DRIV vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DRIV (Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DRIV is a Global Equities fund tracking the Solactive Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DRIV returned 9.02%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for QCLN. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DRIV charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

DRIV vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) 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, DRIV achieves a 36.09% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 46.37% return.

DRIV

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -0.36%
• YTD: 36.09%
• 6M: 33.56%
• 1Y: 83.16%
• 3Y*: 19.16%
• 5Y*: 9.02%
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: 2.93%
• YTD: 46.37%
• 6M: 38.49%
• 1Y: 106.69%
• 3Y*: 11.22%
• 5Y*: 0.23%
• 10Y*: 17.54%

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

DRIV vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRIV Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF	36.09%	30.42%	-5.04%	26.14%	-34.13%	27.80%	62.76%	28.54%	-21.03%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	46.37%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-9.98%

Correlation

The correlation between DRIV and QCLN is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 17, 2018	0.83

The correlation between DRIV and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRIV vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRIV	QCLN
Technology	37.3%	47.6%
Consumer Cyclical	25.3%	10.2%
Industrials	18.0%	24.8%
Basic Materials	13.7%	7.8%
Communication Services	5.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	1.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

DRIV vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRIV

DRIV Risk / Return Rank: 89
DRIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DRIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
DRIV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DRIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DRIV Martin Ratio Rank: 90

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 85
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 74
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

DRIV vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) 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.

	DRIV	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.08	2.91	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	3.29	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.42	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.23	6.54	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.02	21.21	-1.19

DRIV vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRIV Sharpe Ratio is 3.08, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRIV 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

DRIV vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRIV drawdown since its inception was -41.93%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRIV and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRIV	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.93%	-76.18%	+34.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.43%	-16.40%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.18%	-56.08%	+21.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.93%	-69.49%	+27.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.34%	-24.38%	+19.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.08%	-43.40%	+28.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	5.05%	-0.88%

Volatility

DRIV vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) is 12.79%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.78%. This indicates that DRIV 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

	DRIV	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.79%	16.78%	-3.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.12%	29.37%	-7.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.22%	36.95%	-9.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.49%	38.45%	-10.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.59%	35.18%	-7.59%

DRIV vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRIV has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRIV vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

DRIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRIV Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF	0.79%	1.07%	2.07%	1.62%	1.24%	0.32%	0.29%	1.23%	2.79%	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 DRIV and QCLN in my portfolio?

DRIV and QCLN have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRIV or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.78%) compared to DRIV (12.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRIV dropped -41.93% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, DRIV or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, DRIV leads with 9.02% vs 0.23% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, DRIV has been the lower-risk option at 12.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRIV or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, DRIV has performed better with a 9.02% return vs 0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRIV or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for DRIV.

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

DRIV has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between DRIV and QCLN?

DRIV is categorized as Global Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. DRIV tracks Solactive Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for DRIV and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.08 vs 2.91), 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.