QCML vs. FXU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QCML (GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QCML is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM), while FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QCML returned -10.14% vs 20.25% for FXU. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QCML charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

QCML vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF (QCML) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCML achieves a -21.98% return, which is significantly lower than FXU's 12.12% return.

QCML

• 1D: -8.28%
• 1M: -39.31%
• 6M: -11.60%
• YTD: -21.98%
• 1Y: -10.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FXU

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 2.99%
• 6M: 8.95%
• YTD: 12.12%
• 1Y: 20.25%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

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

QCML vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QCML GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF	-21.98%	-16.71%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	12.12%	16.32%

Correlation

The correlation between QCML and FXU is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 13, 2025	0.03

The correlation between QCML and FXU shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (1 year) to 0.03 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QCML vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QCML	FXU
Technology	66.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	3.6%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	4.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	92.4%

Return for Risk

QCML vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCML

QCML Risk / Return Rank: 11
QCML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
QCML Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
QCML Omega Ratio Rank: 16
QCML Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
QCML Martin Ratio Rank: 8

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 51
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

QCML vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF (QCML) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	QCML	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.10	1.49	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	2.06	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.25	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.17	2.36	-2.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.33	5.98	-6.30

QCML vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCML Sharpe Ratio is -0.10, which is lower than the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCML and FXU, 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

QCML vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCML drawdown since its inception was -59.13%, which is greater than FXU's maximum drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCML and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCML	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.13%	-49.00%	-10.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-58.72%	-8.63%	-50.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.87%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-57.68%	-2.14%	-55.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.88%	-7.61%	-22.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.25%	3.40%	+27.85%

Volatility

QCML vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF (QCML) has a higher volatility of 34.89% compared to First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) at 4.63%. This indicates that QCML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCML	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	34.89%	4.63%	+30.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	91.72%	10.79%	+80.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	104.17%	13.61%	+90.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	100.27%	16.61%	+83.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	100.27%	18.36%	+81.91%

QCML vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCML has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCML vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

QCML has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.13%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%
QCML GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 QCML and FXU in my portfolio?

QCML and FXU have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QCML or FXU?

QCML has higher volatility (34.89%) compared to FXU (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCML dropped -59.13% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, QCML or FXU?

On 1-year performance, FXU leads with 20.25% vs -10.14% for QCML. On fees, FXU is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, FXU has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCML or FXU?

Over the 1-year period, FXU has performed better with a 20.25% return vs -10.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCML or FXU?

FXU is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for QCML.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QCML or FXU?

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.13%, compared with 0.00% for QCML.

What is the main difference between QCML and FXU?

QCML is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while FXU is Utilities Equities. QCML tracks Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM), while FXU tracks StrataQuant Utilities Index. They also come from different issuers: GraniteShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for QCML and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs -0.10), 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.