CRPT vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

CRPT (First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - CRPT is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. CRPT is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CRPT returned 14.07%/yr vs -2.03%/yr for QCLN. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CRPT charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

CRPT vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) 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, CRPT achieves a -23.76% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 17.17% return.

CRPT

• 1D: -2.03%
• 1M: -16.17%
• 6M: -37.26%
• YTD: -23.76%
• 1Y: -54.33%
• 3Y*: 14.07%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -14.40%
• 6M: 5.40%
• YTD: 17.17%
• 1Y: 46.07%
• 3Y*: -2.03%
• 5Y*: -2.92%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

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

CRPT vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CRPT First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF	-23.76%	-9.54%	75.29%	193.86%	-80.84%	-9.59%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	17.17%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	7.96%

Correlation

The correlation between CRPT and QCLN is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2021	0.60

The correlation between CRPT and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.60 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CRPT vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRPT	QCLN
Financial Services	62.0%	1.4%
Technology	26.7%	47.6%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	10.2%
Communication Services	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	24.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

CRPT vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRPT

CRPT Risk / Return Rank: 2
CRPT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
CRPT Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
CRPT Martin Ratio Rank: 1

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 42
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 37
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

CRPT vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) 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.

	CRPT	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.93	1.17	-2.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.44	1.66	-3.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.21	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	1.95	-2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.51	6.75	-8.26

CRPT vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRPT Sharpe Ratio is -0.93, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRPT 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

CRPT vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRPT drawdown since its inception was -88.34%, which is greater than QCLN's maximum drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRPT and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRPT	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.34%	-76.18%	-12.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-55.99%	-23.78%	-32.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.46%	-55.95%	-0.51%
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	-55.76%	-39.47%	-16.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.58%	-43.37%	-9.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.50%	6.85%	+29.65%

Volatility

CRPT vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF (CRPT) is 14.96%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.36%. This indicates that CRPT 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

	CRPT	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.96%	16.36%	-1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.77%	32.44%	+14.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.69%	39.55%	+19.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.44%	38.86%	+33.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.44%	35.41%	+37.03%

CRPT vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRPT has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRPT vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

CRPT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRPT First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF	0.99%	0.75%	1.84%	0.00%	0.03%	1.16%	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 CRPT and QCLN in my portfolio?

CRPT and QCLN have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRPT or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.36%) compared to CRPT (14.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRPT dropped -88.34% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, CRPT or QCLN?

On 3-year performance, CRPT leads with 14.07% vs -2.03% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, CRPT has been the lower-risk option at 14.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRPT or QCLN?

Over the 3-year period, CRPT has performed better with a 14.07% return vs -2.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRPT or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for CRPT.

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

CRPT has the higher dividend yield at 0.99%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between CRPT and QCLN?

CRPT is categorized as Technology Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for CRPT and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs -0.93), 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.