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]