ICLN vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ICLN returned 11.99%/yr vs 35.79%/yr for SOXX. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ICLN charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

ICLN vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICLN achieves a 40.54% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 104.57% return. Over the past 10 years, ICLN has underperformed SOXX with an annualized return of 11.99%, while SOXX has yielded a comparatively higher 35.79% annualized return.

ICLN

• 1D: -2.78%
• 1M: 11.22%
• YTD: 40.54%
• 6M: 39.84%
• 1Y: 83.73%
• 3Y*: 8.92%
• 5Y*: 2.10%
• 10Y*: 11.99%

SOXX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: 33.25%
• YTD: 104.57%
• 6M: 99.43%
• 1Y: 190.05%
• 3Y*: 57.39%
• 5Y*: 34.50%
• 10Y*: 35.79%

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

ICLN vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	40.54%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	44.36%	-9.03%	21.47%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	104.57%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%

Correlation

The correlation between ICLN and SOXX is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2008	0.58

The correlation between ICLN and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICLN vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICLN	SOXX
Utilities	32.8%	-
Industrials	27.8%	-
Energy	26.4%	-
Technology	11.1%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ICLN vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 87
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 78
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	ICLN	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	5.61	-2.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.86	5.36	-1.50
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.74	-0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.50	12.13	-4.63
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	21.35	46.43	-25.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ICLN vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICLN Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICLN and SOXX, 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

	ICLN	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.20	5.61	-2.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	0.96	-0.88
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	1.07	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.08	0.45	-0.53

Drawdowns

ICLN vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICLN drawdown since its inception was -87.15%, which is greater than SOXX's maximum drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICLN and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICLN	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.15%	-70.21%	-16.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.22%	-15.77%	+4.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-43.18%	-41.36%	-1.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-57.16%	-45.75%	-11.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.75%	-45.75%	-21.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-37.13%	0.00%	-37.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.61%	-19.97%	-46.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.94%	4.11%	-0.17%

Volatility

ICLN vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) is 9.53%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.03%. This indicates that ICLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ICLN	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.53%	14.03%	-4.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.21%	27.35%	-7.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.38%	34.18%	-7.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.21%	36.11%	-8.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.20%	33.43%	-6.23%

ICLN vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICLN has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICLN vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

ICLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than SOXX's 0.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	1.16%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICLN and SOXX in my portfolio?

ICLN and SOXX have a correlation of 0.61, 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 SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.03%) compared to ICLN (9.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICLN dropped -87.15% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, ICLN or SOXX?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 35.79% vs 11.99% for ICLN. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, ICLN has been the lower-risk option at 9.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICLN or SOXX?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 35.79% return vs 11.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICLN or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for ICLN.

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

ICLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.27% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between ICLN and SOXX?

ICLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for ICLN and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.61 vs 3.20), 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.