Group 1 - The VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) has reached a 52-week high, increasing 136% from its 52-week low of $32.36 per share [1][2] - The underlying index, MVIS Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, tracks companies involved in the production, refining, and recycling of rare earth and strategic metals [1] - REMX charges an annual fee of 58 basis points [1] Group 2 - Recent export restrictions imposed by Beijing require foreign companies to obtain a government license to ship products with over 0.1% rare earth content, effective from December 1 [2] - These restrictions have intensified U.S.-China trade tensions and contributed to the rise of the REMX ETF [2] Group 3 - REMX shows a positive weighted alpha of 106.21, indicating potential for continued strength [3]

Core Insights - The appeal of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) lies in their ability to provide easy diversification, but they must meet two key requirements: compelling performance and attractive costs [1] Group 1: ETF Performance and Costs - Three ETFs are highlighted for their strong performance, each generating at least 67% returns year-to-date (YTD) while maintaining annual fees below 0.60% [2] - The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) has returned 73% YTD in 2025, with an expense ratio of 0.58% [3] - The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) is positioned to benefit from the nuclear power industry's expected growth to 12% of the global energy mix by 2040, with an expense ratio of 0.56% [5][6] - The Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) has returned 76% YTD, with a low annual fee of 0.30%, significantly lower than the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF [10] Group 2: ETF Holdings and Market Focus - REMX tracks an index of companies involved in the production, refining, and recycling of rare earth and strategic metals, essential for various tech products [2][3] - NLR's portfolio includes companies across developed markets, providing exposure to a range of regions and regulatory environments in the nuclear power sector [6] - STCE focuses on companies benefiting from cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, with a portfolio that is predominantly U.S.-based (81%) and includes a balanced mix of market caps [9]