FXL vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FXL (First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FXL is a Technology Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Technology 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, FXL returned 19.44%/yr vs 13.92%/yr for QCLN. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FXL charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

FXL vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FXL having a 17.39% return and QCLN slightly lower at 17.05%. Over the past 10 years, FXL has outperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 19.44%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively lower 13.92% annualized return.

FXL

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: -6.59%
• 6M: 12.97%
• YTD: 17.39%
• 1Y: 26.02%
• 3Y*: 18.18%
• 5Y*: 10.68%
• 10Y*: 19.44%

QCLN

• 1D: -4.73%
• 1M: -15.37%
• 6M: 5.79%
• YTD: 17.05%
• 1Y: 49.81%
• 3Y*: -2.01%
• 5Y*: -2.94%
• 10Y*: 13.92%

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

FXL vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	17.39%	13.29%	16.13%	40.50%	-30.44%	18.20%	54.20%	38.66%	2.72%	35.82%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	17.05%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between FXL and QCLN is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.76

The correlation between FXL and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

FXL vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXL	QCLN
Technology	89.9%	47.6%
Communication Services	5.2%	-
Industrials	3.7%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	10.2%
Financial Services	0.5%	1.4%
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

FXL vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXL

FXL Risk / Return Rank: 38
FXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FXL Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FXL Martin Ratio Rank: 43

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 46
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 39
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

FXL vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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.

	FXL	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	1.27	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.49	1.76	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.22	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	2.11	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.57	7.47	-1.91

FXL vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXL Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXL 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

FXL vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXL drawdown since its inception was -61.41%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXL and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXL	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.41%	-76.18%	+14.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.56%	-23.78%	+10.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.27%	-56.08%	+27.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.49%	-69.49%	+31.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.49%	-71.73%	+33.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.83%	-39.53%	+27.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.34%	-43.37%	+32.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	6.68%	-1.99%

Volatility

FXL vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) is 9.04%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.47%. This indicates that FXL 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

	FXL	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.04%	16.47%	-7.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.78%	32.45%	-11.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.19%	39.56%	-14.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.68%	38.88%	-13.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.47%	35.41%	-9.94%

FXL vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXL has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXL vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

FXL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	0.00%	0.01%	0.11%	0.41%	0.34%	0.11%	0.04%	0.37%	0.32%	0.27%	1.12%	0.36%
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 FXL and QCLN in my portfolio?

FXL and QCLN have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXL or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.47%) compared to FXL (9.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXL dropped -61.41% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, FXL or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, FXL leads with 19.44% vs 13.92% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FXL has been the lower-risk option at 9.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXL or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, FXL has performed better with a 19.44% return vs 13.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXL or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FXL.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.00% for FXL.

What is the main difference between FXL and QCLN?

FXL is categorized as Technology Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. FXL tracks StrataQuant Technology Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FXL and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 1.04), 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.