FAN vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FAN (First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the ISE Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. FAN is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FAN returned 14.67%/yr vs 17.94%/yr for VCLN. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FAN charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

FAN vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAN achieves a 20.47% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 25.35% return.

FAN

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: -5.81%
• YTD: 20.47%
• 6M: 20.15%
• 1Y: 38.86%
• 3Y*: 14.67%
• 5Y*: 4.21%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

VCLN

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -6.42%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 23.25%
• 1Y: 72.58%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FAN vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FAN First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF	20.47%	40.38%	-8.96%	-3.20%	-13.12%	-5.54%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	25.35%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FAN and VCLN is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.75

Over the past year, the correlation between FAN and VCLN has dropped to 0.54 - well below their long-term average of 0.75, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FAN vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FAN	VCLN
Utilities	55.7%	34.9%
Industrials	41.3%	35.0%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	-
Energy	1.1%	18.1%
Basic Materials	0.3%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	9.9%

Return for Risk

FAN vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAN

FAN Risk / Return Rank: 63
FAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FAN Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FAN Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 81
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

FAN vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	FAN	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.41	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	3.11	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.51	5.05	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.64	18.41	-6.77

FAN vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAN Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAN and VCLN, 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

FAN vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAN drawdown since its inception was -79.94%, which is greater than VCLN's maximum drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAN and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAN	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.94%	-45.66%	-34.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.13%	-14.45%	+3.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.46%	-29.25%	+4.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.45%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.44%	-10.96%	+1.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-45.08%	-23.91%	-21.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	3.95%	-0.60%

Volatility

FAN vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) is 6.87%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 11.33%. This indicates that FAN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAN	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	11.33%	-4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.93%	21.41%	-5.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.41%	30.43%	-10.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.42%	27.65%	-6.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.96%	27.65%	-6.69%

FAN vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAN has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAN vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

FAN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than VCLN's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAN First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF	1.03%	1.35%	1.52%	1.71%	1.50%	1.79%	0.84%	2.42%	2.67%	2.59%	6.04%	2.35%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.67%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAN and VCLN in my portfolio?

FAN and VCLN have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAN or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.33%) compared to FAN (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAN dropped -79.94% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, FAN or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 17.94% vs 14.67% for FAN. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FAN has been the lower-risk option at 6.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAN or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 17.94% return vs 14.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAN or VCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FAN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAN or VCLN?

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 1.03% for FAN.

What is the main difference between FAN and VCLN?

FAN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for FAN and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.91), 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.