FTXG vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned -0.10%/yr vs -1.46%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTXG vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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, FTXG achieves a 7.25% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 35.74% return.

FTXG

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 7.25%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 2.24%
• 3Y*: -2.29%
• 5Y*: -0.10%
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -4.54%
• YTD: 35.74%
• 6M: 29.75%
• 1Y: 86.43%
• 3Y*: 8.46%
• 5Y*: -1.46%
• 10Y*: 16.66%

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

FTXG vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	7.25%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	35.74%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and QCLN is -0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2016	0.22

The correlation between FTXG and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from -0.02 (1 year) to 0.22 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXG vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	QCLN
Consumer Defensive	94.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	7.8%
Industrials	1.5%	24.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.2%
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	1.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	47.6%
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 11
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 10
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 11

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 79
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 65
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

FTXG vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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.

	FTXG	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.16	2.32	-2.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.33	2.77	-2.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.35	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.22	5.30	-5.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.40	16.86	-16.46

FTXG vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.16, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG 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

FTXG vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-76.18%	+44.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-16.40%	+6.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-56.08%	+37.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-69.49%	+47.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.64%	-29.88%	+16.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-43.39%	+35.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.60%	5.14%	+0.46%

Volatility

FTXG vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) is 4.61%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.65%. This indicates that FTXG 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

	FTXG	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.61%	17.65%	-13.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.15%	29.87%	-19.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.00%	37.47%	-23.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.50%	38.54%	-24.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	35.21%	-18.58%

FTXG vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FTXG vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, more than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.72%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%
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 FTXG and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTXG and QCLN have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.65%) compared to FTXG (4.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, FTXG leads with -0.10% vs -1.46% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 4.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, FTXG has performed better with a -0.10% return vs -1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or QCLN?

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

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

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.72%, compared with 0.17% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTXG and QCLN?

FTXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 0.16), 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.