HYLS vs. QCLN
HYLS (First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - HYLS is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. HYLS is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HYLS returned 4.35%/yr vs 17.39%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HYLS charges 1.01%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.
Performance
HYLS vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, HYLS achieves a 0.28% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.94% return. Over the past 10 years, HYLS has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 4.35%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 17.39% annualized return.
HYLS
- 1D
- -0.17%
- 1M
- 0.39%
- YTD
- 0.28%
- 6M
- 0.70%
- 1Y
- 5.37%
- 3Y*
- 7.73%
- 5Y*
- 2.94%
- 10Y*
- 4.35%
QCLN
- 1D
- -0.41%
- 1M
- 16.40%
- YTD
- 52.94%
- 6M
- 50.79%
- 1Y
- 120.21%
- 3Y*
- 12.03%
- 5Y*
- 2.16%
- 10Y*
- 17.39%
HYLS vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF | 0.28% | 8.00% | 5.85% | 13.66% | -12.83% | 3.69% | 5.32% | 14.66% | -2.46% | 6.39% |
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 52.94% | 31.81% | -18.86% | -10.02% | -30.37% | -3.21% | 184.00% | 42.65% | -12.38% | 32.34% |
Correlation
The correlation between HYLS and QCLN is 0.51, 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 | 0.51 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.49 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.51 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.49 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2013 | 0.45 |
The correlation between HYLS and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
HYLS vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank
HYLS
QCLN
HYLS vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) 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.
| HYLS | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.95 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.47 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.48 | -0.19 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.74 | 7.62 | -5.88 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.42 | 26.28 | -18.86 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| HYLS | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.54 | 3.49 | -1.95 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.45 | 0.06 | +0.39 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.65 | 0.50 | +0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.68 | 0.20 | +0.48 |
Drawdowns
HYLS vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum HYLS drawdown since its inception was -22.99%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HYLS and QCLN.
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Drawdown Indicators
| HYLS | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -22.99% | -76.18% | +53.19% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.09% | -15.86% | +12.77% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -3.96% | -56.08% | +52.12% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.75% | -69.49% | +53.74% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -22.99% | -71.73% | +48.74% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.20% | -20.99% | +20.79% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.15% | -43.45% | +41.30% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.73% | 4.59% | -3.86% |
Volatility
HYLS vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (HYLS) is 1.16%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.56%. This indicates that HYLS 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.
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Volatility by Period
| HYLS | QCLN | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.16% | 12.56% | -11.40% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.90% | 26.02% | -23.12% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.51% | 34.88% | -31.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.62% | 37.97% | -31.35% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.70% | 34.91% | -28.21% |
HYLS vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison
HYLS has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
HYLS vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison
HYLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.70%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HYLS First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF | 6.70% | 6.38% | 6.25% | 5.98% | 7.38% | 5.48% | 5.09% | 5.17% | 5.81% | 5.53% | 5.37% | 6.11% |
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
HYLS and QCLN have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
QCLN has higher volatility (12.56%) compared to HYLS (1.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HYLS dropped -22.99% vs QCLN's -76.18%.
On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.39% vs 4.35% for HYLS. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, HYLS has been the lower-risk option at 1.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.39% return vs 4.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for HYLS.
HYLS has the higher dividend yield at 6.70%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.
HYLS is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for HYLS and 0.60% for QCLN.
QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.49 vs 1.54), 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.
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