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Compare iShares Global Clean Energy Index ETF (XCLN) vs First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy ETF (QCLN) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XCLN provides Industrials, Utilities, and Technology exposures, while QCLN is primarily weighted in Industrials, Technology, and Consumer Cyclicals. When evaluating costs, XCLN features a management fee (MER) of 0.35%, compared to 0.15% for QCLN. Performance-wise, XCLN has returned 14.86% year-to-date with +$11 M in net flows, whereas QCLN is at 19.48% with +$1 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
XCLN
QCLN
| AuM | $27.81 M | $6.92 M |
| Management Fees | 0.35% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.39% | 0.73% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.58% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 17, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XCLN | -10.86% | -2.36% | +14.86% | +41.21% | +6.48% |
QCLN | -15.06% | -0.56% | +19.48% | +48.58% | -0.61% | |
| Flows | XCLN | +$2 M | +$6 M | +$11 M | +$14 M | +$20 M |
QCLN | +$1 M | +$1 M | +$1 M | +$1 M | -$4 M |
XCLN vs QCLN exposure
Countries
XCLN
USA
46.48%
China
18.16%
Other
35.36%
QCLN
USA
92.08%
Other
7.92%
Sectors
XCLN
Industrials
56.96%
Utilities
32.15%
Technology
9.26%
QCLN
Industrials
35.44%
Technology
33.75%
Consumer Cyclicals
9.45%
Non-Energy Materials
9.39%
Utilities
8.47%
As of July 17, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XCLN
Bloom Energy Corp.
12.16%
First Solar, Inc.
9.57%
Nextpower, Inc.
8.42%
Enphase Energy, Inc.
5.92%
China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd.
5.32%
Plug Power, Inc.
3.65%
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.
3.02%
Vestas Wind Systems A/S
2.71%
Equatorial SA
2.27%
Suzlon Energy Ltd.
2.13%
QCLN
ON Semiconductor Corp.
10.66%
Bloom Energy Corp.
10.29%
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
7.91%
First Solar, Inc.
7.71%
Tesla, Inc.
6.05%
Nextpower, Inc.
4.04%
MP Materials Corp.
3.37%
Rivian Automotive, Inc.
3.24%
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP
3.09%
Vicor Corp.
2.97%
Diversification
XCLN
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 104 total
55.17%
QCLN
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 51 total
59.33%
Characteristics
Compare
XCLN
QCLN
| Provider | iShares | First Trust |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index Net Composite - CAD | Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Net Total Return Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.90% | 0.04% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | Yes |
| Inception Date | April 26, 2022 | October 30, 2014 |
Frequently asked questions about XCLN and QCLN
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCLN or QCLN?
As of July 17, 2026, XCLN has returned 14.86% year to date, while QCLN has returned 19.48%. QCLN is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCLN or QCLN?
As of July 17, 2026, XCLN manages $27.81 M in assets, while QCLN manages $6.92 M. XCLN is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCLN and QCLN managed?
XCLN is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index Net Composite - CAD benchmark. QCLN is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Net Total Return Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XCLN and QCLN emphasize?
XCLN is most exposed to Industrials, Utilities, and Technology. QCLN is most exposed to Industrials, Technology, and Consumer Cyclicals.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XCLN or QCLN?
Year to date, XCLN has seen +$11.30 M in net flows, compared with +$1.19 M for QCLN. XCLN has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCLN and QCLN compare?
XCLN has an expense ratio of 0.39%, while QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.73%.
What are the top holdings of XCLN and QCLN?
XCLN's largest holdings include Bloom Energy Corp., First Solar, Inc., and Nextpower, Inc.. QCLN's top holdings include ON Semiconductor Corp., Bloom Energy Corp., and Monolithic Power Systems, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XCLN or QCLN?
XCLN holds 104 securities, while QCLN holds 51. On holdings count, XCLN is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XCLN and QCLN
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