GRID vs. QCLN
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN).
GRID and QCLN are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. GRID is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. It was launched on Nov 17, 2009. QCLN is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. It was launched on Feb 8, 2007. Both GRID and QCLN are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: GRID or QCLN.
Key characteristics
| GRID | QCLN | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 8.57% | -24.07% |
| 1Y Return | 18.97% | -28.54% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 8.97% | -22.35% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 21.11% | 9.31% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 13.20% | 6.16% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.37 | -0.83 |
| Daily Std Dev | 15.68% | 33.39% |
| Max Drawdown | -40.55% | -76.18% |
| Current Drawdown | -1.11% | -63.32% |
Correlation
The correlation between GRID and QCLN is 0.66, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
GRID vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, GRID achieves a 8.57% return, which is significantly higher than QCLN's -24.07% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has outperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 13.20%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively lower 6.16% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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GRID vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison
GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
GRID vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) 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.
Dividends
GRID vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison
GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than QCLN's 0.84% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.26% | 0.63% | 0.68% | 1.26% | 1.28% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.23% | 1.46% | 1.35% |
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 0.84% | 0.76% | 0.33% | 0.01% | 0.30% | 0.85% | 1.03% | 0.45% | 1.24% | 0.72% | 0.79% | 0.41% |
Drawdowns
GRID vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.55%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and QCLN. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
GRID vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) is 3.71%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 8.45%. This indicates that GRID 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.