GRNB vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

GRNB (VanEck Green Bond ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - GRNB is a Global Bonds fund tracking the S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GRNB returned 0.89%/yr vs 2.59%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GRNB charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

GRNB vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) 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, GRNB achieves a 0.61% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 53.57% return.

GRNB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.61%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 5.18%
• 3Y*: 5.13%
• 5Y*: 0.89%
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: 4.45%
• 1M: 15.68%
• YTD: 53.57%
• 6M: 53.62%
• 1Y: 130.32%
• 3Y*: 12.19%
• 5Y*: 2.59%
• 10Y*: 17.44%

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

GRNB vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GRNB VanEck Green Bond ETF	0.61%	7.09%	3.31%	7.08%	-11.93%	-2.36%	7.98%	5.40%	-4.07%	9.87%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	53.57%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	24.12%

Correlation

The correlation between GRNB and QCLN is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2017	0.15

The correlation between GRNB and QCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (all time) to 0.28 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GRNB vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRNB	QCLN
Financial Services	0.1%	1.9%
Basic Materials	-	9.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	13.2%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	30.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	20.8%
Utilities	-	13.2%

Return for Risk

GRNB vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRNB

GRNB Risk / Return Rank: 49
GRNB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
GRNB Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
GRNB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
GRNB Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
GRNB Martin Ratio Rank: 47

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 91
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

GRNB vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) 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.

	GRNB	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	3.76	-2.00
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	4.06	-1.49
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.51	-0.17
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	8.02	-5.99
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.96	27.70	-19.74
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GRNB vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRNB Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRNB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GRNB	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	3.76	-2.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18	0.07	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.20	+0.26

Drawdowns

GRNB vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRNB drawdown since its inception was -18.08%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRNB and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRNB	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.08%	-76.18%	+58.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.51%	-15.86%	+13.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.24%	-56.08%	+51.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.94%	-69.49%	+51.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	-20.66%	+20.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-43.45%	+38.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.64%	4.59%	-3.95%

Volatility

GRNB vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB) is 0.98%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.63%. This indicates that GRNB 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

	GRNB	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.98%	12.63%	-11.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.35%	26.18%	-23.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.96%	34.91%	-31.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.92%	37.98%	-33.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.88%	34.91%	-30.03%

GRNB vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRNB has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRNB vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

GRNB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.23%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GRNB VanEck Green Bond ETF	4.23%	4.18%	3.83%	3.17%	2.60%	1.97%	2.24%	1.79%	1.21%	1.09%	0.00%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.15%	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 GRNB and QCLN in my portfolio?

GRNB and QCLN have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GRNB or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.63%) compared to GRNB (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRNB dropped -18.08% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, GRNB or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, QCLN leads with 2.59% vs 0.89% for GRNB. On fees, GRNB is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GRNB has been the lower-risk option at 0.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRNB or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 2.59% return vs 0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRNB or QCLN?

GRNB is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLN.

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

GRNB has the higher dividend yield at 4.23%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between GRNB and QCLN?

GRNB is categorized as Global Bonds, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. GRNB tracks S&P Green Bond U.S. Dollar Select Index, while QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GRNB and 0.60% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.76 vs 1.76), 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.