PBD vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PBD (Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - PBD tracks the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation index while QCLN tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PBD returned 9.45%/yr vs 17.39%/yr for QCLN. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

PBD vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD) 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, PBD achieves a 38.50% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 52.94% return. Over the past 10 years, PBD has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 9.45%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 17.39% annualized return.

PBD

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 6.10%
• YTD: 38.50%
• 6M: 39.82%
• 1Y: 92.04%
• 3Y*: 8.96%
• 5Y*: -3.66%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

QCLN

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 16.40%
• YTD: 52.94%
• 6M: 50.79%
• 1Y: 120.21%
• 3Y*: 12.03%
• 5Y*: 2.16%
• 10Y*: 17.39%

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

PBD vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PBD Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF	38.50%	43.65%	-26.39%	-10.69%	-29.70%	-22.30%	145.46%	40.00%	-19.32%	28.72%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	52.94%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between PBD and QCLN is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2007	0.83

The correlation between PBD and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

PBD vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PBD	QCLN
Industrials	48.1%	30.2%
Energy	12.4%	13.2%
Utilities	12.0%	13.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	9.4%
Technology	6.8%	20.8%
Basic Materials	3.4%	9.4%
Financial Services	1.2%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

PBD vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBD

PBD Risk / Return Rank: 94
PBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
PBD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
PBD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

PBD vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PBD	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.96	3.49	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.64	3.86	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.48	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.65	7.62	+1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.96	26.28	+0.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PBD vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBD Sharpe Ratio is 3.96, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBD 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBD	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.96	3.49	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.13	0.06	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35	0.50	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.03	0.20	-0.18

Drawdowns

PBD vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBD drawdown since its inception was -78.60%, roughly equal to the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBD and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBD	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.60%	-76.18%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.70%	-15.86%	+5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-52.45%	-56.08%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.15%	-69.49%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-75.40%	-71.73%	-3.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.02%	-20.99%	-18.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-53.40%	-43.45%	-9.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	4.59%	-1.16%

Volatility

PBD vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD) is 8.57%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 12.56%. This indicates that PBD 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

	PBD	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.57%	12.56%	-3.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.00%	26.02%	-9.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.41%	34.88%	-11.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.37%	37.97%	-9.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.26%	34.91%	-7.65%

PBD vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBD vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

PBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than QCLN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBD Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF	1.63%	2.71%	1.81%	2.85%	2.98%	0.67%	0.48%	1.83%	1.86%	1.76%	2.04%	1.24%
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 PBD and QCLN in my portfolio?

PBD and QCLN have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBD or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.56%) compared to PBD (8.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBD dropped -78.60% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, PBD or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.39% vs 9.45% for PBD. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PBD has been the lower-risk option at 8.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBD or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.39% return vs 9.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBD or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PBD.

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

PBD has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between PBD and QCLN?

PBD tracks WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation index, while QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PBD and 0.60% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.96 vs 3.49), 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.