ISTM vs. FMTL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ISTM (iShares Strategic Metals ETF) and FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) are both Rare Earth & Strategic Metals funds - ISTM tracks the ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index while FMTL tracks the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ISTM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FMTL.

Performance

ISTM vs. FMTL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISTM achieves a 1.07% return, which is significantly lower than FMTL's 9.52% return.

ISTM

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -7.95%
• 6M: -9.18%
• YTD: 1.07%
• 1Y: 28.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FMTL

• 1D: -2.23%
• 1M: -10.67%
• 6M: -2.22%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ISTM vs. FMTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	1.07%	20.21%
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	9.52%	21.85%

Correlation

The correlation between ISTM and FMTL is 0.82, 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	0.82

Return for Risk

ISTM vs. FMTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISTM

ISTM Risk / Return Rank: 29
ISTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
ISTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
ISTM Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ISTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
ISTM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

FMTL

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

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.

ISTM vs. FMTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) and First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL). 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.

	ISTM	FMTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.66	—	—

Drawdowns

ISTM vs. FMTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISTM drawdown since its inception was -22.47%, roughly equal to the maximum FMTL drawdown of -22.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISTM and FMTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISTM	FMTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.47%	-22.44%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.52%	-17.89%	-2.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.90%	-6.14%	-0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.56%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ISTM	FMTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.26%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.03%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.73%	39.81%	-8.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.32%	39.81%	-15.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.32%	39.81%	-15.49%

ISTM vs. FMTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISTM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than FMTL's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISTM vs. FMTL - Dividend Comparison

ISTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.62%, more than FMTL's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF	1.69%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%
ISTM iShares Strategic Metals ETF	14.62%	14.78%	29.62%	1.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISTM and FMTL in my portfolio?

ISTM and FMTL have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ISTM or FMTL?

On fees, ISTM is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISTM or FMTL?

ISTM is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.

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

ISTM has the higher dividend yield at 14.62%, compared with 1.69% for FMTL.

What is the main difference between ISTM and FMTL?

ISTM tracks ICE Strategic Re-Industrialization Metals Index, while FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for ISTM and 0.65% for FMTL.