FDNI vs. QCLN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FDNI (First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FDNI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones International Internet 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, FDNI returned -7.52%/yr vs -5.50%/yr for QCLN. Their 0.55 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FDNI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FDNI vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) 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, FDNI achieves a -18.17% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 10.48% return.

FDNI

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 7.51%
• 6M: -16.34%
• YTD: -18.17%
• 1Y: -14.73%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: -7.52%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.14%

QCLN

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -13.14%
• 6M: 0.01%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 1Y: 41.09%
• 3Y*: -2.29%
• 5Y*: -5.50%
• 10Y*: 13.08%
• ALL TIME*: 5.32%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FDNI First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF	$192.35K	$352.24K	$738.30K
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	$12.39M	$13.63M	$14.46M

FDNI vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FDNI First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF	-18.17%	25.64%	22.46%	1.78%	-38.38%	-20.59%	85.27%	38.38%	-8.39%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	10.48%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-7.56%

Correlation

The correlation between FDNI and QCLN is 0.43, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2018	0.55

The correlation between FDNI and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FDNI vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDNI	QCLN
Consumer Cyclical	41.2%	14.2%
Communication Services	35.0%	-
Technology	19.5%	43.0%
Financial Services	3.7%	1.5%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Healthcare	0.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Industrials	-	25.3%
Utilities	-	7.9%

Return for Risk

FDNI vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FDNI

FDNI Risk / Return Rank: 5
FDNI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FDNI Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
FDNI Martin Ratio Rank: 6

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 39
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 38
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 42

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FDNI vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) 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.

	FDNI	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.66	0.99	-1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.82	1.48	-2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.18	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.45	1.25	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.77	4.64	-5.41

FDNI vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDNI Sharpe Ratio is -0.66, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDNI 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

FDNI vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDNI drawdown since its inception was -71.08%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDNI and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDNI	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.08%	-76.18%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.42%	-32.12%	-5.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.42%	-50.96%	+13.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.70%	-69.49%	+5.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.38%	-42.92%	-6.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.88%	-43.36%	+8.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.59%	8.62%	+12.97%

Volatility

FDNI vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) is 7.30%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 15.14%. This indicates that FDNI 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

	FDNI	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.30%	15.14%	-7.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.06%	33.63%	-13.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.13%	40.58%	-15.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.57%	38.97%	-2.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.39%	35.54%	-1.15%

FDNI vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDNI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDNI vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FDNI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDNI First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF	1.36%	1.12%	1.07%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.16%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 FDNI and QCLN in my portfolio?

FDNI and QCLN have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDNI or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (15.14%) compared to FDNI (7.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDNI dropped -71.08% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FDNI or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, QCLN leads with -5.50% vs -7.52% for FDNI. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FDNI has been the lower-risk option at 7.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDNI or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, QCLN has performed better with a -5.50% return vs -7.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDNI or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FDNI.

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

FDNI has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.17% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FDNI and QCLN?

FDNI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FDNI tracks Dow Jones International Internet Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FDNI and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.99 vs -0.66), 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.