Funds
Rare earth ETFs
REMX is the dedicated rare earth and strategic metals ETF: 0.53% expense ratio and about $2.21 billion in assets on 4 September 2026. It holds equities, and its largest weights are lithium and rare earth miners, not metal.
Information only, not investment advice · reviewed 28 October 2026
This is not investment advice and recommends no fund. Fees, assets and holdings change; confirm them with the issuer before acting. See the disclosures.
Funds compared
| Fund | Ticker | Issuer | Expense ratio | Assets | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF | REMX | VanEck | 0.53% | $2.21 billion (4 September 2026) | Largest pure-play fund; holds miners and processors, not metal |
| iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF | PICK | iShares | 0.39% | $1.78 billion (2 April 2026) | Broad miners basket; little rare earth content |
| Sprott Critical Materials ETF | SETM | Sprott | 0.65% | $580 million (14 April 2026) | Critical minerals miners including lithium, uranium and rare earths |
REMX figures: VanEck, September 2026. PICK: iShares, April 2026; SETM: Sprott, April 2026; older than the REMX figures, so check the issuers for current assets. Only REMX is a dedicated rare earth fund.
REMX top holdings
| Holding | Weight |
|---|---|
| PLS Group (Pilbara Minerals) | 8.18% |
| Albemarle | 8.09% |
| Lynas Rare Earths | 7.16% |
| China Northern Rare Earth | 6.70% |
| Liontown Resources | 6.30% |
Weights as of 17 July 2026 from a fund data provider; VanEck's 31 May 2026 fact sheet showed 34 holdings with a similar order. Weights drift with prices, so check the VanEck holdings page. Three of the five largest weights are lithium and not rare-earth companies.
What a rare earth ETF does not give you
A rare earth ETF holds company shares, so it does not track dysprosium, terbium or neodymium prices directly. It also includes lithium, tungsten and other strategic metals, which dilute rare earth exposure. For single companies see rare earth stocks; for the metals themselves see how to invest and rare earth prices.
Rare earth ETFs: frequently asked questions
What is the main rare earth ETF?
The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (NYSE Arca: REMX) is the largest dedicated fund, launched on 27 October 2010. It tracks the MVIS Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and held about $2.21 billion on 4 September 2026.
Does REMX hold rare earth metals?
No. It holds shares in miners and processors, so its price follows equities, including lithium companies, rather than rare earth oxide or metal prices.
What does REMX cost?
VanEck lists a 0.53% gross and net expense ratio in its September 2026 data, down from 0.58% earlier in 2026.
Is there an ETF that holds physical rare earth metals?
We have not found one. Rare earth oxides and technology metals trade over the counter, which makes physically backed funds difficult.