Thought Leaders

Jan van Eck

Chief Executive Officer
Jan van Eck
Innovator. Entrepreneur. Podcast enthusiast. Jan van Eck has firsthand knowledge of today’s markets and the complex web of information that investors encounter on a daily basis. He will highlight interesting market topics, filter out the jargon, and focus on important technological and geopolitical trends.

Imaru Casanova

Portfolio Manager, Gold and Precious Metals
Imaru Casanova
As a meaningful contributor to VanEck’s gold and natural resources investment teams, Imaru’s (Ima) financial experience dedicated solely to the metals and mining sector is enhanced through a diverse background, including an advanced degree and industry experience in engineering. Together these perspectives help to shape her analysis and interactions with prominent and upcoming gold mining companies.

Joe Foster

Gold Strategist, Gold and Precious Metals
Joe Foster
Joe brings a unique perspective developed over a 40-year career including experience as an exploration geologist. When not travelling around the globe to visit mining operations, he can be found writing his widely read monthly update, speaking with clients and journalists as a leading industry expert, and weaving through NYC traffic on his bike to and from the office.

Natalia Gurushina

Chief Economist, Emerging Markets Fixed Income
Natalia Gurushina
Understanding the macroeconomic nuances of emerging markets takes a keen eye, developed over years of practice. However, more importantly, the ability to translate and clearly communicate the ramifications of these trends is an innate skill. Natalia combines these qualities through sharing her daily views on emerging markets.

Ed Lopez

Gold Strategist, Gold and Precious Metals
Ed Lopez
As the person responsible for ETF product and marketing strategy, Ed is always on the lookout for untapped asset classes and opportunities to improve the core investor experience. Besides being an ETF industry expert, spokesperson and frequent panelist at conferences, Ed is also the host of VanEck’s Trends With Benefits podcast, talking to guests to uncover new ways of thinking about the markets, investing, work and life.

David Schassler

Head of Multi-Asset Solutions
David  Schassler

David offers a comprehensive perspective on market trends, asset allocation, and strategy analysis. As Head of Multi-Asset Solutions (MAS), his insights are driven by an analytical approach, anchored in data and objectivity. David also serves as Portfolio Manager for VanEck’s asset allocation strategies. At the intersection of quantitative expertise and traditional portfolio management and research is where David’s distinctive point of view resides.