Compare VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals (REMX) vs Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals vs Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund — how do they compare? VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals trades at $75.61, while Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund trades at $51.45. The key difference: Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund is trading nearer its 52-week high, VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| REMX | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Sector/Thematic | — |
52-Week High | $109.53 | $53.67 |
52-Week Low | $57.35 | $42.23 |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
REMX trades at $76.72, up 1.4% today, but technical indicators show a bearish trend with moving averages signaling caution. The ETF faces high volatility (~50% annualized) and significant portfolio turnover, making it unsuitable for conservative investors. Recent news highlights institutional interest with Bank of America increasing its stake by 72.1% in the latest quarter (Defense World, August 14, 2026).
The outlook for REMX is mixed—geopolitical tensions and U.S. efforts to secure rare earth supply chains offer long-term potential, but high volatility and China-dependent holdings pose risks. Investors should weigh strategic exposure against the ETF's aggressive risk profile and monitor tariff policies impacting the sector.
XLB trades at $51.95, down 0.93% on the day, with technical indicators showing a bullish overall signal driven by moving averages. The ETF offers broad exposure to the materials sector, which is benefiting from infrastructure spending and AI-related demand. Recent news highlights the sector's potential for earnings growth and defensive characteristics in the current market environment.
The materials sector appears well-positioned for continued growth with strong Q2 earnings momentum and AI infrastructure tailwinds. However, investors face risks from cyclical sector exposure and potential geopolitical supply chain disruptions. Current technical strength suggests near-term upside potential, though valuation metrics remain unavailable for detailed fundamental assessment.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals
REMX invests in global companies involved in producing, refining, and recycling rare earth and strategic metals. It provides targeted exposure to critical minerals used in high-tech and green energy, with top holdings like Albemarle and Pilbara Minerals.
Read more on REMX →About Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund
In seeking to track the performance of the index, the fund employs a replication strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 95%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index includes securities of companies from the following industries: chemicals; metals and mining; paper and forest products; containers and packaging; and construction materials. The fund is non-diversified.
Read more on XLB →
