QCLN vs. TARK

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and TARK (Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, while TARK is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by AXS. QCLN is passively managed, while TARK is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QCLN returned -2.01%/yr vs 5.85%/yr for TARK. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 1.15%/yr for TARK.

Performance

QCLN vs. TARK - 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 Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a 17.05% return, which is significantly higher than TARK's -11.81% return.

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%

TARK

• 1D: -7.48%
• 1M: -7.16%
• 6M: -21.21%
• YTD: -11.81%
• 1Y: -15.48%
• 3Y*: 5.85%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QCLN vs. TARK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	17.05%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-9.37%
TARK Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF	-11.81%	41.00%	-4.85%	121.37%	-71.31%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLN and TARK is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2022	0.74

The correlation between QCLN and TARK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QCLN vs. TARK — 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

TARK

TARK Risk / Return Rank: 8
TARK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
TARK Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
TARK Omega Ratio Rank: 9
TARK Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
TARK Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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. TARK - 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 Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK). 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	TARK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	-0.22	+1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	0.17	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.02	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	-0.27	+2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	-0.48	+7.96

QCLN vs. TARK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the TARK Sharpe Ratio of -0.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCLN and TARK, 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. TARK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, roughly equal to the maximum TARK drawdown of -77.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and TARK.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLN	TARK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.18%	-77.82%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.78%	-57.57%	+33.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.08%	-65.55%	+9.47%
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%	-41.97%	+2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.37%	-50.59%	+7.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.68%	32.08%	-25.40%

Volatility

QCLN vs. TARK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is 16.47%, while Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK) has a volatility of 18.21%. This indicates that QCLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TARK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCLN	TARK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.47%	18.21%	-1.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.45%	54.07%	-21.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.56%	72.01%	-32.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.88%	90.31%	-51.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.41%	90.31%	-54.90%

QCLN vs. TARK - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than TARK's 1.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLN vs. TARK - Dividend Comparison

QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than TARK's 34.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
TARK Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF	34.01%	30.00%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QCLN and TARK in my portfolio?

QCLN and TARK have a correlation of 0.64, 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 TARK?

TARK has higher volatility (18.21%) compared to QCLN (16.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLN dropped -76.18% vs TARK's -77.82%.

Which ETF is better, QCLN or TARK?

On 3-year performance, TARK leads with 5.85% vs -2.01% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, QCLN has been the lower-risk option at 16.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCLN or TARK?

Over the 3-year period, TARK has performed better with a 5.85% return vs -2.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLN or TARK?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for TARK.

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

TARK has the higher dividend yield at 34.01%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between QCLN and TARK?

QCLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while TARK is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and AXS. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for QCLN and 1.15% for TARK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs -0.22), 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.