IDU vs. ECLN

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

IDU (iShares U.S. Utilities ETF) and ECLN (First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. IDU is passively managed, while ECLN is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IDU charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for ECLN.

Performance

IDU vs. ECLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) and First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

IDU

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 2.71%
• 6M: 5.45%
• YTD: 7.14%
• 1Y: 11.63%
• 3Y*: 14.77%
• 5Y*: 9.59%
• 10Y*: 8.72%

ECLN

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDU vs. ECLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	7.14%	15.23%	23.23%	-5.02%	0.17%	16.96%	-1.07%	5.60%
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	12.96%	16.78%	22.60%	-3.36%	5.28%	12.26%	8.98%	5.66%

Correlation

The correlation between IDU and ECLN is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2019	0.87

The correlation between IDU and ECLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDU vs. ECLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDU	ECLN
Utilities	91.1%	76.4%
Industrials	8.4%	6.8%
Energy	0.5%	16.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.5%

Return for Risk

IDU vs. ECLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDU

IDU Risk / Return Rank: 27
IDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
IDU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
IDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
IDU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

ECLN

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

IDU vs. ECLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) and First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN). 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.

	IDU	ECLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.76	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	IDU	ECLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.74%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.82%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.35%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.22%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IDU	ECLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.41%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.26%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.17%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.50%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.75%	—	—

IDU vs. ECLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDU has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than ECLN's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDU vs. ECLN - Dividend Comparison

IDU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, while ECLN has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	1.43%	1.97%	2.52%	2.54%	1.72%	1.66%	1.68%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IDU iShares U.S. Utilities ETF	2.19%	2.23%	2.29%	2.79%	2.39%	2.39%	2.94%	2.71%	2.80%	2.62%	3.18%	4.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDU and ECLN in my portfolio?

IDU and ECLN have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IDU or ECLN?

On fees, IDU is cheaper at 0.42% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDU or ECLN?

IDU is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for ECLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDU or ECLN?

IDU has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.43% for ECLN.

What is the main difference between IDU and ECLN?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IDU and 0.97% for ECLN.