What are the primary differences in expense ratios between PICK and REMX?

PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39%, whereas REMX has an expense ratio of 0.53%. The difference is 0.14 percentage points, meaning REMX is costlier to hold. Lower expense ratios can improve net returns over time by reducing the annual fee deduction from the fund's assets. However, fees are just one factor; investors should also consider the underlying strategy and holdings when comparing these Natural Resources ETFs.

How do the net assets of these two funds affect their trading?

PICK holds $2.5 billion in net assets, while REMX holds $2.0 billion. Generally, higher net assets indicate a larger fund size, which can contribute to better liquidity. This means it might be easier to buy or sell shares without significantly impacting the market price. However, both funds are substantial in size, offering reasonable liquidity for most retail investors compared to very niche ETFs.

What is the significance of the inception dates for these ETFs?

REMX was launched in October 2010, and PICK was launched in January 2012. This gives REMX a slightly longer operating history. A longer track record allows investors to observe performance across more market cycles, potentially providing more data for historical analysis. However, past performance does not guarantee future results, and the difference of approximately fifteen months is relatively minor in the context of long-term investing strategies.

Do PICK and REMX share any top holdings?

According to the data, there is no overlap among the listed top holdings for these two funds. PICK’s top positions include companies like FCX and NUE, which are broader mining and steel producers. REMX focuses on specific suppliers like ALB and MP, related to lithium and rare earths. This distinct holding structure means investing in both funds would significantly diversify exposure across the metals sector.

How do the dividend yields of PICK and REMX compare?

PICK offers a dividend yield of 2.14%, which is higher than REMX’s yield of 1.84%. Both funds provide some income distribution, which is typical for many commodity-related ETFs. The difference of 0.30 percentage points may appeal to investors prioritising income, but yield alone should not determine investment choice, as the underlying growth potential and risk profile of the holdings differ substantially.

What type of metals exposure does REMX provide?

REMX targets rare earth and strategic metals, with major holdings like Albemarle (ALB) and MP Materials (MP). These sectors are often linked to specific industrial trends, such as battery technology and electronics. Its portfolio is more concentrated on these niche themes compared to a broad mining fund. Investors interested in these specific supply chains might view REMX as a way to access that particular segment of the commodities market.

What sector information is available for these funds?

For both PICK and REMX, detailed sector weights are listed as not available in the provided data. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to perform precise risk concentration analysis. Without seeing the exact breakdown of sector exposure, investors must rely on the top holdings and the fund's stated investment objective to infer the nature of the risks involved in the Natural Resources category.

How do the index tracking methods compare for these two ETFs?

The specific index methodology details are not available for either PICK or REMX. While they are both exchange-traded funds designed to track a basket of securities, the absence of this information obscures precise tracking transparency. Investors cannot verify exactly how the underlying index is constructed or how strictly the funds replicate it, which is a factor to consider when evaluating potential tracking error.

How might an investor interpret the top holdings of PICK?

PICK's top holdings include Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) at 6.26% and Nucor (NUE) at 3.36%. This suggests a reliance on large, established producers in the copper and steel sectors. The concentration in these specific industries indicates the fund’s focus on broader industrial metals rather than just niche strategic minerals. Understanding this composition helps investors gauge how sensitive the fund might be to general global industrial demand.

PICK vs REMX

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) and VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (REMX). This page contrasts fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. Both are in the Natural Resources category, yet they share no listed top holdings, offering distinct ways to gain metals exposure. Educational content, not financial advice.

Compare iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) and VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (REMX). This page contrasts fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its m...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

PICK

Metric

REMX

0.39%

Expense Ratio

0.53%

2.14%

Dividend Yield

1.84%

$2.50B

Net Assets

$1.97B

279

Holdings

36

Jan 31, 2012

Inception Date

Oct 27, 2010

–

Index Tracked

–

Natural Resources

Fund Category

Natural Resources

PICK costs about $14.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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PICK vs XME

Compare PICK and XME on fees, holdings, dividends, and tracking. PICK has a 0.39% expense ratio versus XME's 0.35%. Review factual data for research.

Investment Analysis

PICK

Pros

The fund offers a relatively low expense ratio of 0.39% for active sector exposure.
With $2.5 billion in net assets, it provides good liquidity for most retail investors.
Its 2.14% dividend yield offers modest income potential alongside commodity price gains.

Considerations

Index methodology details are not available, obscuring precise tracking transparency.
Sector weights are not available, making risk concentration analysis difficult for investors.
Top holdings like FCX and NUE suggest significant reliance on specific steel producers.

REMX

Pros

It provides targeted exposure to the growing rare earth and strategic metals theme.
Established in 2010, it has a longer track record than many niche competitors.
Largest holdings such as ALB and MP offer direct access to key lithium suppliers.

Considerations

The 0.53% expense ratio is higher than the broader mining sector benchmark.
Lower net assets of $2.0 billion may impact trading liquidity in volatile markets.
A modest 1.84% yield provides less income than its diversified global mining counterpart.

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About PICK and REMX

PICK (PICK)

iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is an exchange-traded fund offering investors company-level exposure to listed metals and mining producers worldwide. It aims to track an MSCI index that focuses on firms engaged in metal extraction and mining-related activities. PICK provides diversified access across regions and companies, making it a way to gain exposure to miners without buying individual shares. Performance tends to be closely linked to commodity prices and global economic cycles, so returns can be volatile. Investors should consider company-specific risks (operational, regulatory and geopolitical), currency moves, and sector concentration. Fees, dividend policies and liquidity vary by share class and market; check the fund’s factsheet for up-to-date details. This is general educational information, not personal advice — values can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Assess suitability for your goals and speak to a financial professional if unsure.

REMX (REMX)

REMX is an exchange-traded fund from VanEck that offers targeted, index-based exposure to companies involved in rare earth and strategic metals. These materials — including rare earth elements, critical minerals and speciality metals — are used in technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer electronics and defence systems, so the ETF can act as a thematic way for investors to participate in those supply chains. REMX holds equity securities of miners, processors and equipment makers; as a commodity-linked equity ETF it tends to be more volatile than broad-market funds and can be influenced by metal prices, geopolitical developments and policy changes. Holdings may be concentrated by region or company and liquidity can vary. Investors might consider REMX for thematic or portfolio diversification reasons, but should weigh the higher cyclical and regulatory risks. This information is educational and not personalised financial advice; values can fall as well as rise.

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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PICK vs REMX

Fund Snapshot

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PICK vs XME

Investment Analysis

PICK

Pros

Considerations

REMX

Pros

Considerations

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About PICK and REMX

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Buy PICK or REMX in Nemo

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Frequently asked questions

Fund Snapshot

About PICK and REMX

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Critical Minerals Supply Chain Diversification 2025

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Critical Minerals Supply Chain Diversification 2025

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PICK vs XME