FMTL vs. METL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and METL (Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while METL is a Natural Resources fund actively managed by Sprott. FMTL is passively managed, while METL is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for METL.

Performance

FMTL vs. METL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). 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 higher than METL's 1.98% return.

FMTL

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

METL

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: -11.70%
• YTD: 1.98%
• 6M: -2.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FMTL vs. METL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	13.89%	21.85%
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	1.98%	20.97%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and METL is 0.89, 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	0.89

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. METL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). 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.

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

Drawdowns

FMTL vs. METL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum METL drawdown of -27.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and METL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	METL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-27.39%	+4.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-22.67%	+8.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-8.85%	+3.39%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	METL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.42%	44.89%	-4.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.42%	44.89%	-4.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.42%	44.89%	-4.47%

FMTL vs. METL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than METL's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. METL - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than METL's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.63%	0.06%
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	0.97%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and METL in my portfolio?

FMTL and METL have a correlation of 0.89, 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 METL?

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 METL?

FMTL is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for METL.

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

FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.97% for METL.

What is the main difference between FMTL and METL?

FMTL is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while METL is Natural Resources. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.89% for METL.