BNGE vs. QCLN

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

BNGE (First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - BNGE is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BNGE returned 12.35%/yr vs 1.02%/yr for QCLN. Their 0.64 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. BNGE charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

BNGE vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNGE achieves a -16.13% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 15.06% return.

BNGE

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -0.74%
• 6M: -4.84%
• YTD: -16.13%
• 1Y: -16.48%
• 3Y*: 12.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.35%

QCLN

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -12.61%
• 6M: 3.53%
• YTD: 15.06%
• 1Y: 47.61%
• 3Y*: 1.02%
• 5Y*: -4.81%
• 10Y*: 13.43%
• ALL TIME*: 5.53%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BNGE First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF	$11.55K	$38.53K	$25.93K
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	$11.75M	$11.34M	$14.04M

BNGE vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BNGE First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF	-16.13%	35.18%	19.23%	37.21%	-28.77%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	15.06%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-12.92%

Correlation

The correlation between BNGE and QCLN is 0.36, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 26, 2022	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between BNGE and QCLN has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

BNGE vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNGE	QCLN
Communication Services	64.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	27.9%	14.2%
Technology	7.5%	43.0%
Basic Materials	-	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	1.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	25.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	7.9%

Return for Risk

BNGE vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

BNGE

BNGE Risk / Return Rank: 3
BNGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BNGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BNGE Omega Ratio Rank: 3
BNGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
BNGE Martin Ratio Rank: 4

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 39
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 38
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 42

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

BNGE vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN). 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.

	BNGE	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.91	1.17	-2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.21	1.67	-2.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.21	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.59	1.49	-2.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.97	5.28	-6.25

BNGE vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNGE Sharpe Ratio is -0.91, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNGE and QCLN, 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

BNGE vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNGE drawdown since its inception was -40.54%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNGE and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNGE	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.54%	-76.18%	+35.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.88%	-32.12%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.88%	-50.41%	+22.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-69.49%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.72%	-40.56%	+17.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.18%	-43.36%	+29.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.05%	9.04%	+8.01%

Volatility

BNGE vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF (BNGE) is 5.66%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 13.69%. This indicates that BNGE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNGE	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	13.69%	-8.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	33.76%	-19.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.10%	40.78%	-22.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.94%	39.04%	-14.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.94%	35.57%	-10.63%

BNGE vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNGE has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNGE vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

BNGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BNGE First Trust S-Network Streaming and Gaming ETF	0.38%	0.89%	0.01%	0.81%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.16%	0.25%	0.87%	0.76%	0.33%	0.01%	0.30%	0.85%	1.03%	0.45%	1.24%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNGE and QCLN in my portfolio?

BNGE and QCLN have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNGE or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (13.69%) compared to BNGE (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNGE dropped -40.54% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, BNGE or QCLN?

On 3-year performance, BNGE leads with 12.35% vs 1.02% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, BNGE has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNGE or QCLN?

Over the 3-year period, BNGE has performed better with a 12.35% return vs 1.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNGE or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for BNGE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNGE or QCLN?

BNGE has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between BNGE and QCLN?

BNGE is categorized as Technology Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. BNGE tracks S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for BNGE and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs -0.91), 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.