FMTL vs XLB
First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF compared with State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
FMTL
First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF
TTM yield · Semi-annual
XLB
State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- FMTL yields more today: 3.24% vs 1.79% (forward).
- FMTL pays twice a year; XLB pays every quarter.
- XLB is cheaper to own: 0.08% vs 0.65% expense ratio.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | FMTL | XLB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.72 | $51.31 |
| TTM yield | 1.68% | 1.68% |
| Forward yield | 3.24% | 1.79% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.028 | $0.916 |
| Payment frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Jan 6, 2027 (est.) | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.65% | 0.08% |
| 1-year payout growth | — | +0.5% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | — | +4.4% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | — | 86/100 |
| 1-year total return | — | +16.4% |
| 1-year price return | — | +14.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 29.4M | 7.8B |
| Years paying | 0.9 | 27.6 |
| Sector / category | Natural Resources | Natural Resources |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| FMTL | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 315.3 | 194.9 |
| Income per year | $324 | $179 |
| Income per month (avg) | $27 | $15 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model FMTL · Model XLB
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMTL Jan 6, 2027 | Jan 20, 2027 | $0.514 | Est. |
| FMTL Jul 20, 2027 | Aug 3, 2027 | $0.514 | Est. |
| XLB Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.229 | Est. |
| XLB Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.229 | Est. |
| XLB Jun 21, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $0.229 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
FMTLXLB
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, FMTL or XLB?
XLB currently has the higher trailing yield: FMTL yields 1.68% and XLB yields 1.68%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do FMTL and XLB pay?
FMTL pays twice a year and XLB pays every quarter. FMTL's next ex-date is Jan 6, 2027 and XLB's is Dec 21, 2026.
Is FMTL or XLB better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. FMTL and XLB differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.