This Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF Could See Annual Returns of 20% Soon

The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (NYSE:) is a US-based fund focused on rare metals and strategic resources that play an important role in the development of high technologies. REMX tracks the index.

The fund invests in various mining companies, most of whose assets are located in the United States, China and Australia. The Fund balances its assets quarterly and evaluates them based on the weighted average market capitalization.

Why Buy

1. Long-term outlook

The REMX ETF provides exposure to companies engaged in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals, as well as other strategic resources such as lithium, vanadium and cobalt. These materials are the main components for high-tech devices such as electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy and electronics.

The current value of the fund is $46. The price has decreased since 2022 from its maximum of $120 and is at its lowest values over the past 4 years, due to changes in prices for rare earth metals and geopolitical factors. However, the long-term outlook remains positive due to the expected growth in demand for these resources.

2. Increasing demand for rare metals

This is facilitated by the transition to “green” technologies and the development of electric vehicles. For example, the global electric vehicle market is projected to grow by 17-18% annually over the next 5 years. Since rare earth elements are necessary for the production of electric vehicle engines, lithium batteries and generators for wind turbines, this provides the foundation for rising prices for rare earth resources and companies working in this field.

Analysts expect that REMX may show an average annual growth in the range of 20% over a 2-3-year horizon. The growth of the fund’s share prices will directly depend on the demand for rare earth metals and possible supply shortages caused by geopolitical instability, in particular in China, which is the main producer of these elements.

3. Diversification through REMX

REMX includes a wide range of companies operating around the world, including China, the USA, Australia and Canada. Among them are both major players such as MP Materials and emerging companies, which provides diversified access to the rare metals sector. Diversification in the fund reduces investor risks associated with individual companies or countries.

Risks

1. Dependence on China

About 80% of the world’s production of rare metals is concentrated in China, which creates a risk when the political or economic situation changes. Possible export restrictions from China may cause volatility in the rare metals market and, accordingly, in the REMX stock market.

2. Geopolitical risks

Trade wars and sanctions can lead to supply problems, which will increase price volatility. For example, China’s recent actions to restrict exports of rare earth elements used in military technology demonstrate the possible risks for investors in this sector. This may have a short-term negative impact on the value of the ETF.

3. Price volatility of metals

The value of rare earth metals can be extremely volatile due to changes in supply and demand, which will also affect the fund’s shares. Any sharp decrease in demand from major buyers, such as electronics or electric vehicle manufacturers, could negatively affect the price of the ETF.

The prospects

1. Growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy

The global electric vehicle market is expected to increase by more than 70% by 2030, which requires significant amounts of rare metals such as neodymium and praseodymium. Wind turbines and solar panels also require large volumes of these elements to generate energy, which supports long-term demand growth.

2. Long-term forecasts of price growth for rare earth metals

Experts believe that prices for rare metals will steadily increase in the next few years, given their limited supply and critical importance for global technology chains. Combined with the efforts of Western countries to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies, this creates positive prospects for companies operating in this area, which will have a positive impact on the REMX ETF.

Conclusion

The VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals (REMX) ETF is an attractive investment idea for those who seek access to high-tech sectors and strategically important resources. Despite the existing risks associated with dependence on China and volatility in metal prices, the long-term growth prospects of the rare earth market, supported by the development of “green” technologies and electric vehicles, create conditions for an increase in the value of the ETF over a horizon of 2-3 years.