RND vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RND (First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - RND is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg R&D Leaders Select Index, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RND returned 20.03% vs 92.03% for QCLN. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RND charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

RND vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) 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, RND achieves a 1.67% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.20% return.

RND

• 1D: -1.59%
• 1M: -2.84%
• YTD: 1.67%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 20.03%
• 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)

RND vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RND First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF	1.67%	22.38%	26.88%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.20%	31.81%	5.81%

Correlation

The correlation between RND and QCLN is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2024	0.62

The correlation between RND and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

RND vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RND	QCLN
Technology	47.2%	47.6%
Consumer Cyclical	15.7%	10.2%
Communication Services	13.4%	-
Healthcare	13.3%	-
Industrials	7.4%	24.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	-
Financial Services	1.1%	1.4%
Basic Materials	0.9%	7.8%
Energy	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

RND vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

RND

RND Risk / Return Rank: 34
RND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
RND Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
RND Omega Ratio Rank: 35
RND Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
RND Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

RND vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) 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.

	RND	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	2.47	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	2.90	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.37	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	5.64	-4.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.58	18.14	-13.56

RND vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RND Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RND 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

RND vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RND drawdown since its inception was -23.52%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RND and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RND	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.52%	-76.18%	+52.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.56%	-16.40%	+0.84%
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	-5.30%	-29.12%	+23.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-43.40%	+39.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.39%	5.09%	-0.70%

Volatility

RND vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) is 6.27%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.77%. This indicates that RND 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

	RND	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	17.77%	-11.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.84%	29.96%	-17.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.55%	37.45%	-20.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.27%	38.54%	-17.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.27%	35.21%	-13.94%

RND vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

RND has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

RND vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

RND 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%
RND First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	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 RND and QCLN in my portfolio?

RND and QCLN have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RND or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to RND (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RND dropped -23.52% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, RND or QCLN?

On 1-year performance, QCLN leads with 92.03% vs 20.03% for RND. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, RND has been the lower-risk option at 6.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RND or QCLN?

Over the 1-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 92.03% return vs 20.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RND or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for RND.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.00% for RND.

What is the main difference between RND and QCLN?

RND is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. RND tracks Bloomberg R&D Leaders Select Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for RND and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.22), 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.