QCLN vs SPY
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $623M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.58% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.38% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.58% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QCLN vs SPY Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QCLN is up 8.58% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +4.22% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -4.58% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCLN currently yields 0.17% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QCLN and SPY share 5 holdings out of 551 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or SPY?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or SPY?
Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% vs +21.82% for SPY, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QCLN annualized +4.99% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or SPY?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QCLN and SPY?
QCLN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and SPY?
QCLN and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or SPY?
QCLN yields 0.17% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.