QCLN vs VOO
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $623M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.29% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.22% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.18% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QCLN vs VOO Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCLN returned +36.22% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, QCLN is up 7.29% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +3.51% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -4.18% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +4.92%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCLN currently yields 0.17% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QCLN and VOO share 5 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or VOO?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or VOO?
Over the past year QCLN returned +36.22% vs +20.92% for VOO, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QCLN annualized +4.92% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or VOO?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QCLN and VOO?
QCLN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and VOO?
QCLN and VOO share 5 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or VOO?
QCLN yields 0.17% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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