QCLN vs. DBE
QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QCLN returned 17.39%/yr vs 12.03%/yr for DBE. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QCLN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.
Performance
QCLN vs. DBE - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a 52.94% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 83.68% return. Over the past 10 years, QCLN has outperformed DBE with an annualized return of 17.39%, while DBE has yielded a comparatively lower 12.03% annualized return.
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%
DBE
- 1D
- 2.33%
- 1M
- -5.45%
- YTD
- 83.68%
- 6M
- 74.95%
- 1Y
- 84.41%
- 3Y*
- 23.42%
- 5Y*
- 19.66%
- 10Y*
- 12.03%
QCLN vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 83.68% | -2.17% | 2.96% | -12.14% | 33.77% | 57.56% | -25.91% | 19.72% | -12.95% | 5.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between QCLN and DBE is -0.19, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.19 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.10 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.17 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2007 | 0.26 |
The correlation between QCLN and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (1 year) to 0.26 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
QCLN vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank
QCLN
DBE
QCLN vs. DBE - 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 Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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 | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.90 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.48 | 1.40 | +0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 7.62 | 5.89 | +1.73 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 26.28 | 11.53 | +14.75 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| QCLN | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.49 | 2.43 | +1.06 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.06 | 0.67 | -0.62 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.50 | 0.43 | +0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.20 | 0.09 | +0.11 |
Drawdowns
QCLN vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and DBE.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| QCLN | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -76.18% | -86.69% | +10.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -15.86% | -14.41% | -1.45% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -56.08% | -23.89% | -32.19% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -69.49% | -38.74% | -30.75% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -71.73% | -60.84% | -10.89% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -20.99% | -30.27% | +9.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -43.45% | -57.31% | +13.86% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.59% | 7.35% | -2.76% |
Volatility
QCLN vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) have volatilities of 12.56% and 12.95%, 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| QCLN | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 12.56% | 12.95% | -0.39% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 26.02% | 30.86% | -4.84% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 34.88% | 34.97% | -0.09% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 37.97% | 29.39% | +8.58% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 34.91% | 28.33% | +6.58% |
QCLN vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison
QCLN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.
Dividends
QCLN vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison
QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than DBE's 2.10% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 2.10% | 3.86% | 6.32% | 3.87% | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.79% | 1.67% | 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
QCLN and DBE have a correlation of -0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DBE has higher volatility (12.95%) compared to QCLN (12.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLN dropped -76.18% vs DBE's -86.69%.
On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 17.39% vs 12.03% for DBE. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, QCLN has been the lower-risk option at 12.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 17.39% return vs 12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QCLN is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.
DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 0.15% for QCLN.
QCLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while DBE is Oil & Gas. QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QCLN and 0.78% for DBE.
QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.49 vs 2.43), 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.
Find the right allocation for QCLN and DBE
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer