The Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation through active management of a concentrated portfolio of U.S. equity securities. The fund employs a fundamental research-driven approach to select undervalued companies with strong competitive positions and sustainable business models.

How It Works

VNSE uses an actively managed, concentrated approach with typically 30-50 holdings selected through bottom-up fundamental analysis by Vaughan Nelson Investment Management. The portfolio managers focus on companies trading below intrinsic value with durable competitive advantages, strong management teams, and predictable cash flows. Holdings are weighted based on conviction levels rather than market capitalization, with position sizes ranging from 1-5% of assets. The fund maintains flexibility to invest across market capitalizations and sectors.

Key Features

  • Concentrated active management with 30-50 high-conviction holdings selected through rigorous fundamental analysis and valuation discipline
  • Managed by experienced Vaughan Nelson team with over 30 years of value-oriented investment expertise and proven track record
  • Zero expense ratio structure provides cost advantage over typical actively managed equity funds charging 0.50-1.00% annually

Risks

  • This ETF can lose significant value if the managers' stock selection proves incorrect, as concentrated portfolios amplify individual security risks compared to diversified index funds
  • Active management risk means the fund may underperform passive market benchmarks during periods when value investing falls out of favor with investors
  • Small asset base and recent inception create liquidity concerns and potential for higher tracking error during volatile market conditions

Who Should Own This

Best suited for investors with 3-5 year time horizons seeking active value-oriented equity exposure as a satellite holding representing 5-15% of total equity allocation. Requires high risk tolerance due to concentration risk and active management volatility. Appropriate for investors who believe skilled managers can outperform market indices over time.