QCLN vs VTI
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $623M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.58% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.38% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.58% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
QCLN vs VTI Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QCLN is up 8.58% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +4.22% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -4.58% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.59% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QCLN and VTI share 32 holdings out of 2807 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or VTI?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or VTI?
Over the past year QCLN returned +39.38% vs +22.35% for VTI, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QCLN annualized +4.99% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or VTI?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QCLN and VTI?
QCLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and VTI?
QCLN and VTI share 32 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or VTI?
QCLN yields 0.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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