Is GMTL a good ETF?
GMTL is the Global X Green Metal Miners ETF from Global X. We classify it under Intl and Thematic. With about $11 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying).
On a total-return basis, GMTL has delivered 10.74% a year over 3 years (ranked 105th of 226 ETFs we track) and 49.68% a year over 1 year (ranked 12th of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 4% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.69% is on the higher side. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.46%. If cost is your priority, CPPR (0.39%), VOLT (0.49%), and WIRE (0.65%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a high 9.58% yield — generous income, but check it isn't a sign of a narrow or higher-risk portfolio. Bear in mind distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate, so a high yield is less tax-efficient for higher earners and during the accumulation phase.
Over the past 3 years its volatility has been high (annualised standard deviation around 26.17%), meaning a bumpy ride with deep drawdowns. Its 3-year Sharpe ratio of 0.36 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Strengths
- Top-4% returns over 1 year (12th of 308 ETFs we track).
- High 9.58% income yield — good for investors who want regular cash flow.
Things to watch
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.46%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: CPPR, VOLT, and WIRE.
- That income is taxed yearly at your marginal rate, so it's less efficient for higher earners.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (3-year Sharpe ratio 0.36).
- High volatility (26.17% over 3 years) — expect deep drawdowns.
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
What GMTL's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.