FTCE vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTCE (First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTCE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FTCE returned 26.64% vs 92.03% for QCLN. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTCE charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTCE vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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, FTCE achieves a 8.46% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.20% return.

FTCE

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 8.46%
• 6M: 7.63%
• 1Y: 26.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -6.27%
• 1M: -3.52%
• YTD: 37.20%
• 6M: 31.57%
• 1Y: 92.03%
• 3Y*: 8.84%
• 5Y*: -1.13%
• 10Y*: 16.79%

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

FTCE vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	8.46%	26.14%	-0.02%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.20%	31.81%	-2.67%

Correlation

The correlation between FTCE and QCLN is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	0.60

The correlation between FTCE and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTCE vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTCE	QCLN
Technology	38.9%	47.6%
Consumer Cyclical	11.9%	10.2%
Financial Services	10.6%	1.4%
Healthcare	8.7%	-
Industrials	8.3%	24.8%
Communication Services	8.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	-
Energy	3.5%	0.1%
Utilities	2.0%	8.1%
Basic Materials	2.0%	7.8%
Real Estate	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

FTCE vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTCE

FTCE Risk / Return Rank: 62
FTCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FTCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FTCE Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FTCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FTCE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 78
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 64
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

FTCE vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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.

	FTCE	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.47	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.90	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	5.64	-3.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.43	18.14	-8.71

FTCE vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTCE Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTCE 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

FTCE vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTCE drawdown since its inception was -18.11%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTCE and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTCE	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.11%	-76.18%	+58.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-16.40%	+6.24%
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	-5.44%	-29.12%	+23.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.55%	-43.40%	+40.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	5.09%	-2.26%

Volatility

FTCE vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) is 5.77%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.77%. This indicates that FTCE 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

	FTCE	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.77%	17.77%	-12.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.06%	29.96%	-18.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.76%	37.45%	-23.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.88%	38.54%	-21.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.88%	35.21%	-18.33%

FTCE vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTCE has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTCE vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTCE First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF	0.83%	0.96%	0.28%	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 FTCE and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTCE and QCLN have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTCE or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to FTCE (5.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTCE dropped -18.11% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTCE or QCLN?

On 1-year performance, QCLN leads with 92.03% vs 26.64% for FTCE. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTCE has been the lower-risk option at 5.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTCE or QCLN?

Over the 1-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 92.03% return vs 26.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTCE or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTCE.

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

FTCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.83%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTCE and QCLN?

FTCE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTCE tracks Bloomberg New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTCE and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.95), 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.