RAYS vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 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 Index. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.59%/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: -6.27%
• 1M: -3.52%
• YTD: 37.20%
• 6M: 31.57%
• 1Y: 92.03%
• 3Y*: 8.84%
• 5Y*: -1.13%
• 10Y*: 16.79%

*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	28.99%

RAYS vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	QCLN
Technology	66.9%	47.6%
Industrials	21.4%	24.8%
Utilities	6.8%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	10.2%
Basic Materials	0.9%	7.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	1.4%
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.

RAYS

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

QCLN

QCLN Risk / Return Rank: 78
QCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
QCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 64
QCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
QCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

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.

	RAYS	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.47	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.90	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.64	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	18.14	—

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	—	-16.40%	—
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%	-29.12%	+29.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-43.40%	+43.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	17.77%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	29.96%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	37.45%	-37.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	38.54%	-38.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	35.21%	-35.21%

RAYS vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than QCLN's 0.59% 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 0.16%.

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%
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 0.59% for QCLN.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, 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 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.59% for QCLN.