EVX vs. ECLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EVX (VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF) and ECLN (First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EVX is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index, while ECLN is a Utilities Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. EVX is passively managed, while ECLN is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, EVX returned 7.63%/yr vs 12.01%/yr for ECLN. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EVX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for ECLN.

Performance

EVX vs. ECLN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EVX achieves a 4.05% return, which is significantly lower than ECLN's 12.96% return.

EVX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 4.05%
• 6M: 2.79%
• 1Y: 5.55%
• 3Y*: 9.69%
• 5Y*: 7.63%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

ECLN

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -1.81%
• YTD: 12.96%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 20.96%
• 3Y*: 17.40%
• 5Y*: 12.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

EVX vs. ECLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
EVX VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF	4.05%	11.72%	12.99%	12.97%	-10.58%	27.47%	13.28%	1.96%
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	12.96%	16.78%	22.60%	-3.36%	5.28%	12.26%	8.98%	5.66%

Correlation

The correlation between EVX and ECLN is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2019	0.57

The correlation between EVX and ECLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.61 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EVX vs. ECLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EVX	ECLN
Industrials	85.3%	6.8%
Basic Materials	7.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Utilities	2.1%	76.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.5%
Energy	-0.0%	16.3%

Return for Risk

EVX vs. ECLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

EVX

EVX Risk / Return Rank: 14
EVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
EVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
EVX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
EVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
EVX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

ECLN

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

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.

EVX vs. ECLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) and First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN). 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.

	EVX	ECLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.41	2.08	-1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.65	3.03	-2.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.36	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.51	4.33	-3.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.16	11.59	-10.43

EVX vs. ECLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EVX Sharpe Ratio is 0.41, which is lower than the ECLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EVX and ECLN, 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

EVX vs. ECLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EVX drawdown since its inception was -55.91%, which is greater than ECLN's maximum drawdown of -32.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EVX and ECLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	EVX	ECLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.91%	-32.28%	-23.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-5.02%	-5.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.33%	-14.68%	-4.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.45%	-19.88%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.00%	-2.96%	-3.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-4.99%	-3.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.80%	1.87%	+2.93%

Volatility

EVX vs. ECLN - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) has a higher volatility of 3.96% compared to First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN) at 3.75%. This indicates that EVX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ECLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EVX	ECLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.96%	3.75%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.06%	8.12%	+1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.75%	10.45%	+3.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.60%	14.22%	+3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.26%	17.39%	+2.87%

EVX vs. ECLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

EVX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than ECLN's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

EVX vs. ECLN - Dividend Comparison

EVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, while ECLN has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	1.81%	1.97%	2.52%	2.54%	1.72%	1.66%	1.68%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EVX VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF	0.18%	0.19%	0.46%	0.95%	0.41%	0.24%	0.32%	0.38%	0.38%	0.89%	0.70%	1.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EVX and ECLN in my portfolio?

EVX and ECLN have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EVX or ECLN?

EVX has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to ECLN (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EVX dropped -55.91% vs ECLN's -32.28%.

Which ETF is better, EVX or ECLN?

On 5-year performance, ECLN leads with 12.01% vs 7.63% for EVX. On fees, EVX is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ECLN has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EVX or ECLN?

Over the 5-year period, ECLN has performed better with a 12.01% return vs 7.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EVX or ECLN?

EVX is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for ECLN.

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

ECLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.18% for EVX.

What is the main difference between EVX and ECLN?

EVX is categorized as Industrials Equities, while ECLN is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for EVX and 0.97% for ECLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 0.41), 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.