FMTL vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FDL.

Performance

FMTL vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 19.55% return, which is significantly higher than FDL's 14.42% return.

FMTL

• 1D: -7.48%
• 1M: -6.16%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 6M: 28.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 14.42%
• 6M: 15.89%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: 19.36%
• 5Y*: 12.73%
• 10Y*: 11.25%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FMTL vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	19.55%	21.20%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	14.42%	5.75%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and FDL is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2025	0.09

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 79
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 78

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FMTL vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FMTL	FDL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.66	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.25	0.45	+1.80

Drawdowns

FMTL vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-65.93%	+43.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.27%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.37%	-1.24%	-9.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.09%	-9.65%	+4.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.84%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.78%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.29%	11.27%	+29.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.29%	14.31%	+25.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.29%	17.11%	+23.18%

FMTL vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than FDL's 3.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.64%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	0.05%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and FDL in my portfolio?

FMTL and FDL have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FMTL or FDL?

On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FMTL or FDL?

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 0.05% for FMTL.

What is the main difference between FMTL and FDL?

FMTL is categorized as Commodity Producers Equities, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while FDL tracks Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.45% for FDL.