FTXO vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FTXO (First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXO is a Financials Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ US Banks 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, FTXO returned 8.30%/yr vs -1.46%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTXO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTXO vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO) 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, FTXO achieves a 10.30% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 35.74% return.

FTXO

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 8.86%
• YTD: 10.30%
• 6M: 7.40%
• 1Y: 30.62%
• 3Y*: 29.39%
• 5Y*: 8.30%
• 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)

FTXO vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXO First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF	10.30%	21.32%	29.05%	0.05%	-17.93%	40.53%	-12.53%	30.11%	-21.79%	14.25%
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 FTXO and QCLN is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2016	0.47

The correlation between FTXO and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.34 (1 year) to 0.51 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXO vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXO	QCLN
Financial Services	100.0%	1.4%
Technology	0.4%	47.6%
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	24.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

FTXO vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXO

FTXO Risk / Return Rank: 43
FTXO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
FTXO Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FTXO Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FTXO Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
FTXO Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

FTXO vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO) 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.

	FTXO	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.32	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.77	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.35	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	5.30	-3.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	16.86	-11.77

FTXO vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXO Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXO 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

FTXO vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXO drawdown since its inception was -55.26%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXO and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXO	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.26%	-76.18%	+20.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.69%	-16.40%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.84%	-56.08%	+30.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.55%	-69.49%	+22.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-29.88%	+29.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.79%	-43.39%	+27.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.03%	5.14%	+0.89%

Volatility

FTXO vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO) is 5.88%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.65%. This indicates that FTXO 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

	FTXO	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.88%	17.65%	-11.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.76%	29.87%	-14.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.80%	37.47%	-16.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.90%	38.54%	-11.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.93%	35.21%	-5.28%

FTXO vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FTXO vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTXO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXO First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF	1.63%	1.92%	2.18%	3.20%	2.94%	1.64%	2.74%	2.53%	3.51%	1.09%	0.16%	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 FTXO and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTXO and QCLN have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXO or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.65%) compared to FTXO (5.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXO dropped -55.26% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTXO or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, FTXO leads with 8.30% vs -1.46% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTXO has been the lower-risk option at 5.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXO or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, FTXO has performed better with a 8.30% return vs -1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXO or QCLN?

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

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

FTXO has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.17% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTXO and QCLN?

FTXO is categorized as Financials Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTXO tracks NASDAQ US Banks Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXO and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.48), 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.