RAYS vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - RAYS tracks the Solactive Solar Index while QCLN tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

RAYS vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCLN

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 16.40%
• YTD: 52.94%
• 6M: 50.79%
• 1Y: 120.21%
• 3Y*: 12.03%
• 5Y*: 2.16%
• 10Y*: 17.39%

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

RAYS vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.29%

RAYS vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	QCLN
Technology	66.9%	20.8%
Industrials	21.4%	30.2%
Utilities	6.8%	13.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	9.4%
Basic Materials	0.9%	9.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	13.2%
Financial Services	-	1.9%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RAYS vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 89
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 79
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

RAYS vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RAYS	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.20	—

Drawdowns

RAYS vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-76.18%	+76.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.86%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-56.08%	—
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	0.00%	-20.99%	+20.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-43.45%	+43.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	26.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	34.88%	-34.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	37.97%	-37.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	34.91%	-34.91%

RAYS vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYS vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

RAYS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.15%	0.25%	0.87%	0.76%	0.33%	0.01%	0.30%	0.85%	1.03%	0.45%	1.24%	0.72%
RAYS Global X Solar 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

Which ETF is better, RAYS or QCLN?

On fees, RAYS is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYS or QCLN?

RAYS is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLN.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.15%, compared with 0.00% for RAYS.

What is the main difference between RAYS and QCLN?

RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while QCLN tracks NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.60% for QCLN.