FGSI vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FGSI (First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FGSI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. FGSI is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past year, FGSI returned 9.70% vs 54.85% for QCLN. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FGSI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FGSI vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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, FGSI achieves a 6.66% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 20.15% return.

FGSI

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 1.94%
• 6M: 3.70%
• YTD: 6.66%
• 1Y: 9.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

FGSI vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FGSI First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF	6.66%	4.53%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	20.15%	38.11%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSI and QCLN 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2025	0.47

FGSI vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGSI	QCLN
Technology	32.6%	47.6%
Healthcare	17.5%	-
Financial Services	15.3%	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.2%	10.2%
Industrials	11.2%	24.8%
Communication Services	6.1%	-
Energy	4.8%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	7.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

FGSI vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGSI

FGSI Risk / Return Rank: 27
FGSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FGSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FGSI Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FGSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FGSI Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

FGSI vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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.

	FGSI	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	1.41	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.16	1.90	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.24	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	2.53	-1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.79	8.78	-4.98

FGSI vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSI Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSI 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

FGSI vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSI drawdown since its inception was -8.25%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSI and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSI	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-76.18%	+67.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.25%	-21.76%	+13.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-56.08%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-69.49%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-37.93%	+36.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.89%	-43.37%	+41.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.56%	6.27%	-3.71%

Volatility

FGSI vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) is 3.63%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.41%. This indicates that FGSI 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

	FGSI	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	10.12%	32.06%	-21.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.61%	39.27%	-26.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.47%	38.85%	-26.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.47%	35.39%	-22.92%

FGSI vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSI vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FGSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.19%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGSI First Trust Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF	8.19%	4.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 FGSI and QCLN in my portfolio?

FGSI and QCLN 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, FGSI or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.41%) compared to FGSI (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSI dropped -8.25% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FGSI or QCLN?

On 1-year performance, QCLN leads with 54.85% vs 9.70% for FGSI. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FGSI 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, FGSI or QCLN?

Over the 1-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 54.85% return vs 9.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSI or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FGSI.

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

FGSI has the higher dividend yield at 8.19%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FGSI and QCLN?

FGSI is categorized as Derivative Income, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FGSI and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 0.77), 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.