IYM vs. REMX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IYM (iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF) and REMX (VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF) are both Materials funds - IYM tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index while REMX tracks the MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYM returned 10.92%/yr vs 9.67%/yr for REMX. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IYM charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for REMX.

Performance

IYM vs. REMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) and VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYM achieves a 22.18% return, which is significantly lower than REMX's 31.22% return. Over the past 10 years, IYM has outperformed REMX with an annualized return of 10.92%, while REMX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.67% annualized return.

IYM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 22.18%
• 6M: 27.03%
• 1Y: 37.82%
• 3Y*: 16.01%
• 5Y*: 7.84%
• 10Y*: 10.92%

REMX

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -6.58%
• YTD: 31.22%
• 6M: 39.17%
• 1Y: 160.26%
• 3Y*: 6.64%
• 5Y*: 4.22%
• 10Y*: 9.67%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IYM vs. REMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	22.18%	20.41%	-4.54%	12.83%	-9.15%	25.62%	17.87%	19.22%	-16.63%	24.83%
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	31.22%	92.95%	-35.02%	-19.18%	-31.13%	79.81%	64.82%	0.74%	-49.63%	82.60%

Correlation

The correlation between IYM and REMX is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2010	0.62

The correlation between IYM and REMX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

IYM vs. REMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYM	REMX
Basic Materials	85.4%	100.0%
Industrials	11.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYM vs. REMX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IYM

IYM Risk / Return Rank: 59
IYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
IYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
IYM Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IYM Martin Ratio Rank: 60

REMX

REMX Risk / Return Rank: 86
REMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
REMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
REMX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
REMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
REMX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IYM vs. REMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) and VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	IYM	REMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	3.36	-1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.51	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.44	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	6.91	-4.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.62	19.75	-9.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IYM vs. REMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is lower than the REMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYM and REMX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IYM	REMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	3.36	-1.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.11	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.26	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	-0.08	+0.42

Drawdowns

IYM vs. REMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYM drawdown since its inception was -67.78%, smaller than the maximum REMX drawdown of -90.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYM and REMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYM	REMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.78%	-90.20%	+22.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.61%	-23.35%	+9.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.62%	-62.11%	+38.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.94%	-73.34%	+43.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.76%	-73.34%	+30.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-55.58%	+54.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.45%	-66.86%	+55.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.57%	8.15%	-4.58%

Volatility

IYM vs. REMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) is 6.34%, while VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) has a volatility of 12.92%. This indicates that IYM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than REMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYM	REMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.34%	12.92%	-6.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	34.80%	-19.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.64%	48.11%	-29.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.37%	40.23%	-19.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.70%	36.93%	-15.23%

IYM vs. REMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYM has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than REMX's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYM vs. REMX - Dividend Comparison

IYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, less than REMX's 1.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IYM iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF	1.24%	1.51%	1.65%	1.77%	2.14%	1.48%	1.39%	2.08%	1.68%	1.43%	1.47%	2.04%
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	1.34%	1.76%	2.56%	0.00%	1.56%	5.25%	0.81%	1.64%	12.43%	2.89%	2.23%	4.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYM and REMX in my portfolio?

IYM and REMX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYM or REMX?

REMX has higher volatility (12.92%) compared to IYM (6.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYM dropped -67.78% vs REMX's -90.20%.

Which ETF is better, IYM or REMX?

On 10-year performance, IYM leads with 10.92% vs 9.67% for REMX. On fees, IYM is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, IYM has been the lower-risk option at 6.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYM or REMX?

Over the 10-year period, IYM has performed better with a 10.92% return vs 9.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYM or REMX?

IYM is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for REMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYM or REMX?

REMX has the higher dividend yield at 1.34%, compared with 1.24% for IYM.

What is the main difference between IYM and REMX?

IYM tracks Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index, while REMX tracks MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IYM and 0.59% for REMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.36 vs 2.04), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.