SMOG vs. QCLN
Compare and contrast key facts about VanEck Vectors Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN).
SMOG and QCLN are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. SMOG is a passively managed fund by VanEck that tracks the performance of the Ardour Global Index. It was launched on May 3, 2007. QCLN is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy. It was launched on Feb 8, 2007. Both SMOG and QCLN are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: SMOG or QCLN.
Key characteristics
| SMOG | QCLN | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -6.57% | -16.46% |
| 1Y Return | -10.00% | -25.35% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -8.39% | -14.28% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 11.72% | 12.71% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 6.73% | 7.82% |
| Sharpe Ratio | -0.42 | -0.70 |
| Daily Std Dev | 22.04% | 33.87% |
| Max Drawdown | -84.39% | -76.18% |
| Current Drawdown | -44.16% | -59.65% |
Correlation
The correlation between SMOG and QCLN is 0.87, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
SMOG vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, SMOG achieves a -6.57% return, which is significantly higher than QCLN's -16.46% return. Over the past 10 years, SMOG has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 6.73%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 7.82% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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SMOG vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison
SMOG has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.60% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
SMOG vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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.
Dividends
SMOG vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison
SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, more than QCLN's 0.76% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMOG VanEck Vectors Low Carbon Energy ETF | 1.70% | 1.58% | 1.32% | 0.44% | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.62% | 1.25% | 2.12% | 0.56% | 0.21% | 0.99% |
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund | 0.76% | 0.76% | 0.33% | 0.01% | 0.30% | 0.85% | 1.03% | 0.45% | 1.24% | 0.72% | 0.79% | 0.41% |
Drawdowns
SMOG vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SMOG drawdown since its inception was -84.39%, which is greater than QCLN's maximum drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOG and QCLN. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
SMOG vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is 5.18%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 8.35%. This indicates that SMOG 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.