FMTL vs. WDIG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and WDIG (WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds. FMTL is passively managed, while WDIG is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for WDIG.

Performance

FMTL vs. WDIG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

FMTL

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

WDIG

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: -20.20%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FMTL vs. WDIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	-10.61%
WDIG WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund	-23.11%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTL and WDIG is 0.95, 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 May 7, 2026	0.95

Return for Risk

FMTL vs. WDIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) and WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund (WDIG). 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. WDIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum WDIG drawdown of -25.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and WDIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTL	WDIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.44%	-25.33%	+2.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-24.86%	+10.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-10.83%	+5.37%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FMTL	WDIG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.42%	61.67%	-21.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.42%	61.67%	-21.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.42%	61.67%	-21.25%

FMTL vs. WDIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than WDIG's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTL vs. WDIG - Dividend Comparison

FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, while WDIG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.63%	0.06%
WDIG WisdomTree Efficient Rare Earth Plus Strategic Metals Fund	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTL and WDIG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FMTL and WDIG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, FMTL or WDIG?

On fees, WDIG is cheaper at 0.55% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTL or WDIG?

WDIG is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.

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

FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.00% for WDIG.

What is the main difference between FMTL and WDIG?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.55% for WDIG.