FMTL vs. QCLN
FMTL (First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTL is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMTL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.
Performance
FMTL vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FMTL achieves a 13.89% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 28.74% return.
FMTL
- 1D
- 0.81%
- 1M
- -11.71%
- YTD
- 13.89%
- 6M
- 13.30%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
QCLN
- 1D
- -5.56%
- 1M
- -13.37%
- YTD
- 28.74%
- 6M
- 23.80%
- 1Y
- 73.95%
- 3Y*
- 5.64%
- 5Y*
- -2.49%
- 10Y*
- 16.05%
FMTL vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | 13.89% | 21.85% |
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 28.74% | 0.30% |
Correlation
The correlation between FMTL and QCLN is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2025 | 0.62 |
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Return for Risk
FMTL vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank
FMTL
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
QCLN
FMTL vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF (FMTL) 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.
| FMTL | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.31 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 4.53 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 14.02 | — |
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Drawdowns
FMTL vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FMTL drawdown since its inception was -22.44%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTL and QCLN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FMTL | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.44% | -76.18% | +53.74% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -16.40% | — |
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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -14.61% | -33.49% | +18.88% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.46% | -43.39% | +37.93% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 5.29% | — |
Volatility
FMTL vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FMTL | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 17.71% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 30.37% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 40.42% | 37.88% | +2.54% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 38.61% | +1.81% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 40.42% | 35.23% | +5.19% |
FMTL vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison
FMTL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.
Dividends
FMTL vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison
FMTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FMTL First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF | 1.63% | 0.06% | 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 | 0.15% | 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
FMTL and QCLN have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FMTL.
FMTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.
FMTL is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FMTL tracks Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FMTL and 0.59% for QCLN.
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