FTSL vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FTSL (First Trust Senior Loan Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTSL is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. FTSL is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTSL returned 4.44%/yr vs 17.14%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTSL charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTSL vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) 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, FTSL achieves a 0.65% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.00% return. Over the past 10 years, FTSL has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 4.44%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 17.14% annualized return.

FTSL

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 6M: 0.98%
• 1Y: 4.56%
• 3Y*: 7.36%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 4.44%

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)

FTSL vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	0.65%	5.98%	8.27%	11.58%	-2.50%	3.94%	2.99%	10.11%	-1.30%	2.59%
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%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FTSL and QCLN is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2013	0.31

The correlation between FTSL and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.31 (all time) to 0.46 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTSL vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTSL	QCLN
Basic Materials	100.0%	9.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	13.2%
Financial Services	-	1.9%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	30.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	20.8%
Utilities	-	13.2%

Return for Risk

FTSL vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTSL

FTSL Risk / Return Rank: 63
FTSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FTSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
FTSL Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FTSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FTSL Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

FTSL vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) 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.

	FTSL	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	3.42	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	3.81	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.47	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	7.48	-5.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.30	25.77	-18.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTSL vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTSL 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

	FTSL	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.17	3.42	-1.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.51	0.05	+1.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.49	+0.37
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.20	+0.65

Drawdowns

FTSL vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTSL drawdown since its inception was -22.67%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTSL and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTSL	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.67%	-76.18%	+53.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.33%	-15.86%	+13.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.66%	-56.08%	+53.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-6.96%	-69.49%	+62.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.67%	-71.73%	+49.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-21.47%	+21.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.76%	-43.44%	+42.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.63%	4.59%	-3.96%

Volatility

FTSL vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Senior Loan Fund (FTSL) is 0.36%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.57%. This indicates that FTSL 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

	FTSL	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.36%	12.57%	-12.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.95%	26.03%	-24.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11%	34.68%	-32.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.35%	37.96%	-34.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.18%	34.90%	-29.72%

FTSL vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTSL has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTSL vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.46%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTSL First Trust Senior Loan Fund	6.46%	6.59%	7.56%	7.59%	4.77%	3.17%	3.48%	4.44%	4.29%	3.64%	3.70%	3.95%
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 FTSL and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTSL and QCLN have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTSL or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.57%) compared to FTSL (0.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTSL dropped -22.67% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTSL or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.14% vs 4.44% for FTSL. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTSL has been the lower-risk option at 0.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTSL or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.14% return vs 4.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTSL or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for FTSL.

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

FTSL has the higher dividend yield at 6.46%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTSL and QCLN?

FTSL is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.86% for FTSL and 0.60% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.42 vs 2.17), 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.