Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

VanEck

  •   20 January 2025
  •      
  •   

First Australian equity long short ETF leads the next evolution

Sydney, 20 January 2025 – VanEck will be listing the first Australian equity long short ETF on ASX on 23 January 2025. The VanEck Australian Long Short Complex ETF (ASX: ALFA) is an actively managed, high conviction, unconstrained Australian equity portfolio that targets long and short positions. 

ALFA represents an extension of VanEck’s brand, capabilities and track record. Globally, its history in active fund management dates back to the 1950s – a heritage that has transposed into the business’ ecosystem and philosophy. For over a decade, VanEck has leveraged a substantive quantitative platform to devise innovative smart beta ETF strategies in Australia across a range of asset classes – from equities to credit and fixed income, as well as being leaders in alternatives such as gold and digital assets.

ALFA’s investment approach utilises VanEck’s deep quantitative background and active capabilities. Led by a team of experienced portfolio managers with a unique combination of actuarial and quantitative qualifications, the fund leverages an active management framework that analyses tens of thousands of data points in real-time. The outcome of the process is that it identifies those companies that have a statistically significant probability of excess return and those that have a higher probability of underperforming. The resulting portfolio consists of long and short Australian equity positions that aim to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 over the medium to long-term.

Arian Neiron, VanEck CEO and Managing Director, Asia Pacific said: “The Australian equity market is littered with inefficiencies to exploit. It is hyper-concentrated, over-crowded and lacks persistent ‘factor’ dominance. With style, sector and size leadership proven to be highly idiosyncratic, this has presented an opportunity to exploit the market’s inefficiencies through a highly active approach in 2025 and beyond. 

“The launch of ALFA is timely given the complexities of the current investment climate. We saw last year that market swings and sector-level dispersion were more pronounced than ever, with shifting global growth expectations, geopolitical tensions and the evolving interest-rate environment impacting performance. This volatility is expected to persist into 2025. Meanwhile, style rotations and valuation gaps are presenting short-term opportunities in the Australian market that require adaptability that are not supported by traditional active funds but will complement core beta and smart beta approaches,” said Neiron.

VanEck has a history of harnessing technology-driven insights and advanced analysis to fuel investable opportunities. As the pioneer of smart beta ETFs across equities and fixed income on the ASX, VanEck developed single factor quality and value strategies as well as a multi-factor emerging markets equities, and higher-yielding Australian corporate bonds strategies as well as pioneering equal weight investing in Australia. These innovations have enabled investors to construct investment strategies with targeted outcomes.

“Recent and ongoing advances in technology and programmable learning have enabled us to identify a compelling new opportunity for the investing community. We think investment approaches such as the one ALFA offers are the portfolio construction tools of the future, and are positioned to deliver an all-weather solution for Australian equity investors seeking excess returns,” said Neiron.

The launch of ALFA brings VanEck’s total number of ETFs on ASX to 44 and extends on the business’ commitment to innovation and helping investors access the opportunities.

Read more here

 

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Are LICs licked?

LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.

Retirement income expectations hit new highs

Younger Australians think they’ll need $100k a year in retirement - nearly double what current retirees spend. Expectations are rising fast, but are they realistic or just another case of lifestyle inflation?

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 627 with weekend update

This week, I got the news that my mother has dementia. It came shortly after my father received the same diagnosis. This is a meditation on getting old and my regrets in not getting my parents’ affairs in order sooner.

  • 4 September 2025

5 charts every retiree must see…

Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.

Why super returns may be heading lower

Five mega trends point to risks of a more inflation prone and lower growth environment. This, along with rich market valuations, should constrain medium term superannuation returns to around 5% per annum.

Super crosses the retirement Rubicon

Australia's superannuation system faces a 'Rubicon' moment, a turning point where the focus is shifting from accumulation phase to retirement readiness, but unfortunately, many funds are not rising to the challenge.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

Why I dislike dividend stocks

If you need income then buying dividend stocks makes perfect sense. But if you don’t then it makes little sense because it’s likely to limit building real wealth. Here’s what you should do instead.

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: Indexation of Division 296 tax isn't enough

Labor is reviewing the $3 million super tax's most contentious aspects: lack of indexation and the tax on unrealised gains. Those fighting for change shouldn’t just settle for indexation of the threshold.

Shares

Will ASX dividends rise over the next 12 months?

Market forecasts for ASX dividend yields are at a 30-year low amid fears about the economy and the capacity for banks and resource companies to pay higher dividends. This pessimism seems overdone.

Shares

Expensive market valuations may make sense

World share markets seem toppy at first glance, though digging deeper reveals important nuances. While the top 2% of stocks are pricey, they're also growing faster, and the remaining 98% are inexpensive versus history.

Fixed interest

The end of the strong US dollar cycle

The US dollar’s overvaluation, weaker fundamentals, and crowded positioning point to further downside. Diversifying into non-US equities and emerging market debt may offer opportunities for global investors.

Investment strategies

Today’s case for floating rate notes

Market volatility and uncertainty in 2025 prompt the need for a diversified portfolio. Floating Rate Notes offer stability, income, and protection against interest rate risks, making them a valuable investment option.

Strategy

Breaking down recent footy finals by the numbers

In a first, 2025 saw AFL and NRL minor premiers both go out in straight sets. AFL data suggests the pre-finals bye is weakening the stranglehold of top-4 sides more than ever before.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.