FMTL vs. ISTM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - FMTL tracks the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index while ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISTM.

Performance

FMTL vs. ISTM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 8.24% return, which is significantly higher than ISTM's 0.53% return.

FMTL

• 1D: -2.90%
• 1M: -15.01%
• 6M: -5.93%
• YTD: 8.24%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISTM

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -8.86%
• 6M: -12.14%
• YTD: 0.53%
• 1Y: 29.49%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FMTL vs. ISTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	8.24%	21.85%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	0.53%	20.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and ISTM is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. ISTM — 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.

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 30
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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. ISTM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM). 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	ISTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.93	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.27	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.32	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.74	—

Drawdowns

FMTL vs. ISTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, roughly equal to the maximum ISTM drawdown of -22.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and ISTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	ISTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-22.47%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.85%	-20.95%	+2.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.33%	-6.95%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	ISTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.80%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.75%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.76%	31.72%	+8.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.76%	24.30%	+15.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.76%	24.30%	+15.46%

FMTL vs. ISTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ISTM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. ISTM - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than ISTM's 14.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.71%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.70%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and ISTM in my portfolio?

FMTL and ISTM have a correlation of 0.82, 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 ISTM?

On fees, ISTM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or ISTM?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.70%, compared with 1.71% for FMTL.

What is the main difference between FMTL and ISTM?

FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.49% for ISTM.