BUFH vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BUFH (FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - BUFH is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUFH charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

BUFH vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) 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, BUFH achieves a 2.45% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.94% return.

BUFH

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 2.45%
• 6M: 2.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 16.40%
• YTD: 52.94%
• 6M: 50.79%
• 1Y: 120.21%
• 3Y*: 12.03%
• 5Y*: 2.16%
• 10Y*: 17.39%

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

BUFH vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	2.45%	3.89%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	52.94%	38.11%

Correlation

The correlation between BUFH and QCLN is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

BUFH vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

BUFH vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF (BUFH) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BUFH	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.91	0.20	+2.71

Drawdowns

BUFH vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUFH drawdown since its inception was -1.53%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFH and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUFH	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-76.18%	+74.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.86%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-56.08%	—
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	-0.05%	-20.99%	+20.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-43.45%	+43.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BUFH	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37%	34.88%	-32.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.37%	37.97%	-35.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.37%	34.91%	-32.54%

BUFH vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUFH has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUFH vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

BUFH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUFH FT Vest Laddered Max Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.15%	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 BUFH and QCLN in my portfolio?

BUFH and QCLN have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BUFH or QCLN?

On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUFH or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for BUFH.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.15%, compared with 0.00% for BUFH.

What is the main difference between BUFH and QCLN?

BUFH is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BUFH and 0.60% for QCLN.