QCLN vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QCLN returned -1.46%/yr vs 33.21%/yr for FTXL. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

QCLN vs. FTXL - 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 Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a 35.74% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 109.64% return.

QCLN

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -4.54%
• YTD: 35.74%
• 6M: 29.75%
• 1Y: 86.43%
• 3Y*: 8.46%
• 5Y*: -1.46%
• 10Y*: 16.66%

FTXL

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 9.52%
• YTD: 109.64%
• 6M: 106.11%
• 1Y: 187.31%
• 3Y*: 59.62%
• 5Y*: 33.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

QCLN vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	35.74%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	109.64%	48.94%	7.59%	54.41%	-33.88%	36.04%	46.08%	61.77%	-14.47%	32.19%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLN and FTXL is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2016	0.71

The correlation between QCLN and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

QCLN vs. FTXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QCLN	FTXL
Technology	47.6%	99.7%
Industrials	24.8%	0.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	-
Utilities	8.1%	-
Basic Materials	7.8%	-
Financial Services	1.4%	-
Energy	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

QCLN vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 79
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 65
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 87

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 96
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. FTXL - 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 Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	4.62	-2.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	4.34	-1.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.61	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.30	12.99	-7.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.86	44.59	-27.73

QCLN vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCLN Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 4.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCLN and FTXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

QCLN vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLN	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.18%	-43.87%	-32.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-14.51%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.08%	-41.57%	-14.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.49%	-43.87%	-25.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.88%	-8.59%	-21.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.39%	-10.53%	-32.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.14%	4.22%	+0.92%

Volatility

QCLN vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is 17.65%, while First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) has a volatility of 22.63%. This indicates that QCLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCLN	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.65%	22.63%	-4.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.87%	34.58%	-4.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.47%	40.92%	-3.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.54%	37.11%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.21%	34.76%	+0.45%

QCLN vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLN vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, more than FTXL's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.17%	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 FTXL in my portfolio?

QCLN and FTXL have a correlation of 0.75, 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 FTXL?

FTXL has higher volatility (22.63%) compared to QCLN (17.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLN dropped -76.18% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, QCLN or FTXL?

On 5-year performance, FTXL leads with 33.21% vs -1.46% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, QCLN has been the lower-risk option at 17.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCLN or FTXL?

Over the 5-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 33.21% return vs -1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLN or FTXL?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXL.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.13% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between QCLN and FTXL?

QCLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, while FTXL tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for QCLN and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.62 vs 2.32), 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.