ICLN vs. QCLN

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - ICLN tracks the S&P Global Clean Energy Index while QCLN tracks the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ICLN returned 9.69%/yr vs 15.07%/yr for QCLN. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ICLN charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

ICLN vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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, ICLN achieves a 17.97% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 26.83% return. Over the past 10 years, ICLN has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 9.69%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 15.07% annualized return.

ICLN

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -6.05%
• 6M: 13.21%
• YTD: 17.97%
• 1Y: 43.62%
• 3Y*: 3.67%
• 5Y*: -2.32%
• 10Y*: 9.69%

QCLN

• 1D: 2.82%
• 1M: -5.97%
• 6M: 18.57%
• YTD: 26.83%
• 1Y: 64.08%
• 3Y*: 2.13%
• 5Y*: -2.69%
• 10Y*: 15.07%

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

ICLN vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	17.97%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	44.36%	-9.03%	21.47%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	26.83%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between ICLN and QCLN is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2008	0.78

The correlation between ICLN and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICLN vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICLN	QCLN
Utilities	36.7%	8.1%
Energy	30.2%	0.1%
Industrials	27.6%	24.8%
Technology	3.1%	47.6%
Basic Materials	1.4%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	10.2%
Financial Services	0.1%	1.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ICLN vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 53
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 47
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 55

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 65
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 54
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

ICLN vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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.

	ICLN	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.65	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.13	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.27	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	3.27	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	10.71	-3.16

ICLN vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICLN 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

ICLN vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICLN drawdown since its inception was -87.15%, which is greater than QCLN's maximum drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICLN and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICLN	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.15%	-76.18%	-10.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.57%	-19.67%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-43.18%	-56.08%	+12.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-57.16%	-69.49%	+12.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.75%	-71.73%	+4.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.22%	-34.48%	-12.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.48%	-43.37%	-23.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.80%	6.00%	-0.20%

Volatility

ICLN vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) is 12.07%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.74%. This indicates that ICLN 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

	ICLN	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.07%	17.74%	-5.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.14%	31.78%	-7.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.29%	39.04%	-9.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.87%	38.82%	-10.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.37%	35.35%	-7.98%

ICLN vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICLN has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICLN vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

ICLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	0.95%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
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 ICLN and QCLN in my portfolio?

ICLN and QCLN have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ICLN or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.74%) compared to ICLN (12.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICLN dropped -87.15% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, ICLN or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 15.07% vs 9.69% for ICLN. On fees, ICLN is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, ICLN has been the lower-risk option at 12.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICLN or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 15.07% return vs 9.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICLN or QCLN?

ICLN is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for QCLN.

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

ICLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between ICLN and QCLN?

ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ICLN and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 1.50), 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.