Understanding the FIRST TRUST INDXX CRITICAL METALS ETF (FMTL)

The FIRST TRUST INDXX CRITICAL METALS ETF (ticker: FMTL) is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide exposure to companies involved in critical metals. As of October 9, 2026, the current share price is $35.42.

What this ETF is trying to do

This ETF focuses on the metals industry. It holds a variety of companies that work with different types of minerals and metals. According to the most recent data, the fund holds 52 different companies.

Top Holdings:

Because the list provided is partial, these are only the largest holdings in the portfolio:

• BHP Group Ltd (9.26%)

• Freeport-McMoRan Inc (8.87%)

• Glencore PLC (8.20%)

• Anglo American PLC (7.00%)

• Sumitomo Corp (5.12%)

• Grupo Mexico SAB de CV Class B (4.94%)

• Cameco Corp (4.74%)

• Newmont Corp (4.40%)

• Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (4.38%)

• Barrick Mining Corp (4.26%)

Please note that holdings can change over time.

What the numbers show

When looking at how this ETF has performed recently, it is important to distinguish between "price return" and "total return."

• Price Return: This measures only the change in the share price. The Year-to-Date (YTD) price return is approximately 21.45%.

• Total Return: This includes the share price change plus any distributions (cash paid out to investors). The YTD total return is approximately 23.36%.

Because the total return is higher than the price return, it shows that distributions added to the overall value for investors so far this year.

Income and distribution explanation

FMTL provides some cash income through distributions. The trailing distributions are $0.5323 per share. This results in a distribution yield of approximately 1.50%.

The distribution frequency is described as "irregular" or "less frequent." In the last 12 months, there were 2 payouts. Investors should note that a distribution yield tells you how much cash was paid out relative to the price, but it does not guarantee future income.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV erosion" refers to a decline in the Net Asset Value (the actual value of the assets held by the fund). The supplied data is sufficient to evaluate price erosion, but it does not include enough historical NAV-per-share data to confirm or rule out NAV erosion.

Currently, there is no severe erosion-risk flag for this ETF. However, the erosion score is withheld because there is not enough verified price history available in the data provided.

Pros

• Strong YTD Performance: The fund has shown significant positive price and total returns so far this year.

• Diversification: The fund spreads its investment across many different companies in the metals sector.

Cons

• Irregular Income: The distributions do not happen on a regular, predictable schedule.

• Limited History: There is insufficient verified price history to provide a formal erosion score or long-term performance comparisons.

Beginner takeaway

FMTL is an ETF that tracks companies in the critical metals industry. It has seen strong growth in share price and total return so far this year. While it pays a small amount of cash through distributions, those payments are irregular. Always remember that price returns and total returns are different, and a high yield does not always mean the investment is growing.