FMTL vs. GRID
FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.
Performance
FMTL vs. GRID - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 13.89% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 21.53% return.
FMTL
- 1D
- 0.81%
- 1M
- -11.71%
- YTD
- 13.89%
- 6M
- 13.30%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
GRID
- 1D
- -2.70%
- 1M
- -4.30%
- YTD
- 21.53%
- 6M
- 20.10%
- 1Y
- 36.23%
- 3Y*
- 22.71%
- 5Y*
- 16.19%
- 10Y*
- 19.93%
FMTL vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | 13.89% | 21.85% |
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund | 21.53% | -0.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between FMTL and GRID is 0.70, 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 | 0.70 |
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Return for Risk
FMTL vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank
FMTL
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
GRID
FMTL vs. GRID - 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 Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). 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 | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.30 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 3.10 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 10.84 | — |
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Drawdowns
FMTL vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and GRID.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FMTL | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.44% | -40.56% | +18.12% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -11.73% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -20.77% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -29.64% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -40.56% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -14.61% | -6.98% | -7.63% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.46% | -8.41% | +2.95% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 3.35% | — |
Volatility
FMTL vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FMTL | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 10.17% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 18.49% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 40.42% | 21.41% | +19.01% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 21.40% | +19.02% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 22.76% | +17.66% |
FMTL vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison
FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
FMTL vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison
FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than GRID's 0.77% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% | 0.00% |
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund | 0.77% | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.23% | 1.26% | 0.63% | 0.68% | 1.26% | 1.28% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FMTL and GRID have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, FMTL is cheaper at 0.65% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
FMTL is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.
FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.77% for GRID.
FMTL is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.70% for GRID.
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