FGD vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FGD is a Global Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend 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, FGD returned 9.69%/yr vs 14.37%/yr for QCLN. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

FGD vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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, FGD achieves a 11.27% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 20.15% return. Over the past 10 years, FGD has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 9.69%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 14.37% annualized return.

FGD

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: -1.46%
• 6M: 9.73%
• YTD: 11.27%
• 1Y: 24.35%
• 3Y*: 20.79%
• 5Y*: 11.45%
• 10Y*: 9.69%

QCLN

• 1D: -3.82%
• 1M: -12.88%
• 6M: 9.07%
• YTD: 20.15%
• 1Y: 54.85%
• 3Y*: -0.11%
• 5Y*: -2.97%
• 10Y*: 14.37%

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

FGD vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	11.27%	44.42%	5.71%	8.20%	-7.25%	20.83%	-5.23%	20.64%	-12.49%	17.87%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	20.15%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD and QCLN is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 27, 2007	0.55

The correlation between FGD and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FGD vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGD	QCLN
Financial Services	33.8%	1.4%
Industrials	14.3%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	10.2%
Energy	9.2%	0.1%
Communication Services	9.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	-
Basic Materials	6.5%	7.8%
Utilities	4.8%	8.1%
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Technology	1.5%	47.6%
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

FGD vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 70
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 75
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 59

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 54
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 46
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

FGD vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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.

	FGD	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.41	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	1.90	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.24	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.53	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.25	8.78	-0.52

FGD vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD 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

FGD vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-76.18%	+8.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-21.76%	+11.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	-56.08%	+44.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	-69.49%	+40.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	-71.73%	+26.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-37.93%	+36.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.52%	-43.37%	+30.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.96%	6.27%	-3.31%

Volatility

FGD vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) is 3.63%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.41%. This indicates that FGD 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

	FGD	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.63%	17.41%	-13.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	32.06%	-21.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	39.27%	-26.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.91%	38.85%	-23.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.92%	35.39%	-17.47%

FGD vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FGD and QCLN have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

FGD vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.25%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.25%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.16%	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 FGD and QCLN in my portfolio?

FGD and QCLN have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGD or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.41%) compared to FGD (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 14.37% vs 9.69% for FGD. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 3.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 14.37% return vs 9.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or QCLN?

FGD and QCLN have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

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

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.25%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FGD and QCLN?

FGD is categorized as Global Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.41), 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.