QCLN vs QQQ
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $623M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.58% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.38% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.58% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QCLN vs QQQ Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QCLN is up 8.58% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +4.22% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -4.58% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QCLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.4% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -76.2% for QCLN and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCLN currently yields 0.17% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or QQQ?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or QQQ?
Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QCLN annualized +4.99% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or QQQ?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QCLN and QQQ?
QCLN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and QQQ?
QCLN and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or QQQ?
QCLN yields 0.17% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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