FTAG vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global Agriculture Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTAG returned 5.24%/yr vs 17.39%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTAG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTAG vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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, FTAG achieves a 10.75% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.94% return. Over the past 10 years, FTAG has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 5.24%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 17.39% annualized return.

FTAG

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -2.29%
• YTD: 10.75%
• 6M: 12.16%
• 1Y: 14.00%
• 3Y*: 5.07%
• 5Y*: 0.66%
• 10Y*: 5.24%

QCLN

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 16.40%
• YTD: 52.94%
• 6M: 50.79%
• 1Y: 120.21%
• 3Y*: 12.03%
• 5Y*: 2.16%
• 10Y*: 17.39%

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

FTAG vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	10.75%	14.82%	-6.72%	-7.28%	-4.52%	17.31%	13.88%	9.05%	-19.46%	24.88%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	52.94%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FTAG and QCLN is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 15, 2010	0.45

The correlation between FTAG and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.54 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTAG vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTAG	QCLN
Basic Materials	55.5%	9.4%
Industrials	24.1%	30.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.4%	-
Healthcare	7.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	9.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	13.2%
Financial Services	-	1.9%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	20.8%
Utilities	-	13.2%

Return for Risk

FTAG vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 28
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

FTAG vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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.

	FTAG	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	3.49	-2.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	3.86	-2.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.48	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	7.62	-6.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.75	26.28	-22.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTAG vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTAG Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTAG 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

	FTAG	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01	3.49	-2.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.06	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27	0.50	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.33	0.20	-0.53

Drawdowns

FTAG vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTAG drawdown since its inception was -90.89%, which is greater than QCLN's maximum drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTAG and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTAG	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.89%	-76.18%	-14.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.25%	-15.86%	+6.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.87%	-56.08%	+34.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.77%	-69.49%	+36.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.79%	-71.73%	+20.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-78.58%	-20.99%	-57.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-71.24%	-43.45%	-27.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	4.59%	-0.85%

Volatility

FTAG vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) is 3.47%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.56%. This indicates that FTAG 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

	FTAG	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	12.56%	-9.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.53%	26.02%	-15.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.93%	34.88%	-20.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.38%	37.97%	-20.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.66%	34.91%	-15.25%

FTAG vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTAG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTAG vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.37%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
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 FTAG and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTAG and QCLN have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTAG or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.56%) compared to FTAG (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTAG dropped -90.89% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTAG or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.39% vs 5.24% for FTAG. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTAG has been the lower-risk option at 3.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTAG or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.39% return vs 5.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTAG or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

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

FTAG has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTAG and QCLN?

FTAG is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index, while QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTAG and 0.60% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.49 vs 1.01), 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.