FLN vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FLN (First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FLN is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Latin America 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, FLN returned 8.41%/yr vs 14.37%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLN charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FLN vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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, FLN achieves a 14.24% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 20.15% return. Over the past 10 years, FLN has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 8.41%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 14.37% annualized return.

FLN

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: 0.70%
• 6M: 8.80%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 1Y: 36.58%
• 3Y*: 13.82%
• 5Y*: 10.23%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

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)

FLN vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLN First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund	14.24%	55.05%	-23.10%	29.68%	2.73%	-6.94%	-12.27%	27.22%	-8.31%	21.54%
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 FLN and QCLN is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2011	0.37

FLN vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLN	QCLN
Financial Services	23.6%	1.4%
Utilities	16.2%	8.1%
Basic Materials	12.9%	7.8%
Industrials	12.5%	24.8%
Energy	9.4%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.8%	-
Communication Services	6.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	10.2%
Real Estate	5.1%	-
Technology	2.1%	47.6%
Healthcare	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

FLN vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLN

FLN Risk / Return Rank: 64
FLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
FLN Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FLN Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

FLN vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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.

	FLN	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.41	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	1.90	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.24	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	2.53	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.50	8.78	-1.27

FLN vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLN 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

FLN vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLN drawdown since its inception was -57.95%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLN and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLN	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.95%	-76.18%	+18.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.10%	-21.76%	+8.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.23%	-56.08%	+30.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.95%	-69.49%	+43.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.75%	-71.73%	+13.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.92%	-37.93%	+30.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.84%	-43.37%	+24.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	6.27%	-1.38%

Volatility

FLN vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) is 5.29%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.41%. This indicates that FLN 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

	FLN	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.29%	17.41%	-12.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.59%	32.06%	-14.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.21%	39.27%	-18.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	38.85%	-16.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.49%	35.39%	-7.90%

FLN vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLN has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLN vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLN First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund	3.47%	3.40%	6.26%	4.17%	5.57%	4.70%	1.64%	1.91%	3.08%	10.28%	1.06%	2.34%
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 FLN and QCLN in my portfolio?

FLN and QCLN have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLN or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.41%) compared to FLN (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLN dropped -57.95% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FLN or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 14.37% vs 8.41% for FLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FLN has been the lower-risk option at 5.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLN or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 14.37% return vs 8.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLN or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FLN.

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

FLN has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FLN and QCLN?

FLN is categorized as Latin America Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FLN tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Latin America Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FLN and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 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.