REMX vs. SMHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

REMX (VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF) and SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - REMX is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, while SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, REMX returned 139.49% vs 113.51% for SMHX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. REMX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMHX.

Performance

REMX vs. SMHX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REMX achieves a 24.22% return, which is significantly lower than SMHX's 64.32% return.

REMX

• 1D: -5.62%
• 1M: -5.16%
• YTD: 24.22%
• 6M: 22.61%
• 1Y: 139.49%
• 3Y*: 5.61%
• 5Y*: 4.37%
• 10Y*: 10.09%

SMHX

• 1D: -5.60%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 64.32%
• 6M: 61.18%
• 1Y: 113.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

REMX vs. SMHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	24.22%	92.95%	-0.18%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	64.32%	30.00%	15.56%

Correlation

The correlation between REMX and SMHX is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2024	0.38

REMX vs. SMHX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

REMX vs. SMHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

REMX

REMX Risk / Return Rank: 80
REMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
REMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
REMX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
REMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
REMX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SMHX

SMHX Risk / Return Rank: 87
SMHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SMHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SMHX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SMHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
SMHX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

REMX vs. SMHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) and VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	REMX	SMHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.81	3.11	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	3.36	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.46	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.01	6.69	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.83	17.96	-2.14

REMX vs. SMHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REMX Sharpe Ratio is 2.81, which is comparable to the SMHX Sharpe Ratio of 3.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REMX and SMHX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

REMX vs. SMHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REMX drawdown since its inception was -90.20%, which is greater than SMHX's maximum drawdown of -38.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REMX and SMHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	REMX	SMHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.20%	-38.53%	-51.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.35%	-17.06%	-6.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-62.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-73.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-73.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-57.95%	-7.91%	-50.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.82%	-7.34%	-59.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.85%	6.34%	+2.51%

Volatility

REMX vs. SMHX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) is 16.71%, while VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) has a volatility of 19.93%. This indicates that REMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REMX	SMHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.71%	19.93%	-3.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.35%	29.76%	+7.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.97%	36.70%	+13.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.71%	41.48%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.16%	41.48%	-4.32%

REMX vs. SMHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

REMX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SMHX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

REMX vs. SMHX - Dividend Comparison

REMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than SMHX's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	1.42%	1.76%	2.56%	0.00%	1.56%	5.25%	0.81%	1.64%	12.43%	2.89%	2.23%	4.77%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.01%	0.02%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REMX and SMHX in my portfolio?

REMX and SMHX have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REMX or SMHX?

SMHX has higher volatility (19.93%) compared to REMX (16.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REMX dropped -90.20% vs SMHX's -38.53%.

Which ETF is better, REMX or SMHX?

On 1-year performance, REMX leads with 139.49% vs 113.51% for SMHX. On fees, SMHX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, REMX has been the lower-risk option at 16.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REMX or SMHX?

Over the 1-year period, REMX has performed better with a 139.49% return vs 113.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REMX or SMHX?

SMHX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for REMX.

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

REMX has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.01% for SMHX.

What is the main difference between REMX and SMHX?

REMX is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while SMHX is Semiconductors. REMX tracks MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, while SMHX tracks MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for REMX and 0.35% for SMHX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.11 vs 2.81), 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.