Awards and Hall of Fame recognition reflect VanEck’s leadership in thematic investing and the firm’s forward-thinking investment philosophy
VanEck is today celebrating multiple honors at the 2026 With Intelligence Mutual Fund and ETF Awards, highlighting the firm’s differentiated investment approach, industry engagement and decades-long commitment to identifying enduring opportunities early. The firm was recognized for Thematic ETF of the Year for REMX and Social Media Leader of the Year at last night’s ceremony at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. CEO Jan van Eck was also named Fund Leader of the Year and the firm received the Hall of Fame Award.
The With Intelligence Mutual Fund and ETF Awards recognize outstanding achievement across the asset management industry, honoring business leaders, innovators, product development specialists, fund directors, and top performing funds.
The VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX), a $2.6B fund (as of 1/31/2025) that delivered 92% in total returns in 2025, provides exposure to companies involved in producing, refining, and recycling of rare earth and strategic metals and minerals. As critical inputs across modern industry, rare earths underpin technologies ranging from electric vehicles and renewable infrastructure to semiconductors and the hardware powering AI.
“We’re proud to have REMX recognized as Thematic ETF of the Year,” said Ed Lopez, Head of Product Management at VanEck. “With the launch of REMX in 2010, VanEck was early in identifying the strategic importance of rare earths and providing investors with a way to access the space. Not only are there ongoing supply chain and geopolitical concerns, but so many technologies we use today rely on the metals this industry produces. This recognition is an example of VanEck’s mission to be forward thinking.”
Jan van Eck was honored as Fund Leader of the Year, while VanEck was inducted into the Hall of Fame, a milestone recognition in the firm’s 70th year.
“As we reflect on our 70-year history, my colleagues and I are honored to receive the Hall of Fame award,” said van Eck. “Our investment philosophy is to identify major changes in the markets and construct funds that meet portfolio needs. Engagement with clients and the industry is an important part of this process, so being recognized is particularly meaningful.”
The firm’s Social Media Leader of the Year recognition speaks to the firm’s active engagement with investors to deliver timely perspectives and foster dialogue across platforms.
“I don’t do it for the awards, but I’m not going to say no,” said the VanEck Intern. “Of course, per my compliance colleagues, I should add that past award wins are no guarantee of award wins in the future.”
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