REMX vs VXUS
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. REMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.18% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.95% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.32% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
REMX vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REMX returned +38.95% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, REMX is up 2.18% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, REMX compounded at +0.95% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -5.32% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -4.16%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMX charges 0.53% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $5 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMX currently yields 1.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
REMX and VXUS share 15 holdings out of 7873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REMX or VXUS?
REMX has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMX or VXUS?
Over the past year REMX returned +38.95% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so REMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REMX annualized -4.16% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMX or VXUS?
REMX has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: REMX -90.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both REMX and VXUS?
REMX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMX and VXUS?
REMX and VXUS share 15 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMX or VXUS?
REMX yields 1.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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