VanEck Inflation Allocation ETF

RAAX

Market cap $839M

I believe that the VanEck Real Assets ETF serves as a tactical portfolio stabilizer, particularly effective during S&P 500 downturns. According to my calculations, RAAX's structure as a fund-of-funds emphasizes asset allocation, with significant exposure to gold (30%) and real asset-linked equities (60%). While RAAX outperformed during recent equity contractions, it typically underperforms in S&P 500 expansionary phases due to its cyclical nature.

Given all the ongoing uncertainty over the trajectory of both inflation and the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting regimen, advisors and investors were keen to see what the latest CPI report brought in.  February's CPI report came out on Wednesday, March 11, showing that the index grew from 0.3% from last month's numbers and 2.

VanEck Real Assets ETF functions as explicit inflation insurance, not a core holding or long-term return engine. RAAX's concentrated portfolio blends gold, commodities, and U.S.-centric energy/infrastructure, offering diversification during inflation shocks but underperforming in growth-led, disinflationary regimes. The fund's 0.75% net expense ratio and structural opportunity cost limit long-term compounding, making it unsuitable as a primary return driver.

The “debasement trade” has been a persistent investment theme this year as the market translates trade disputes, fiscal deficits, rate policy, and geopolitical tension into a negative outlook for the fiat world, and more specifically, the U.S. dollar.

RAAX aims for long-term total returns by investing in real assets through an "ETF of ETFs" structure, with major allocations to energy (45%), gold (25%), and a blend (30%). The fund has performed well during the recent inflationary environment, achieving a +37% total return since early 2022. Despite its performance, the analysis suggests RAAX's complex structure and 0.75% expense ratio may be a drawback.

Inflation-protection ETFs RAAX and PPI recently hit a 52-week high as the OECD raised U.S. inflation forecasts.

Inflation remains a significant concern in May 2025 due to the Trump administration's trade policies and tariffs, despite recent declines in inflationary pressures. The VanEck Real Assets ETF is positioned to benefit from rising inflation, holding assets in energy, real estate, and other sectors that thrive in inflationary environments. RAAX has shown a bullish trend since the 2020 pandemic low, with a recent recovery above $30 following the "Liberation Day" tariff-induced correction.

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Last week, I moderated two panels on real assets and infrastructure for completely different sets of panelists and audiences. Despite the differences, there were many similarities among the two panels.