Don’t Want to Pick Individual Stocks? These 3 Metal ETFs Let You Invest
Tired of researching and picking single stocks? These 3 metal ETFs offer a simple, diversified way to invest in the critical raw materials powering infrastructure, manufacturing, and new energy technologies — without the risk of individual companies.
Metal ETFs are investment tools that hold shares of mining & metals companies or track metal futures contracts.
Metals are the foundational raw materials for infrastructure, manufacturing, and many emerging clean-energy technologies. That’s why demand for metals — from copper and iron ore to lithium and rare earths — tends to grow cyclically over time.
For investors who want broad exposure to the metals sector without picking individual stocks, metal ETFs offer a simple solution. These funds typically invest in mining firms, metals producers, and in some cases, metals futures.
Below are three top non-precious metal ETFs (industrial, strategic, and rare earth metals) worth watching in 2026:
3 Top Metal ETFs to Watch
-
SPDR Series Trust – SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME): $112.71
-
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK): $60.88
-
VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX): $93.20
$SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF(XME)$
This ETF tracks the S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index, giving investors targeted exposure to metals and mining stocks. It holds companies across sub-sectors including aluminum, coal & consumable fuels, copper, diversified metals & mining, gold, precious metals, silver, and steel.
As of mid-2026, the fund holds 37 stocks. Its top 5 holdings are:
Alcoa (4.7%), Nucor (4.6%), Freeport-McMoRan (4.6%), Warrior Met Coal (4.6%), and Reliance (4.5%).
The fund uses an equal-weighted strategy, providing precise exposure to the U.S. metals and mining sector (including precious metals). Its sector breakdown:
Steel 32%, Gold 17.9%, Coal & Consumable Fuels 17.6%, Diversified Metals & Mining 13.6%, Aluminum 10.2%, Copper 4.6%, Silver 4%.
Expense ratio: 0.35%.
Ideal for investors seeking focused exposure to the U.S. metals and mining sector.
$iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF(PICK)$
This ETF offers targeted global exposure to the metals and mining sector excluding precious metals.
As of mid-2026, it holds 245 mining stocks. Its top 5 holdings are:
BHP Group (12.2%), Rio Tinto (6.9%), Freeport-McMoRan (5.8%), Glencore (4.7%), and Vale (3.8%).
The fund uses a market-cap-weighted approach and covers the global non-precious metals mining sector. Its sector breakdown:
Diversified Metals & Mining 50.6%, Steel 25.3%, Copper 13.7%, Aluminum 6.4%, Precious Metals & Minerals 3.5%.
Expense ratio: 0.39%.
Ideal for investors seeking exposure to the world’s largest non-precious metals mining companies.
$VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF(REMX)$
This ETF provides targeted exposure to companies that produce, refine, and recycle rare earths and strategic metals & minerals.
As of mid-2026, it holds more than 30 rare earth and strategic metals companies. Its top 5 holdings are:
Albemarle (8.6%), Lynas Rare Earths (8.3%), China Northern Rare Earth (7.1%), Pilbara Minerals (7%), and Ganfeng Lithium (5.7%).
The fund lets investors own a portfolio of companies focused on critical mineral materials for tech and green energy.
Expense ratio: 0.58%.
Conclusion
Metal ETFs offer investors a practical way to participate in the long-term growing demand for materials used in infrastructure, manufacturing, and new energy technologies. However, the metals sector is cyclical and volatile.
For most investors, it’s more prudent to use metal ETFs as a small, diversifying position in a portfolio — not a core holding.
For SG users only, Welcome to open a CBA today and enjoy access to a trading limit of up to SGD 20,000 with unlimited trading on SG, HK, and US stocks, as well as ETFs.
🎉Cash Boost Account Now Supports 35,000+ Stocks & ETFs – Greater Flexibility Now
Find out more here.
Complete your first Cash Boost Account trade with a trade amount of ≥ SGD1000* to get SGD 688 stock vouchers*! The trade can be executed using any payment type available under the Cash Boost Account: Cash, CPF, SRS, or CDP.
Other helpful links:
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.
