XPND vs. QCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XPND (First Trust Expanded Technology ETF) and QCLN (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XPND is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while QCLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index. XPND is actively managed, while QCLN is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XPND returned 14.44%/yr vs -1.13%/yr for QCLN. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XPND charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for QCLN.

Performance

XPND vs. QCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) 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, XPND achieves a 10.20% return, which is significantly lower than QCLN's 37.20% return.

XPND

• 1D: -3.76%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 10.20%
• 6M: 8.52%
• 1Y: 23.64%
• 3Y*: 25.30%
• 5Y*: 14.44%
• 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)

XPND vs. QCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
XPND First Trust Expanded Technology ETF	10.20%	18.82%	29.61%	46.13%	-29.66%	15.05%
QCLN First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund	37.20%	31.81%	-18.86%	-10.02%	-30.37%	4.63%

Correlation

The correlation between XPND and QCLN is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2021	0.67

The correlation between XPND and QCLN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

XPND vs. QCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XPND	QCLN
Technology	74.6%	47.6%
Communication Services	17.7%	-
Financial Services	7.7%	1.4%
Basic Materials	-	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	24.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	8.1%

Return for Risk

XPND vs. QCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

XPND

XPND Risk / Return Rank: 33
XPND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XPND Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
XPND Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XPND Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XPND Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

XPND vs. QCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) 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.

	XPND	QCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	2.47	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	2.90	-1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.37	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	5.64	-4.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.94	18.14	-14.19

XPND vs. QCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XPND Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the QCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XPND 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

XPND vs. QCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XPND drawdown since its inception was -38.00%, smaller than the maximum QCLN drawdown of -76.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XPND and QCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	XPND	QCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.00%	-76.18%	+38.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.38%	-16.40%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.37%	-56.08%	+32.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.00%	-69.49%	+31.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-71.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.05%	-29.12%	+23.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.01%	-43.40%	+33.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.01%	5.09%	+0.92%

Volatility

XPND vs. QCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is 10.02%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a volatility of 17.77%. This indicates that XPND 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

	XPND	QCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.02%	17.77%	-7.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.31%	29.96%	-13.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.80%	37.45%	-17.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.13%	38.54%	-14.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.08%	35.21%	-11.13%

XPND vs. QCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

XPND has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

XPND vs. QCLN - Dividend Comparison

XPND's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.10%, less 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%
XPND First Trust Expanded Technology ETF	0.10%	0.08%	0.12%	0.18%	0.34%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XPND and QCLN in my portfolio?

XPND and QCLN have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XPND or QCLN?

QCLN has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to XPND (10.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XPND dropped -38.00% vs QCLN's -76.18%.

Which ETF is better, XPND or QCLN?

On 5-year performance, XPND leads with 14.44% vs -1.13% for QCLN. On fees, QCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, XPND has been the lower-risk option at 10.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XPND or QCLN?

Over the 5-year period, XPND has performed better with a 14.44% return vs -1.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XPND or QCLN?

QCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for XPND.

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

QCLN has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.10% for XPND.

What is the main difference between XPND and QCLN?

XPND is categorized as Technology Equities, while QCLN is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for XPND and 0.59% for QCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.20), 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.