QCLN vs SCHD
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $609M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.14% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.36% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.63% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.87% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QCLN vs SCHD Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QCLN returned +44.36% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, QCLN is up 14.19% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +3.63% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.87% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QCLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.56% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $6 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCLN currently yields 0.14% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QCLN and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 151 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QCLN | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 1.31% | 0.11% | 1.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or SCHD?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or SCHD?
Over the past year QCLN returned +44.36% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QCLN annualized +5.27% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or SCHD?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QCLN and SCHD?
QCLN and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and SCHD?
QCLN and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or SCHD?
QCLN yields 0.14% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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