FXN vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FXN (First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FXN is a Energy Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Energy Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. FXN is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FXN returned 13.92%/yr vs 19.29%/yr for VCLN. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FXN charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

FXN vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXN achieves a 25.24% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 29.71% return.

FXN

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -7.93%
• YTD: 25.24%
• 6M: 25.77%
• 1Y: 32.05%
• 3Y*: 13.92%
• 5Y*: 15.40%
• 10Y*: 5.81%

VCLN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 29.71%
• 6M: 25.66%
• 1Y: 73.69%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FXN vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	25.24%	3.39%	0.27%	0.97%	46.92%	15.28%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	29.71%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FXN and VCLN is 0.07, 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	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.36

Over the past year, the correlation between FXN and VCLN has dropped to 0.07 - well below their long-term average of 0.36, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FXN vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXN	VCLN
Energy	92.2%	18.1%
Technology	7.8%	9.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	35.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	34.9%

Return for Risk

FXN vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXN

FXN Risk / Return Rank: 41
FXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FXN Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FXN Martin Ratio Rank: 44

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 80
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

FXN vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	FXN	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	2.45	-1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	3.16	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.39	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	5.13	-2.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.12	18.99	-11.87

FXN vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is lower than the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXN and VCLN, 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

FXN vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXN drawdown since its inception was -87.39%, which is greater than VCLN's maximum drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXN and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXN	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.39%	-45.66%	-41.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-14.45%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.69%	-29.25%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.69%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.35%	-7.87%	-3.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.91%	-23.92%	-13.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.55%	3.90%	+0.65%

Volatility

FXN vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) is 7.42%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 11.49%. This indicates that FXN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXN	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.42%	11.49%	-4.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.33%	21.11%	-3.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.90%	30.28%	-6.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.95%	27.62%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.98%	27.62%	+7.36%

FXN vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXN has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXN vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

FXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than VCLN's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	1.91%	2.53%	2.50%	3.09%	2.28%	0.87%	4.71%	1.47%	1.43%	1.17%	1.05%	2.36%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.61%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXN and VCLN in my portfolio?

FXN and VCLN have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FXN or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.49%) compared to FXN (7.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXN dropped -87.39% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, FXN or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 19.29% vs 13.92% for FXN. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, FXN has been the lower-risk option at 7.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXN or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 19.29% return vs 13.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXN or VCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for FXN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXN or VCLN?

FXN has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 1.61% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between FXN and VCLN?

FXN is categorized as Energy Equities, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for FXN and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.35), 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.