FMTL vs. REXC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and REXC (Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - FMTL tracks the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index while REXC tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.65% expense ratio.

Performance

FMTL vs. REXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

FMTL

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

REXC

• 1D: -5.32%
• 1M: -17.09%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FMTL vs. REXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	-15.25%
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	-16.36%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and REXC 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 Apr 15, 2026	0.70

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. REXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC). 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. REXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum REXC drawdown of -28.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and REXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	REXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-28.43%	+5.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.85%	-28.43%	+9.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.33%	-10.62%	+4.29%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	REXC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.76%	50.38%	-10.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.76%	50.38%	-10.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.76%	50.38%	-10.62%

FMTL vs. REXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FMTL and REXC have an expense ratio of 0.65%.

Dividends

FMTL vs. REXC - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, while REXC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.71%	0.06%
REXC Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and REXC in my portfolio?

FMTL and REXC 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.

Which ETF is better, FMTL or REXC?

Both ETFs have the same 0.65% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or REXC?

FMTL and REXC have the same expense ratio: 0.65% per year.

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

FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.71%, compared with 0.00% for REXC.

What is the main difference between FMTL and REXC?

FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while REXC tracks Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Sprott.