REMX vs VYM
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. REMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.18% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.95% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.32% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
REMX vs VYM Performance
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REMX returned +38.95% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, REMX is up 2.18% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, REMX compounded at +0.95% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -5.32% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMX charges 0.53% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $4 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMX currently yields 1.47% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
REMX and VYM share 1 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in REMX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 8.48% | 0.09% | 8.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REMX or VYM?
REMX has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMX or VYM?
Over the past year REMX returned +38.95% vs +25.99% for VYM, so REMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REMX annualized -4.16% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMX or VYM?
REMX has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: REMX -90.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both REMX and VYM?
REMX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMX and VYM?
REMX and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMX or VYM?
REMX yields 1.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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