QCLN vs VYM
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCLN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $623M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.29% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.22% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.18% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QCLN vs VYM Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCLN returned +36.22% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QCLN is up 7.29% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, QCLN compounded at +3.51% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.18% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCLN charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCLN currently yields 0.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QCLN and VYM share 5 holdings out of 650 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCLN or VYM?
QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCLN or VYM?
Over the past year QCLN returned +36.22% vs +22.16% for VYM, so QCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QCLN annualized +4.92% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCLN or VYM?
QCLN has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QCLN -76.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QCLN and VYM?
QCLN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCLN and VYM?
QCLN and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCLN or VYM?
QCLN yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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