FTXR vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTXR (First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXR is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation 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, FTXR returned 7.06%/yr vs -1.13%/yr for QCLN. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FTXR vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) 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, FTXR achieves a 14.22% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.20% return.

FTXR

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 14.22%
• 6M: 11.94%
• 1Y: 42.37%
• 3Y*: 17.82%
• 5Y*: 7.06%
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -6.27%
• 1M: -3.52%
• YTD: 37.20%
• 6M: 31.57%
• 1Y: 92.03%
• 3Y*: 8.84%
• 5Y*: -1.13%
• 10Y*: 16.79%

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

FTXR vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	14.22%	14.70%	17.09%	20.93%	-25.38%	24.02%	15.03%	14.82%	-15.27%	15.82%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.20%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXR and QCLN is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.62

The correlation between FTXR and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTXR vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXR	QCLN
Industrials	64.7%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	34.8%	10.2%
Energy	0.5%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	47.6%
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

FTXR vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXR

FTXR Risk / Return Rank: 60
FTXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FTXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FTXR Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FTXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FTXR Martin Ratio Rank: 59

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 78
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 64
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

FTXR vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FTXR	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.47	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.90	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.37	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	5.64	-2.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.95	18.14	-8.19

FTXR vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXR Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXR 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

FTXR vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXR drawdown since its inception was -52.06%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXR and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXR	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.06%	-76.18%	+24.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.49%	-16.40%	+1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.71%	-56.08%	+26.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.96%	-69.49%	+35.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-29.12%	+26.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.00%	-43.40%	+32.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	5.09%	-0.82%

Volatility

FTXR vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) is 7.52%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.77%. This indicates that FTXR 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

	FTXR	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.52%	17.77%	-10.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.15%	29.96%	-12.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.07%	37.45%	-15.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.98%	38.54%	-14.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.76%	35.21%	-10.45%

FTXR vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FTXR vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FTXR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.14%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXR First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF	1.14%	1.52%	2.13%	1.50%	2.38%	0.67%	0.33%	1.34%	1.74%	1.18%	0.24%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.16%	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 FTXR and QCLN in my portfolio?

FTXR and QCLN have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXR or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to FTXR (7.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXR dropped -52.06% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FTXR or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, FTXR leads with 7.06% vs -1.13% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FTXR has been the lower-risk option at 7.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXR or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, FTXR has performed better with a 7.06% return vs -1.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXR or QCLN?

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

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

FTXR has the higher dividend yield at 1.14%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between FTXR and QCLN?

FTXR is categorized as Industrials Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FTXR tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Transportation Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXR and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.94), 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.