REMX ETF: What Is It? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
A sector theme ETF focused on global supply chain companies in rare earths and strategic metals, offering exposure to demand trends for energy transition materials.
SubscribeWhat Is This ETF?
It tracks the MVIS Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and consists of global companies involved in the production, refining, and recycling of rare earths and strategic metals. It offers concentrated exposure to supply chain companies for key materials used in electric vehicles, wind power, semiconductors, and defense.
It suits investors who want to concentrate on the rare earth and strategic metals theme, as well as those interested in the materials sector tied to the energy transition.
It is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF launched by VanEck in 2010.
How Does It Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | MVIS Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Annual |
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% |
The fund holds global companies focused on the production and refining of strategic metals such as rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and titanium, weighted by market capitalization. Companies based in China, Australia, and the US make up a large share, and it is a high-risk theme ETF concentrated in sectors that stand to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- A specialized sector ETF concentrated on the single theme of rare earths and strategic metals
- Includes global supply chain companies, covering producers in China and Australia as well
Size and Costs
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $1.4B, and the expense ratio is 0.53% per year.
Compared with similar materials ETFs such as SETM and METL, its portfolio is more concentrated in rare earths and strategic metals, and its fee level is similar to the average for theme ETFs.
Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeMedium- to long-term interest has grown on expectations of rising rare earth demand from EV batteries, wind turbines, and the defense industry, but periods of heightened price volatility have recurred amid tighter Chinese export controls and moves to restructure supply chains.
Inflows tend to stand out when interest in the energy transition theme is high, while volatility tends to expand when Chinese export controls or geopolitical risks come to the fore. As is typical of theme ETFs, fund flows react sensitively to the macro environment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Its strength is concentrated exposure to the rare earth and strategic metals supply chain theme, while high volatility and geopolitical risk are the main drawbacks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points of Caution
Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The SETM, METL, EART, and FMTL shown in the table are similar ETFs focused on rare earths, strategic metals, or mining materials themes. Investors who want to cover both rare earths and battery materials such as lithium can consider it alongside LIT, a lithium-focused ETF, or complement it with MP, a US rare earth producer, as an individual stock. For broad materials sector exposure, XME or PICK can also be alternatives.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SETM | Sprott Critical Materials ETF | $23.70 | -1.8% | $414.3M | 0.65% | 1.91% | -9.5% |
 METL | Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF | $21.17 | -1.8% | $60.9M | 0.99% | 1.19% | -2.7% |
 EART | Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF | $23.78 | -2.0% | $41.4M | 0.59% | 0.79% | -3.4% |
 FMTL | First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | $31.19 | -1.7% | $31.6M | 0.65% | 1.71% | +20.9% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ALB | Albemarle Corp | 0.16% | $93.53 | -1.4% | $11.0B | 24.4 | 1.74% |
 MP | MP Materials Corp | 0.11% | $38.76 | +3.5% | $6.9B | - | - |
 SQM | Sociedad Quimica Y Minera de Chile SA ADR | 0.10% | $53.61 | -0.5% | $7.7B | 11.1 | 4.33% |
 ALM | Almonty Industries Inc | 0.08% | $8.22 | +7.7% | $2.4B | 33.5 | - |
 MYMK | State Street My2031 Municipal Bond ETF | 0.03% | $24.66 | -0.2% | $0.0M | - | 2.61% |
 LAC | Lithium Americas Corp (NewCo) | 0.03% | $1.49 | -8.6% | $562.2M | 3.0 | - |
Investor Checkpoints
Here are points to review before investing in REMX. Given the nature of an ETF concentrated in the rare earth and strategic metals theme, it is important to check volatility, liquidity, and geopolitical risk before adding it to a portfolio.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🌍 Geopolitical Risk | Review supply chain risks such as Chinese export controls and trade sanctions | Needs review |
| 💵 Expense Ratio | As a theme ETF, compare its fee level with typical broad-market ETFs | In line with theme ETF average |
| 📊 Concentration | Check for top-holding concentration and diversity within the sector | Theme concentrated |
| 💧 Liquidity | Check daily trading value and bid-ask spreads | Small theme ETF level |
The rare earth supply chain depends heavily on China, so volatility can spike at any time due to geopolitical risk and export controls. As is typical of theme ETFs, drawdowns can be large during a sector downturn, and diversification benefits are limited.
It is a suitable ETF for investors who want to concentrate on the rare earth and strategic metals theme. Rather than a standalone core holding, a small allocation as a satellite asset within a portfolio is generally recommended.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
Today's 5 AI picks, all free