QCLN vs. CTEC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and CTEC (Global X CleanTech ETF) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - QCLN tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy while CTEC tracks the Indxx Global CleanTech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QCLN returned 2.04%/yr vs -3.60%/yr for CTEC. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QCLN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for CTEC.

Performance

QCLN vs. CTEC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a 52.00% return, which is significantly higher than CTEC's 42.92% return.

QCLN

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 13.54%
• YTD: 52.00%
• 6M: 46.53%
• 1Y: 117.87%
• 3Y*: 12.00%
• 5Y*: 2.04%
• 10Y*: 17.14%

CTEC

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 42.92%
• 6M: 34.82%
• 1Y: 130.53%
• 3Y*: 2.12%
• 5Y*: -3.60%
• 10Y*: —

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

QCLN vs. CTEC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	52.00%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	44.80%
CTEC Global X CleanTech ETF	42.92%	57.85%	-36.35%	-25.60%	-16.82%	-22.19%	47.46%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLN and CTEC is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2020	0.86

The correlation between QCLN and CTEC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

QCLN vs. CTEC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QCLN	CTEC
Industrials	30.2%	47.5%
Technology	20.8%	12.6%
Energy	13.2%	24.0%
Utilities	13.2%	1.9%
Basic Materials	9.4%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	3.4%
Financial Services	1.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

QCLN vs. CTEC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 80
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 93

CTEC

CTEC Risk / Return Rank: 91
CTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
CTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
CTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 86
CTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
CTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

QCLN vs. CTEC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC). 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.

	QCLN	CTEC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.42	3.76	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.81	4.12	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.52	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.48	7.45	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	25.77	19.38	+6.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QCLN vs. CTEC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCLN Sharpe Ratio is 3.42, which is comparable to the CTEC Sharpe Ratio of 3.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCLN and CTEC, 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

	QCLN	CTEC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.42	3.76	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	-0.10	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.20	0.01	+0.19

Drawdowns

QCLN vs. CTEC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, smaller than the maximum CTEC drawdown of -81.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and CTEC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLN	CTEC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.18%	-81.58%	+5.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.86%	-17.62%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.08%	-65.77%	+9.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.49%	-76.46%	+6.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.47%	-45.78%	+24.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.44%	-52.38%	+8.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	6.76%	-2.17%

Volatility

QCLN vs. CTEC - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a higher volatility of 12.57% compared to Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC) at 10.93%. This indicates that QCLN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CTEC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCLN	CTEC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.57%	10.93%	+1.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.03%	23.73%	+2.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.68%	34.93%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.96%	36.38%	+1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.90%	37.75%	-2.85%

QCLN vs. CTEC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEC's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLN vs. CTEC - Dividend Comparison

QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than CTEC's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEC Global X CleanTech ETF	0.52%	0.75%	1.56%	0.51%	0.25%	0.39%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 QCLN and CTEC in my portfolio?

QCLN and CTEC have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QCLN or CTEC?

QCLN has higher volatility (12.57%) compared to CTEC (10.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLN dropped -76.18% vs CTEC's -81.58%.

Which ETF is better, QCLN or CTEC?

On 5-year performance, QCLN leads with 2.04% vs -3.60% for CTEC. On fees, CTEC is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CTEC has been the lower-risk option at 10.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCLN or CTEC?

Over the 5-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 2.04% return vs -3.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLN or CTEC?

CTEC is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLN.

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

CTEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.52%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between QCLN and CTEC?

QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy, while CTEC tracks Indxx Global CleanTech Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QCLN and 0.50% for CTEC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.76 vs 3.42), 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.