SMOG vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMOG (VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - SMOG tracks the MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index while QCLN tracks the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMOG returned 12.89%/yr vs 16.79%/yr for QCLN. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMOG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

SMOG vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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, SMOG achieves a 10.83% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.20% return. Over the past 10 years, SMOG has underperformed QCLN with an annualized return of 12.89%, while QCLN has yielded a comparatively higher 16.79% annualized return.

SMOG

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -5.46%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 33.70%
• 3Y*: 8.57%
• 5Y*: -0.48%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

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)

SMOG vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	10.83%	33.36%	-9.33%	1.42%	-29.92%	-2.75%	118.38%	38.86%	-10.18%	22.69%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.20%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	-3.21%	184.00%	42.65%	-12.38%	32.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SMOG and QCLN is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 9, 2007	0.86

The correlation between SMOG and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

SMOG vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMOG	QCLN
Utilities	34.4%	8.1%
Industrials	30.1%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	20.6%	10.2%
Technology	7.4%	47.6%
Energy	5.6%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.3%	7.8%
Financial Services	0.6%	1.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SMOG vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMOG

SMOG Risk / Return Rank: 52
SMOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SMOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SMOG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SMOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SMOG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

SMOG vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck 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.

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.

	SMOG	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	2.47	-0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	2.90	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	5.64	-2.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	18.14	-8.44

SMOG vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMOG 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

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMOG	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.39%	-76.18%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.32%	-16.40%	+5.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.72%	-56.08%	+27.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.86%	-69.49%	+21.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.10%	-71.73%	+20.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.91%	-29.12%	+9.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.37%	-43.40%	-8.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	5.09%	-1.61%

Volatility

SMOG vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is 9.15%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.77%. 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.

Volatility by Period

	SMOG	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.15%	17.77%	-8.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.34%	29.96%	-12.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.70%	37.45%	-15.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.36%	38.54%	-13.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.74%	35.21%	-9.47%

SMOG vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMOG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMOG vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than QCLN's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	0.16%	0.25%	0.87%	0.76%	0.33%	0.01%	0.30%	0.85%	1.03%	0.45%	1.24%	0.72%
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	1.42%	1.57%	1.64%	1.58%	1.32%	0.44%	0.06%	0.00%	0.62%	1.25%	2.12%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMOG and QCLN in my portfolio?

SMOG and QCLN have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMOG or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to SMOG (9.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMOG dropped -84.39% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, SMOG or QCLN?

On 10-year performance, QCLN leads with 16.79% vs 12.89% for SMOG. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, SMOG has been the lower-risk option at 9.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMOG or QCLN?

Over the 10-year period, QCLN has performed better with a 16.79% return vs 12.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMOG or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for SMOG.

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

SMOG has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.16% for QCLN.

What is the main difference between SMOG and QCLN?

SMOG tracks MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while QCLN tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for SMOG and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.56), 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.