Factor investing explained: quality, value and growth ETFs with VanEck’s Cameron McCormack

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Cameron McCormack, Senior Portfolio Manager at VanEck, to unpack factor investing in a way that actually makes sense for everyday ETF investors.

The conversation starts with the basics: what factor investing is, how it differs from broad market-cap investing, and why terms like smart beta, rules-based investing and factor investing are often talking about the same idea. From there, Cameron breaks down the major factor lenses investors are likely to hear about, including quality, value and growth, and explains the types of company traits that sit behind each one.

Owen and Cameron then make the discussion practical by walking through real ETF examples such as QUAL and MVW, showing how factor strategies can change portfolio weights, sector exposure and diversification. They also explore when quality can behave defensively, why value can come back into favour in stronger economic environments, and how investors might think about using factor ETFs as core holdings or portfolio tilts rather than chasing complexity for its own sake.

If you have ever wondered whether factor investing is just marketing jargon or a genuinely useful next step after index ETF basics, this episode is a clear and grounded guide.

Episode resources

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View VanEck's range of funds

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith