BARRY J from TX posted 9 months ago:

Surprise, precious metal markets are warped by top-heavy valuations here, too. “Top 5-Top 10” assets by market cap in anything create the new average balance point. I see only two possible ETFs (and no mutual funds) to invest in rare earth minerals (REMs) – REMX and LITP. Crypto is not an anti-gravity metal play. 4Q25 and the trade renegotiations may change all this. A good ol’ recession will, too.

BARRY J from TX posted 9 months ago:

Cynthia, how about an article on RARE EARTH METALS mutual funds and ETFs? I could only find two on these lists, and an internet search took me on a trip across the distorted Wonderland that you get with most internet searches these days. I bet there are more AAIIers than me who would appreciate some reliable data on these opportunities. Please exclude gold and "precious metals." I am interested in the ones used in manufacturing and industrials in each GICS sector ... AND the invisible "defense" sector. Can you help?

Cynthia M from IL posted 8 months ago:

Hi Barry, That is a great idea. We are mapping out 2026 AAII Journal content and can certainly slot this topic in for ETFs and mutual funds. Best Regards, Cynthia McLaughlin

BARRY J from TX posted 8 months ago:

Thanks, Cynthia. Looking forward to any insights you are able to provide. #1 Please include Ex-US offerings for comparisons if you can. These may become the new on-ramp to rediscover how Ex-US funds provide significant diversification opportunities. #2 If you can provide data on the allocation percentages for holdings by US, Europe/EU, and APAC regions (where the primary markets are), this would improve the quality of diversification decisions. #3 My internet roamings made me appreciate the need to sort rare earth metal investments using a system like the AAII Screening Grades approach, especially when the list includes international companies and funds. #4 This project could be a market differentiator for AAII's screen approach for making factor investing decisions. I don't see much out there. What I was able to find needed a lot of perfume. #5 This would be a good way to demonstrate the value of AAII membership. Thanks again for taking this on. Regards.