FAD vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FAD (First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FAD is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FAD returned 14.97%/yr vs 16.66%/yr for QCLN. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FAD charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FAD vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) 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, FAD achieves a 19.48% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 35.74% return. Over the past 10 years, FAD has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 14.97%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 16.66% annualized return.

FAD

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 5.14%
• YTD: 19.48%
• 6M: 16.52%
• 1Y: 34.16%
• 3Y*: 24.53%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 14.97%

QCLN

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -4.54%
• YTD: 35.74%
• 6M: 29.75%
• 1Y: 86.43%
• 3Y*: 8.46%
• 5Y*: -1.46%
• 10Y*: 16.66%

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

FAD vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	19.48%	17.23%	23.85%	19.07%	-24.06%	21.17%	34.92%	26.66%	-6.45%	25.75%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	35.74%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FAD and QCLN is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2007	0.72

The correlation between FAD and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

FAD vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FAD	QCLN
Technology	27.4%	47.6%
Industrials	25.0%	24.8%
Healthcare	14.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.2%
Financial Services	7.8%	1.4%
Real Estate	3.9%	-
Communication Services	3.1%	-
Basic Materials	2.9%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	-
Utilities	1.5%	8.1%
Energy	1.3%	0.1%

Return for Risk

FAD vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAD

FAD Risk / Return Rank: 64
FAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FAD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FAD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 79
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 65
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

FAD vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) 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.

	FAD	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.32	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.77	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	5.30	-2.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.24	16.86	-4.62

FAD vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAD Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAD 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

FAD vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAD drawdown since its inception was -54.33%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAD and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAD	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.33%	-76.18%	+21.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.66%	-16.40%	+5.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.55%	-56.08%	+32.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.99%	-69.49%	+37.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.25%	-71.73%	+34.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.09%	-29.88%	+27.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.62%	-43.39%	+33.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	5.14%	-2.34%

Volatility

FAD vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FAD) is 7.82%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.65%. This indicates that FAD 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

	FAD	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.82%	17.65%	-9.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.35%	29.87%	-14.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.63%	37.47%	-17.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	38.54%	-17.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.29%	35.21%	-13.92%

FAD vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAD has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAD vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAD First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.09%	0.09%	0.59%	0.51%	0.60%	0.09%	0.32%	0.48%	0.20%	0.22%	0.64%	0.41%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.17%	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 FAD and QCLN in my portfolio?

FAD and QCLN have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAD or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.65%) compared to FAD (7.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAD dropped -54.33% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FAD or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 16.66% vs 14.97% for FAD. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FAD has been the lower-risk option at 7.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAD or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 16.66% return vs 14.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAD or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FAD.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.09% for FAD.

What is the main difference between FAD and QCLN?

FAD is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FAD tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FAD and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.75), 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.