DLFE vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

DLFE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DLFE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLFE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

DLFE vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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

DLFE

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -7.90%
• 6M: 14.96%
• YTD: 24.93%
• 1Y: 61.00%
• 3Y*: 1.54%
• 5Y*: -2.98%
• 10Y*: 14.82%

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

DLFE vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	5.28%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	11.04%

Correlation

The correlation between DLFE and QCLN is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2026	0.67

Return for Risk

DLFE vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLFE

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 59
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 48
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

DLFE vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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.

	DLFE	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.51	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.00	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.99	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.61	—

Drawdowns

DLFE vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLFE drawdown since its inception was -5.03%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLFE and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLFE	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-76.18%	+71.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.67%	—
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	0.00%	-35.46%	+35.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-43.37%	+42.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.12%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLFE	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	17.67%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	31.80%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.45%	39.06%	-31.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.45%	38.81%	-31.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.45%	35.35%	-27.90%

DLFE vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DLFE vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

DLFE 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
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	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 DLFE and QCLN in my portfolio?

DLFE and QCLN have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DLFE or QCLN?

On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLFE or QCLN?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between DLFE and QCLN?

DLFE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. DLFE tracks SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DLFE and 0.59% for QCLN.