QTEC vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QTEC is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QTEC returned 23.50%/yr vs 17.11%/yr for QCLN. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTEC charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

QTEC vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QTEC achieves a 40.25% return, which is significantly higher than QCLN's 36.32% return. Over the past 10 years, QTEC has outperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 23.50%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively lower 17.11% annualized return.

QTEC

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 2.80%
• YTD: 40.25%
• 6M: 37.40%
• 1Y: 53.38%
• 3Y*: 31.63%
• 5Y*: 15.73%
• 10Y*: 23.50%

QCLN

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -8.53%
• YTD: 36.32%
• 6M: 30.31%
• 1Y: 88.28%
• 3Y*: 8.60%
• 5Y*: -1.37%
• 10Y*: 17.11%

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

QTEC vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	40.25%	22.28%	7.32%	67.02%	-39.83%	26.89%	38.76%	48.22%	-4.62%	37.78%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	36.32%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between QTEC and QCLN is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 14, 2007	0.75

The correlation between QTEC and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

QTEC vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTEC	QCLN
Technology	89.8%	47.6%
Communication Services	5.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	10.2%
Industrials	1.4%	24.8%
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	1.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

QTEC vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTEC

QTEC Risk / Return Rank: 70
QTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
QTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
QTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 82
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

QTEC vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN). 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.

	QTEC	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.37	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.81	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	5.41	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	17.06	-6.56

QTEC vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTEC and QCLN, 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

QTEC vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTEC drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTEC and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTEC	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-76.18%	+17.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.03%	-16.40%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.00%	-56.08%	+27.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.54%	-69.49%	+23.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.54%	-71.73%	+26.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.83%	-29.57%	+25.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-43.39%	+33.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	5.19%	-0.09%

Volatility

QTEC vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) is 14.21%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 16.90%. This indicates that QTEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QTEC	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.21%	16.90%	-2.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.98%	29.83%	-7.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.11%	37.44%	-11.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.73%	38.54%	-8.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.75%	35.20%	-7.45%

QTEC vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTEC has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTEC vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

QTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than QCLN's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.17%	0.25%	0.87%	0.76%	0.33%	0.01%	0.30%	0.85%	1.03%	0.45%	1.24%	0.72%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	0.01%	0.00%	0.02%	0.14%	0.15%	0.02%	0.44%	0.68%	0.91%	0.80%	1.29%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTEC and QCLN in my portfolio?

QTEC and QCLN have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTEC or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (16.90%) compared to QTEC (14.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTEC dropped -58.86% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, QTEC or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QTEC leads with 23.50% vs 17.11% for QCLN. On fees, QTEC is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, QTEC has been the lower-risk option at 14.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTEC or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QTEC has performed better with a 23.50% return vs 17.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTEC or QCLN?

QTEC is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for QCLN.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.01% for QTEC.

What is the main difference between QTEC and QCLN?

QTEC is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. QTEC tracks NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for QTEC and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.05), 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.