FSCS vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FSCS (First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FSCS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the SMID Capital Strength Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSCS returned 5.04%/yr vs 2.04%/yr for QCLN. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

FSCS vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) 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, FSCS achieves a -1.02% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.00% return.

FSCS

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -1.92%
• YTD: -1.02%
• 6M: -0.96%
• 1Y: -0.14%
• 3Y*: 10.37%
• 5Y*: 5.04%
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 13.54%
• YTD: 52.00%
• 6M: 46.53%
• 1Y: 117.87%
• 3Y*: 12.00%
• 5Y*: 2.04%
• 10Y*: 17.14%

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

FSCS vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF	-1.02%	1.77%	14.98%	16.81%	-9.11%	26.08%	5.71%	28.00%	-12.85%	10.74%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	52.00%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	12.79%

Correlation

The correlation between FSCS and QCLN is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2017	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between FSCS and QCLN has dropped to 0.36 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSCS vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSCS	QCLN
Financial Services	26.6%	1.9%
Industrials	24.4%	30.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	12.6%	-
Real Estate	5.0%	-
Technology	4.8%	20.8%
Healthcare	4.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	9.4%
Energy	3.1%	13.2%
Communication Services	2.0%	-
Utilities	-	13.2%

Return for Risk

FSCS vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSCS

FSCS Risk / Return Rank: 9
FSCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FSCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
FSCS Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FSCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FSCS Martin Ratio Rank: 9

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

FSCS vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) 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.

	FSCS	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.01	3.42	-3.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	3.81	-3.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.47	-0.46
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	7.48	-7.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.04	25.77	-25.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSCS vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSCS Sharpe Ratio is -0.01, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSCS 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSCS	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.01	3.42	-3.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.05	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.20	+0.19

Drawdowns

FSCS vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSCS drawdown since its inception was -43.57%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSCS and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSCS	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.57%	-76.18%	+32.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.81%	-15.86%	+8.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.55%	-56.08%	+36.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.25%	-69.49%	+48.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.84%	-21.47%	+14.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.99%	-43.44%	+37.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.62%	4.59%	-0.97%

Volatility

FSCS vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) is 2.96%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.57%. This indicates that FSCS 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

	FSCS	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.96%	12.57%	-9.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.24%	26.03%	-17.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.69%	34.68%	-21.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.09%	37.96%	-19.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.20%	34.90%	-13.70%

FSCS vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FSCS and QCLN have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

FSCS vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSCS First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF	0.91%	0.75%	1.12%	1.47%	1.71%	1.21%	1.33%	1.68%	1.67%	0.67%	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

Can I hold both FSCS and QCLN in my portfolio?

FSCS and QCLN have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSCS or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.57%) compared to FSCS (2.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSCS dropped -43.57% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FSCS or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, FSCS leads with 5.04% vs 2.04% for QCLN. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, FSCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSCS or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, FSCS has performed better with a 5.04% return vs 2.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSCS or QCLN?

FSCS and QCLN have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

FSCS has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FSCS and QCLN?

FSCS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FSCS tracks SMID Capital Strength Index, while QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs -0.01), 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.