FTRI vs. LIT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTRI (First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF) and LIT (Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF) are both Commodity Producers Equities funds - FTRI tracks the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index while LIT tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTRI returned 10.43%/yr vs 14.81%/yr for LIT. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTRI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for LIT.

Performance

FTRI vs. LIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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, FTRI achieves a 10.97% return, which is significantly lower than LIT's 30.84% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRI has underperformed LIT with an annualized return of 10.43%, while LIT has yielded a comparatively higher 14.81% annualized return.

FTRI

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 0.13%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 6M: 14.06%
• 1Y: 27.35%
• 3Y*: 16.47%
• 5Y*: 8.19%
• 10Y*: 10.43%

LIT

• 1D: -1.78%
• 1M: -2.59%
• YTD: 30.84%
• 6M: 34.89%
• 1Y: 135.24%
• 3Y*: 11.20%
• 5Y*: 4.98%
• 10Y*: 14.81%

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

FTRI vs. LIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	10.97%	33.62%	-3.93%	1.53%	7.49%	25.29%	-0.79%	21.97%	-8.34%	11.77%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	30.84%	60.05%	-19.19%	-12.18%	-29.91%	36.74%	127.88%	3.27%	-28.63%	64.19%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRI and LIT is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2015	0.54

The correlation between FTRI and LIT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTRI vs. LIT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTRI	LIT
Basic Materials	56.3%	55.4%
Utilities	16.1%	-
Energy	15.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Real Estate	3.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	7.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	26.0%
Technology	-	11.5%

Return for Risk

FTRI vs. LIT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FTRI

FTRI Risk / Return Rank: 43
FTRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
FTRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FTRI Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FTRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FTRI Martin Ratio Rank: 41

LIT

LIT Risk / Return Rank: 94
LIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
LIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
LIT Omega Ratio Rank: 90
LIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
LIT Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FTRI vs. LIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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.

	FTRI	LIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	4.16	-2.58
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	4.45	-2.42
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.59	-0.32
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	10.37	-8.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	35.19	-28.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTRI vs. LIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRI Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the LIT Sharpe Ratio of 4.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRI and LIT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTRI	LIT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	4.16	-2.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40	0.16	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.48	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.27	+0.22

Drawdowns

FTRI vs. LIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRI drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, smaller than the maximum LIT drawdown of -65.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRI and LIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRI	LIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-65.91%	+22.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.87%	-13.11%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.25%	-53.01%	+37.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-65.91%	+38.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.82%	-65.91%	+22.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.02%	-8.53%	-0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.47%	-33.63%	+25.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.14%	3.86%	+0.28%

Volatility

FTRI vs. LIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) is 5.54%, while Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) has a volatility of 8.67%. This indicates that FTRI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTRI	LIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	8.67%	-3.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.10%	22.00%	-7.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	32.68%	-15.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.76%	31.83%	-11.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.03%	30.66%	-8.63%

FTRI vs. LIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTRI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than LIT's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTRI vs. LIT - Dividend Comparison

FTRI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than LIT's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	2.33%	2.35%	4.29%	6.56%	8.37%	6.58%	3.64%	6.25%	4.24%	3.60%	2.96%	0.89%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	0.37%	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 FTRI and LIT in my portfolio?

FTRI and LIT have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRI or LIT?

LIT has higher volatility (8.67%) compared to FTRI (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRI dropped -43.82% vs LIT's -65.91%.

Which ETF is better, FTRI or LIT?

On 10-year performance, LIT leads with 14.81% vs 10.43% for FTRI. On fees, FTRI is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FTRI has been the lower-risk option at 5.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTRI or LIT?

Over the 10-year period, LIT has performed better with a 14.81% return vs 10.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTRI or LIT?

FTRI is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LIT.

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

FTRI has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 0.37% for LIT.

What is the main difference between FTRI and LIT?

FTRI tracks Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while LIT tracks Solactive Global Lithium Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTRI and 0.75% for LIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.16 vs 1.59), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.