MNST vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MNST (Monster Beverage Corporation) is a stock, while QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) is Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Over the past 10 years, MNST returned 13.79%/yr vs 16.43%/yr for QCLN. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

MNST vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) 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, MNST achieves a 21.08% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.91% return. Over the past 10 years, MNST has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 13.79%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 16.43% annualized return.

MNST

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 8.17%
• YTD: 21.08%
• 6M: 25.50%
• 1Y: 47.21%
• 3Y*: 16.85%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: 13.79%

QCLN

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: -2.49%
• YTD: 37.91%
• 6M: 35.67%
• 1Y: 90.42%
• 3Y*: 6.19%
• 5Y*: -0.62%
• 10Y*: 16.43%

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

MNST vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MNST Monster Beverage Corporation	21.08%	45.87%	-8.77%	13.48%	5.72%	3.85%	45.52%	29.11%	-22.23%	42.74%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.91%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between MNST and QCLN is 0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2007	0.34

Over the past year, the correlation between MNST and QCLN has dropped to 0.05 - well below their long-term average of 0.34, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MNST vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

MNST

MNST Risk / Return Rank: 85
MNST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
MNST Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
MNST Omega Ratio Rank: 86
MNST Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
MNST Martin Ratio Rank: 83

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 83
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

MNST vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) 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.

	MNST	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	2.46	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	2.89	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.37	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	5.51	-2.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.37	18.21	-10.84

MNST vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MNST Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MNST 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

MNST vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MNST drawdown since its inception was -69.17%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MNST and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	MNST	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.17%	-76.18%	+7.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-16.40%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.04%	-56.08%	+30.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.62%	-69.49%	+42.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.42%	-71.73%	+41.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-28.75%	+28.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.66%	-43.42%	+22.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.22%	4.95%	+1.27%

Volatility

MNST vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is 5.50%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.96%. This indicates that MNST 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

	MNST	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	16.96%	-11.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.03%	28.95%	-8.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.43%	36.71%	-10.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.60%	38.33%	-13.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.25%	35.10%	-8.85%

Dividends

MNST vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

MNST has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MNST Monster Beverage Corporation	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.16%	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 MNST and QCLN in my portfolio?

MNST and QCLN have a correlation of 0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MNST or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.96%) compared to MNST (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MNST dropped -69.17% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.74), 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.