REMX vs VTI
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. REMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.85% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.70% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.61% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.99% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
REMX vs VTI Performance
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REMX returned +34.70% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, REMX is down 0.85% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, REMX compounded at +0.61% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -5.99% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.0% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMX charges 0.53% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $3 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMX currently yields 1.47% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
REMX and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2806 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, REMX or VTI?
REMX has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMX or VTI?
Over the past year REMX returned +34.70% vs +22.39% for VTI, so REMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REMX annualized -4.34% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMX or VTI?
REMX has been the more volatile fund at 36.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: REMX -90.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both REMX and VTI?
REMX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMX and VTI?
REMX and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMX or VTI?
REMX yields 1.47% while VTI yields 1.07%, 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.