ECLN vs. FXU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ECLN (First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both Utilities Equities funds from First Trust. ECLN is actively managed, while FXU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ECLN returned 11.85%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for FXU. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ECLN charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

ECLN vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ECLN achieves a 12.15% return, which is significantly higher than FXU's 6.16% return.

ECLN

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -2.95%
• YTD: 12.15%
• 6M: 10.16%
• 1Y: 19.15%
• 3Y*: 17.15%
• 5Y*: 11.85%
• 10Y*: —

FXU

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -3.16%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 5.04%
• 1Y: 13.42%
• 3Y*: 17.52%
• 5Y*: 11.68%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

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

ECLN vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	12.15%	16.78%	22.60%	-3.36%	5.28%	12.26%	8.98%	5.66%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	6.16%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	17.67%	1.53%	4.48%

Correlation

The correlation between ECLN and FXU is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 21, 2019	0.87

The correlation between ECLN and FXU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

ECLN vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ECLN	FXU
Utilities	76.4%	92.0%
Energy	16.3%	3.7%
Industrials	6.8%	4.2%
Technology	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ECLN vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ECLN

ECLN Risk / Return Rank: 59
ECLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
ECLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ECLN Omega Ratio Rank: 50
ECLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ECLN Martin Ratio Rank: 59

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 28
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

ECLN vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	ECLN	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.02	+0.81
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	1.45	+1.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.18	+0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	1.56	+2.27
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.36	4.43	+5.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ECLN vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ECLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ECLN and FXU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ECLN	FXU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	1.02	+0.81
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.71	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.42	+0.26

Drawdowns

ECLN vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ECLN drawdown since its inception was -32.28%, smaller than the maximum FXU drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ECLN and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ECLN	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.28%	-49.00%	+16.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.02%	-8.63%	+3.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.68%	-17.46%	+2.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.88%	-21.87%	+1.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.65%	-7.34%	+3.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.99%	-7.64%	+2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.86%	3.07%	-1.21%

Volatility

ECLN vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN) is 3.85%, while First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) has a volatility of 4.65%. This indicates that ECLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ECLN	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.85%	4.65%	-0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.15%	10.14%	-1.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.51%	13.17%	-2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.22%	16.58%	-2.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.41%	18.33%	-0.92%

ECLN vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ECLN has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

ECLN vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

ECLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.83%, less than FXU's 2.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	1.83%	1.97%	2.52%	2.54%	1.72%	1.66%	1.68%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.20%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ECLN and FXU in my portfolio?

ECLN and FXU have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ECLN or FXU?

FXU has higher volatility (4.65%) compared to ECLN (3.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ECLN dropped -32.28% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, ECLN or FXU?

On 5-year performance, ECLN leads with 11.85% vs 11.68% for FXU. On fees, FXU is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, ECLN has been the lower-risk option at 3.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ECLN or FXU?

Over the 5-year period, ECLN has performed better with a 11.85% return vs 11.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ECLN or FXU?

FXU is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for ECLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ECLN or FXU?

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.20%, compared with 1.83% for ECLN.

What is the main difference between ECLN and FXU?

Their fees differ too: 0.97% for ECLN and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.02), 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.