FMTL vs. LIT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and LIT (Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while LIT is a Lithium & Battery Metals fund tracking the Solactive Global Lithium Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for LIT.

Performance

FMTL vs. LIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). 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 LIT's 17.07% return.

FMTL

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

LIT

• 1D: -3.21%
• 1M: -11.22%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 12.15%
• 1Y: 97.18%
• 3Y*: 6.94%
• 5Y*: 2.12%
• 10Y*: 13.75%

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

FMTL vs. LIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	13.89%	21.85%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	17.07%	9.77%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and LIT is 0.73, 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	0.73

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. LIT — 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.

LIT

LIT Risk / Return Rank: 89
LIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
LIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
LIT Omega Ratio Rank: 83
LIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
LIT Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. LIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). 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	LIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.85	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.31	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.43	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.71	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.53	—

Drawdowns

FMTL vs. LIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum LIT drawdown of -65.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and LIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	LIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-65.91%	+43.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-17.13%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-53.01%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-65.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-65.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-18.15%	+3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-33.55%	+28.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	LIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.91%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.49%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.42%	34.29%	+6.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.42%	32.11%	+8.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.42%	30.73%	+9.69%

FMTL vs. LIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than LIT's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. LIT - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than LIT's 0.41% 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%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	0.41%	0.49%	0.93%	1.11%	0.99%	0.22%	0.40%	1.85%	2.52%	3.26%	2.15%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and LIT in my portfolio?

FMTL and LIT have a correlation of 0.73, 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 LIT?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or LIT?

FMTL is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LIT.

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

FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.41% for LIT.

What is the main difference between FMTL and LIT?

FMTL is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while LIT is Lithium & Battery Metals. FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while LIT tracks Solactive Global Lithium Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.75% for LIT.