SPDR Metals & Mining Tracks Base Metals and Precious Metals

SPDR Metals & Mining (XME), an exchange-traded fund (ETF), tracks the S&P Metals & Mining Index (SPSIMM), a diversified basket of stocks including approximately 80 percent basic materials (base, industrial and precious metals) and 20 percent energy.

Recently XME's major holdings have included Alcoa (AA), Newmont Mining (NEM), Nucor (NUE) and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX).

The best time to buy XME is at the beginning of a price upside. Avoid this cyclical ETF when it is on the price downside.

Like most ETFS, SPDR Metals & Mining has low annual expense but you must pay a commission to buy and sell it.

Click on the blue chart to the right to see more information about XME.

Related Articles:

Metal Mining Stocks
Portfolio of Gold and Silver Stocks
Track Metals from Aluminum to Zinc
Tracking Copper Prices
Tracking Gold and Silver Prices

Posted January 26, 2007.