AFLG vs. QCLR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AFLG (First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF) and QCLR (Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFLG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while QCLR is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Quarterly Collar 95-110 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AFLG returned 21.12%/yr vs 14.08%/yr for QCLR. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFLG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLR.

Performance

AFLG vs. QCLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFLG achieves a 9.65% return, which is significantly higher than QCLR's 0.11% return.

AFLG

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -2.29%
• YTD: 9.65%
• 6M: 7.95%
• 1Y: 20.76%
• 3Y*: 21.12%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: —

QCLR

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: -0.86%
• 1Y: 8.01%
• 3Y*: 14.08%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFLG vs. QCLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AFLG First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF	9.65%	14.23%	27.02%	20.10%	-16.41%	6.08%
QCLR Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF	0.11%	11.27%	20.27%	28.87%	-18.87%	2.29%

Correlation

The correlation between AFLG and QCLR is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 26, 2021	0.73

The correlation between AFLG and QCLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

AFLG vs. QCLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AFLG	QCLR
Technology	38.8%	58.7%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	11.4%
Communication Services	9.7%	14.3%
Financial Services	9.4%	0.2%
Industrials	8.3%	2.6%
Healthcare	6.4%	3.7%
Energy	4.4%	0.5%
Utilities	3.6%	1.2%
Basic Materials	3.4%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	6.4%
Real Estate	2.7%	0.1%

Return for Risk

AFLG vs. QCLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFLG

AFLG Risk / Return Rank: 61
AFLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
AFLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
AFLG Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AFLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
AFLG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

QCLR

QCLR Risk / Return Rank: 23
QCLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
QCLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
QCLR Omega Ratio Rank: 24
QCLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
QCLR Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

AFLG vs. QCLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) and Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR). 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.

	AFLG	QCLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	0.83	+0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	1.16	+1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.16	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	0.79	+1.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.18	2.81	+8.36

AFLG vs. QCLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is higher than the QCLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFLG and QCLR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AFLG vs. QCLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFLG drawdown since its inception was -35.84%, which is greater than QCLR's maximum drawdown of -21.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFLG and QCLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFLG	QCLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.84%	-21.77%	-14.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.19%	-10.22%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.49%	-13.58%	-3.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.94%	-2.15%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-6.13%	+0.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.86%	2.85%	-0.99%

Volatility

AFLG vs. QCLR - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) has a higher volatility of 4.12% compared to Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR) at 1.67%. This indicates that AFLG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QCLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFLG	QCLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	1.67%	+2.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.43%	6.51%	+2.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.89%	9.64%	+2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.89%	12.37%	+3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.17%	12.37%	+6.80%

AFLG vs. QCLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFLG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFLG vs. QCLR - Dividend Comparison

AFLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, less than QCLR's 14.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFLG First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF	0.88%	0.84%	0.53%	1.53%	1.52%	0.93%	1.28%	0.20%
QCLR Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF	14.87%	14.89%	8.89%	0.47%	0.27%	1.64%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFLG and QCLR in my portfolio?

AFLG and QCLR have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFLG or QCLR?

AFLG has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to QCLR (1.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFLG dropped -35.84% vs QCLR's -21.77%.

Which ETF is better, AFLG or QCLR?

On 3-year performance, AFLG leads with 21.12% vs 14.08% for QCLR. On fees, AFLG is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, QCLR has been the lower-risk option at 1.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFLG or QCLR?

Over the 3-year period, AFLG has performed better with a 21.12% return vs 14.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFLG or QCLR?

AFLG is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFLG or QCLR?

QCLR has the higher dividend yield at 14.87%, compared with 0.88% for AFLG.

What is the main difference between AFLG and QCLR?

AFLG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QCLR is Nasdaq-100. AFLG tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Large Cap Equity Index, while QCLR tracks NASDAQ-100 Quarterly Collar 95-110 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for AFLG and 0.60% for QCLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFLG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 0.83), 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.