FTRI vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FTRI (First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTRI is a Natural Resources fund tracking the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTRI returned 10.10%/yr vs 17.11%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTRI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTRI vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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, FTRI achieves a 2.20% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 36.32% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRI has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 10.10%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 17.11% annualized return.

FTRI

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -7.57%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 15.14%
• 3Y*: 12.26%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: 10.10%

QCLN

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -8.53%
• YTD: 36.32%
• 6M: 30.31%
• 1Y: 88.28%
• 3Y*: 8.60%
• 5Y*: -1.37%
• 10Y*: 17.11%

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

FTRI vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	2.20%	33.62%	-3.93%	1.53%	7.49%	25.29%	-0.79%	21.97%	-8.34%	11.77%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	36.32%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRI and QCLN is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2015	0.47

The correlation between FTRI and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.46 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTRI vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTRI	QCLN
Basic Materials	56.6%	7.8%
Energy	15.7%	0.1%
Utilities	15.6%	8.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	10.2%
Real Estate	3.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	24.8%
Technology	-	47.6%

Return for Risk

FTRI vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTRI

FTRI Risk / Return Rank: 23
FTRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
FTRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FTRI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FTRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FTRI Martin Ratio Rank: 24

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 82
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

FTRI vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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.

	FTRI	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	2.37	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.16	2.81	-1.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.36	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	5.41	-4.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.92	17.06	-14.14

FTRI vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRI Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRI 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

FTRI vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRI drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRI and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRI	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-76.18%	+32.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.04%	-16.40%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.04%	-56.08%	+39.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-69.49%	+41.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.82%	-71.73%	+27.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.21%	-29.57%	+13.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.49%	-43.39%	+34.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.19%	5.19%	0.00%

Volatility

FTRI vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) is 6.30%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.90%. This indicates that FTRI 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

	FTRI	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	16.90%	-10.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.00%	29.83%	-14.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.22%	37.44%	-19.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.80%	38.54%	-17.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.95%	35.20%	-13.25%

FTRI vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTRI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTRI vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTRI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, more than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	3.15%	2.35%	4.29%	6.56%	8.37%	6.58%	3.64%	6.25%	4.24%	3.60%	2.96%	0.89%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.17%	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 FTRI and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTRI and QCLN have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRI or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.90%) compared to FTRI (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRI dropped -43.82% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTRI or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.11% vs 10.10% for FTRI. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTRI has been the lower-risk option at 6.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTRI or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.11% return vs 10.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTRI or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTRI.

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

FTRI has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 0.17% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTRI and QCLN?

FTRI is categorized as Natural Resources, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTRI tracks Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTRI and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.84), 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.