QCLN vs. ACES
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES).
QCLN and ACES are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. QCLN is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. It was launched on Feb 8, 2007. ACES is a passively managed fund by SS&C that tracks the performance of the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index. It was launched on Jun 29, 2018. Both QCLN and ACES are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: QCLN or ACES.
Key characteristics
| QCLN | ACES | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -18.45% | -19.42% |
| 1Y Return | -20.59% | -27.40% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -16.98% | -24.28% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 10.41% | 1.23% |
| Sharpe Ratio | -0.62 | -0.80 |
| Daily Std Dev | 33.96% | 35.74% |
| Max Drawdown | -76.18% | -73.33% |
| Current Drawdown | -60.61% | -70.32% |
Correlation
The correlation between QCLN and ACES is 0.93, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
QCLN vs. ACES - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a -18.45% return, which is significantly higher than ACES's -19.42% return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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QCLN vs. ACES - Expense Ratio Comparison
QCLN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ACES's 0.55% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
QCLN vs. ACES - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES). 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.
Dividends
QCLN vs. ACES - Dividend Comparison
QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than ACES's 1.58% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 0.78% | 0.76% | 0.33% | 0.01% | 0.30% | 0.85% | 1.03% | 0.45% | 1.24% | 0.72% | 0.79% | 0.41% |
ACES ALPS Clean Energy ETF | 1.58% | 1.44% | 1.08% | 0.71% | 0.56% | 1.30% | 0.34% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
QCLN vs. ACES - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, roughly equal to the maximum ACES drawdown of -73.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and ACES. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
QCLN vs. ACES - Volatility Comparison
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) have volatilities of 10.16% and 10.19%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.