QCLN vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QCLN returned 16.43%/yr vs 9.06%/yr for VPU. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QCLN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

QCLN vs. VPU - 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 Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCLN achieves a 37.91% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, QCLN has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 16.43%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.06% annualized return.

QCLN

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: -2.49%
• YTD: 37.91%
• 6M: 35.67%
• 1Y: 90.42%
• 3Y*: 6.19%
• 5Y*: -0.62%
• 10Y*: 16.43%

VPU

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: 12.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

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

QCLN vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.91%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.93%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLN and VPU is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2007	0.34

The correlation between QCLN and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.23 (10 years) to 0.34 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QCLN vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QCLN	VPU
Technology	47.6%	-
Industrials	24.8%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	-
Utilities	8.1%	99.3%
Basic Materials	7.8%	-
Financial Services	1.4%	-
Energy	0.1%	0.5%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

QCLN vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 83
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 26
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. VPU - 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 Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	0.83	+1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	1.20	+1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.15	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.51	1.34	+4.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.21	2.91	+15.30

QCLN vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCLN Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCLN and VPU, 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. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCLN drawdown since its inception was -76.18%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLN and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLN	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.18%	-46.31%	-29.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-8.90%	-7.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.08%	-17.34%	-38.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.49%	-25.15%	-44.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.73%	-36.42%	-35.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.75%	-5.69%	-23.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.42%	-7.78%	-35.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.95%	4.10%	+0.85%

Volatility

QCLN vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a higher volatility of 16.96% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 5.55%. This indicates that QCLN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCLN	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.96%	5.55%	+11.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.95%	11.52%	+17.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.71%	14.41%	+22.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.33%	17.07%	+21.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.10%	19.13%	+15.97%

QCLN vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLN vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than VPU's 2.64% 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%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.64%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QCLN and VPU in my portfolio?

QCLN and VPU have a correlation of 0.28, 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 VPU?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.96%) compared to VPU (5.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLN dropped -76.18% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, QCLN or VPU?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 16.43% vs 9.06% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCLN or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 16.43% return vs 9.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLN or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLN.

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

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between QCLN and VPU?

QCLN is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QCLN and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 0.83), 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.