QCLN vs. ECLN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and ECLN (First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, while ECLN is a Utilities Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. QCLN is passively managed, while ECLN is actively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for ECLN.

Performance

QCLN vs. ECLN - 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 First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QCLN

• 1D: -4.73%
• 1M: -15.37%
• 6M: 5.79%
• YTD: 17.05%
• 1Y: 49.81%
• 3Y*: -2.01%
• 5Y*: -2.94%
• 10Y*: 13.92%

ECLN

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QCLN vs. ECLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	17.05%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	15.34%
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	12.96%	16.78%	22.60%	-3.36%	5.28%	12.26%	8.98%	5.66%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLN and ECLN is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2019	0.39

The correlation between QCLN and ECLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (1 year) to 0.42 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QCLN vs. ECLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QCLN	ECLN
Technology	47.6%	0.5%
Industrials	24.8%	6.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	-
Utilities	8.1%	76.4%
Basic Materials	7.8%	-
Financial Services	1.4%	-
Energy	0.1%	16.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

QCLN vs. ECLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 46
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 39
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 54

ECLN

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. ECLN - 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 First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN). 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.

	QCLN	ECLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLN	ECLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.53%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.37%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.68%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QCLN	ECLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.47%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.45%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.56%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.88%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.41%	—	—

QCLN vs. ECLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than ECLN's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLN vs. ECLN - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECLN First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF	1.43%	1.97%	2.52%	2.54%	1.72%	1.66%	1.68%	0.71%	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 QCLN and ECLN in my portfolio?

QCLN and ECLN have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QCLN or ECLN?

On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLN or ECLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for ECLN.

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

ECLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between QCLN and ECLN?

QCLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while ECLN is Utilities Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for QCLN and 0.97% for ECLN.