QQQ vs REMX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. REMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | REMX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 38 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +5.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +43.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +4.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -4.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 36.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -90.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 27, 2010 |
QQQ vs REMX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while REMX returned +43.35%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 5.17% for REMX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +4.38% for REMX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -4.15% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -3.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -90.2% for REMX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while REMX charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $53 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.00% for REMX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and REMX share 0 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or REMX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while REMX charges 0.53%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or REMX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +43.35% for REMX, so REMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -3.97% for REMX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or REMX?
REMX has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs REMX -90.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and REMX?
QQQ and REMX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and REMX?
QQQ and REMX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or REMX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while REMX yields 2.00%, so REMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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