FMTL vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

FMTL vs. FTXL - 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 Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 13.89% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 104.99% return.

FMTL

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -11.71%
• YTD: 13.89%
• 6M: 13.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: -6.09%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 104.99%
• 6M: 101.72%
• 1Y: 175.59%
• 3Y*: 56.12%
• 5Y*: 32.62%
• 10Y*: —

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

FMTL vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	13.89%	21.85%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	104.99%	6.20%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and FTXL is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2025	0.56

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMTL

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

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 96
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. FTXL - 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 Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FMTL	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	4.26	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.09	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.57	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	12.18	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	41.19	—

Drawdowns

FMTL vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum FTXL drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-43.87%	+21.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.51%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.57%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-10.62%	-3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-10.52%	+5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.28%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	23.15%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	35.42%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.42%	41.51%	-1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.42%	37.24%	+3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.42%	34.83%	+5.59%

FMTL vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than FTXL's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.63%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.09%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and FTXL in my portfolio?

FMTL and FTXL have a correlation of 0.56, 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 FTXL?

On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.

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

FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.09% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between FMTL and FTXL?

FMTL is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while FTXL is Semiconductors. FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.60% for FTXL.