FMTL vs. ISTM
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 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for ISTM.
Performance
FMTL vs. ISTM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 13.89% return, which is significantly higher than ISTM's 1.23% return.
FMTL
- 1D
- 0.81%
- 1M
- -11.71%
- YTD
- 13.89%
- 6M
- 13.30%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ISTM
- 1D
- 1.16%
- 1M
- -10.12%
- YTD
- 1.23%
- 6M
- -3.34%
- 1Y
- 34.46%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
FMTL vs. ISTM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | 13.89% | 21.85% |
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 1.23% | 20.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between FMTL and ISTM is 0.81, 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 | 0.81 |
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Return for Risk
FMTL vs. ISTM — Risk / Return Rank
FMTL
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
ISTM
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.22 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 1.54 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 3.54 | — |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FMTL | ISTM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.44% | -22.47% | +0.03% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -22.47% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -14.61% | -20.40% | +5.79% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.46% | -6.70% | +1.24% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 9.76% | — |
Volatility
FMTL vs. ISTM - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FMTL | ISTM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 8.85% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 28.92% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 40.42% | 31.69% | +8.73% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 24.36% | +16.06% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 24.36% | +16.06% |
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 1.63%, less than ISTM's 14.60% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | 1.63% | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF | 14.60% | 14.78% | 29.62% | 1.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FMTL and ISTM have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
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.
ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.
ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.60%, compared with 1.63% for FMTL.
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.
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