LIT vs. ICLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

LIT (Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF) and ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LIT is a Lithium & Battery Metals fund tracking the Solactive Global Lithium Index, while ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, LIT returned 14.81%/yr vs 11.88%/yr for ICLN. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LIT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ICLN.

Performance

LIT vs. ICLN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LIT achieves a 27.30% return, which is significantly lower than ICLN's 32.00% return. Over the past 10 years, LIT has outperformed ICLN with an annualized return of 14.81%, while ICLN has yielded a comparatively lower 11.88% annualized return.

LIT

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: -3.18%
• YTD: 27.30%
• 6M: 26.02%
• 1Y: 129.27%
• 3Y*: 10.70%
• 5Y*: 4.07%
• 10Y*: 14.81%

ICLN

• 1D: 2.51%
• 1M: -3.22%
• YTD: 32.00%
• 6M: 30.26%
• 1Y: 73.06%
• 3Y*: 8.37%
• 5Y*: 0.24%
• 10Y*: 11.88%

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

LIT vs. ICLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	27.30%	60.05%	-19.19%	-12.18%	-29.91%	36.74%	127.88%	3.27%	-28.63%	64.19%
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	32.00%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	44.36%	-9.03%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between LIT and ICLN is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2010	0.61

The correlation between LIT and ICLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

LIT vs. ICLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LIT	ICLN
Basic Materials	49.9%	1.3%
Industrials	25.0%	28.7%
Technology	16.0%	10.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	0.1%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	23.7%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	34.6%

Return for Risk

LIT vs. ICLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

LIT

LIT Risk / Return Rank: 93
LIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
LIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
LIT Omega Ratio Rank: 90
LIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
LIT Martin Ratio Rank: 95

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 79
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

LIT vs. ICLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). 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.

	LIT	ICLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.84	2.61	+1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.14	3.19	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.40	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.90	4.48	+3.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.08	15.79	+12.29

LIT vs. ICLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LIT Sharpe Ratio is 3.84, which is higher than the ICLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LIT and ICLN, 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

LIT vs. ICLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LIT drawdown since its inception was -65.91%, smaller than the maximum ICLN drawdown of -87.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LIT and ICLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	LIT	ICLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.91%	-87.15%	+21.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.46%	-16.38%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-53.01%	-43.18%	-9.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-65.91%	-57.16%	-8.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-65.91%	-66.75%	+0.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.99%	-40.94%	+29.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.56%	-66.53%	+32.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.62%	4.64%	-0.02%

Volatility

LIT vs. ICLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) is 10.69%, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) has a volatility of 13.10%. This indicates that LIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LIT	ICLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.69%	13.10%	-2.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.79%	22.66%	+1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.94%	28.19%	+5.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.03%	27.62%	+4.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.78%	27.34%	+3.44%

LIT vs. ICLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

LIT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ICLN's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

LIT vs. ICLN - Dividend Comparison

LIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than ICLN's 0.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	0.85%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF	0.38%	0.49%	0.93%	1.11%	0.99%	0.22%	0.40%	1.85%	2.52%	3.26%	2.15%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LIT and ICLN in my portfolio?

LIT and ICLN have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LIT or ICLN?

ICLN has higher volatility (13.10%) compared to LIT (10.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LIT dropped -65.91% vs ICLN's -87.15%.

Which ETF is better, LIT or ICLN?

On 10-year performance, LIT leads with 14.81% vs 11.88% for ICLN. On fees, ICLN is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, LIT has been the lower-risk option at 10.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LIT or ICLN?

Over the 10-year period, LIT has performed better with a 14.81% return vs 11.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LIT or ICLN?

ICLN is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for LIT.

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

ICLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.38% for LIT.

What is the main difference between LIT and ICLN?

LIT is categorized as Lithium & Battery Metals, while ICLN is Alternative Energy Equities. LIT tracks Solactive Global Lithium Index, while ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for LIT and 0.39% for ICLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.84 vs 2.61), 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.