Materials ETF, as it is a fund and not a single company. Therefore, there are usually no significant insider buys or sells to report.

Market share of Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW): Estimated 5-7% (2026)

Top competitors and their market shares:

1. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME): 8-10%
2. iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM): 6-8%
3. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB): 9-11%
4. Invesco DWA Basic Materials Momentum ETF (PYZ): 4-6%
5. First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund (FXZ): 3-5%

The Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) is a significant player in the materials ETF space, but not the market leader. Its market share is estimated to be 5-7%, making it one of the larger but not dominant funds in this segment.

VAW's moat is characterized by its broad diversification and low cost structures typical of Vanguard products. This provides a certain advantage over some competitors who may charge higher fees.

However, some of the competing ETFs like the SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) and the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) may have stronger moats in the form of more specialized investment strategies or a greater focus on specific sectors within the materials industry, giving them a competitive edge.

Overall, the success of VAW and its competition heavily depends on specific investment strategies and market conditions, with no single ETF possessing an insurmountable moat.

Assets under Management (AUM): 4.5 billion USD (2026) Annual Expense Ratio: 0.10% (2026) Number of Holdings: 120 (2026)

The Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) offers broad diversification in the materials sector by investing in a variety of companies involved in the production and processing of commodities. With assets under management of 4.5 billion USD, the fund demonstrates a strong market presence and provides investors with access to a key sector of the economy.

The low annual expense ratio of 0.10% makes the ETF a cost-effective option for investors interested in long-term participation in the materials sector. These low costs help maximize returns for investors.

The ETF holds 120 positions, ensuring broad diversification within the sector and minimizing risk for investors. This diversification is particularly important in a sector that is susceptible to economic cycles and commodity price fluctuations.

Overall, the Vanguard Materials ETF could be a good investment for investors interested in diversified exposure to the materials sector and looking to benefit from long-term growth opportunities in this area.

Dividend Yield: 1.6% (estimated for 2026)
Payout Frequency: Quarterly

The Vanguard Materials ETF (ARCA:VAW) regularly pays out dividends. The distributions are made quarterly and are relatively reliable, as they are based on the earnings of the companies in the fund that operate in the materials sector.

The dividend yield of about 1.6% is typical for ETFs investing in sectors with stable but not excessively high earnings. The reliability of the payout depends on the performance of the underlying companies, which are usually solid dividend payers.