REMX vs SPY
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. REMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.08% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.88% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.87% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.01% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REMX vs SPY Performance
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year REMX returned +35.88% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, REMX is down 0.08% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, REMX compounded at +0.87% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -6.01% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -4.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -90.2% for REMX and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMX charges 0.53% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $9 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMX currently yields 1.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REMX and SPY share 1 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in REMX | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 8.48% | 0.02% | 8.46% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REMX or SPY?
REMX has an expense ratio of 0.53% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMX or SPY?
Over the past year REMX returned +35.88% vs +22.52% for SPY, so REMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REMX annualized -4.29% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMX or SPY?
REMX has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REMX -90.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both REMX and SPY?
REMX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMX and SPY?
REMX and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMX or SPY?
REMX yields 1.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.