FTKI vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FTKI (First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTKI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. FTKI is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past year, FTKI returned 21.75% vs 56.36% for QCLN. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTKI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTKI vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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, FTKI achieves a 13.33% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 22.86% return.

FTKI

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.78%
• 6M: 11.92%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 1Y: 21.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -13.76%
• 6M: 11.63%
• YTD: 22.86%
• 1Y: 56.36%
• 3Y*: 0.64%
• 5Y*: -1.99%
• 10Y*: 14.62%

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

FTKI vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FTKI First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF	13.33%	4.33%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	22.86%	41.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FTKI and QCLN is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2025	0.55

The correlation between FTKI and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTKI vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTKI	QCLN
Financial Services	18.6%	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	13.8%	10.2%
Industrials	13.8%	24.8%
Technology	13.8%	47.6%
Healthcare	13.1%	-
Energy	7.6%	0.1%
Real Estate	7.6%	-
Basic Materials	4.8%	7.8%
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-
Utilities	1.4%	8.1%

Return for Risk

FTKI vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTKI

FTKI Risk / Return Rank: 85
FTKI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
FTKI Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FTKI Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FTKI Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
FTKI Martin Ratio Rank: 83

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 54
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 45
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FTKI vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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.

	FTKI	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.44	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	1.94	+1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.24	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	2.60	+1.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.16	8.68	+4.48

FTKI vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTKI Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is higher than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTKI 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

FTKI vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTKI drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTKI and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTKI	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-76.18%	+61.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.56%	-21.76%	+16.20%
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	-0.31%	-36.53%	+36.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-43.37%	+40.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.66%	6.51%	-4.85%

Volatility

FTKI vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) is 2.20%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.44%. This indicates that FTKI 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

	FTKI	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.20%	16.44%	-14.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.57%	32.09%	-24.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	39.26%	-29.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.88%	38.83%	-23.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.88%	35.39%	-20.51%

FTKI vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTKI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTKI vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTKI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.23%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTKI First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF	11.23%	8.99%	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

Can I hold both FTKI and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTKI and QCLN have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTKI or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.44%) compared to FTKI (2.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTKI dropped -15.17% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTKI or QCLN?

On 1-year performance, QCLN leads with 56.36% vs 21.75% for FTKI. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTKI has been the lower-risk option at 2.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTKI or QCLN?

Over the 1-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 56.36% return vs 21.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTKI or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FTKI.

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

FTKI has the higher dividend yield at 11.23%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTKI and QCLN?

FTKI is categorized as Derivative Income, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FTKI and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTKI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.44), 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.