QCLN ETF — Holdings & Analysis

The First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a sector equity ETF with $0.55 billion in assets under management.

It seeks to replicate the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, focusing on companies in the clean energy sector. QCLN's expense ratio is 0.56%, and it provides exposure to companies involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced transportation. The fund's concentrated portfolio of 44 holdings differentiates it from broader market ETFs, offering targeted exposure to the green energy space.

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) ETF — Price, Holdings & Analysis

The First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is a sector equity ETF with $0.55 billion in assets under management. It seeks to replicate the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, focusing on companies in the clean energy sector. QCLN's expense ratio is 0.56%, and it provides exposure to companies involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced transportation. The fund's concentrated portfolio of 44 holdings differentiates it from broader market ETFs, offering targeted exposure to the green energy space.

ETF Overview

The First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund is an exchange-traded index fund. The objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index.

QCLN aims to mirror the performance of the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index, targeting companies involved in clean energy technologies. This includes firms in the solar, wind, electric vehicle, and energy storage sectors. The ETF's strategy involves holding a relatively concentrated portfolio of 44 stocks, with significant allocations to its top holdings. For example, Bloom Energy Corp Class A constitutes 12.87% of the fund, followed by ON Semiconductor Corp at 9.39% and Tesla Inc at 7.53%. The fund's sector allocation is heavily weighted towards Technology (35.3%) and Industrials (27.4%), with Consumer Cyclical (15.6%) and Basic Materials (10.8%) also playing notable roles. QCLN is designed for investors seeking targeted exposure to the green energy sector, potentially as a complement to broader market equity holdings. However, its concentrated nature means it may experience greater volatility than more diversified ETFs. The fund's country exposure is predominantly in the United States (91.4%).

Risk Metrics

QCLN carries several risks typical of sector ETFs. Its concentration in the clean energy sector makes it vulnerable to sector-specific downturns and regulatory changes. The fund's top holding, Bloom Energy Corp Class A, accounts for a significant 12.87% of the portfolio, indicating concentration risk. The fund's beta of 2.06 (3Y) suggests it is significantly more volatile than the broader market. The expense ratio of 0.56% will create a drag on returns, especially when compared to lower-cost broad market ETFs. Investors should also consider the risks associated with individual holdings, such as Tesla Inc and Rivian Automotive Inc, which are subject to company-specific risks and market sentiment. The fund's focus on specific countries, primarily the United States (91.4%), also introduces geographic concentration risk.

Expense Ratio

0.56%

What does QCLN hold?

Holding	Weight
Bloom Energy Corp Class A (BE)	12.87%
ON Semiconductor Corp (ON)	9.39%
Tesla Inc (TSLA)	7.53%
Rivian Automotive Inc Class A (RIVN)	6.51%
First Solar Inc (FSLR)	5.15%
Albemarle Corp (ALB)	5.00%
Advanced Energy Industries Inc (AEIS)	4.78%
Nextpower Inc Class A (NXT)	4.10%
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (BEP-UN.TO)	3.64%
MP Materials Corp Ordinary Shares - Class A (MP)	3.40%

How Is the Fund Allocated?

Sector	Weight
Technology	35.3%
Industrials	27.4%
Consumer Cyclical	15.6%
Basic Materials	10.8%
Utilities	9.0%
Financial Services	1.8%
Energy	0.2%

Country	Weight
United States	91.4%
Bermuda	3.7%
Chile	1.5%
Israel	0.9%
Ireland	0.9%
United Kingdom	0.5%
Brazil	0.5%
Canada	0.4%
Sweden	0.1%
Other	0.1%

Dividend Yield

0.00%

WisdomTree BioRevolution Fund (WDNA) — 0.45% expense ratio
WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (WTAI) — 0.45% expense ratio
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF (EIPI) — 1.11% expense ratio
Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) — 0.59% expense ratio
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) — 0.70% expense ratio
Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) — 0.75% expense ratio
WisdomTree Battery Value Chain and Innovation Fund (WBAT) — 0.45% expense ratio

First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) (International Equity) — 0.99% expense ratio
FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF (EIPI) (Sector Equity) — 1.11% expense ratio
First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) (International Equity) — 0.80% expense ratio
First Trust Emerging Markets Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FEMS) (International Equity) — 0.80% expense ratio
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) (International Equity) — 0.80% expense ratio
First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (FDNI) (International Equity) — 0.65% expense ratio

Risk Metrics

Beta: 2.06

Questions & Answers

What is QCLN and what does it track?

The First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) is an exchange-traded fund that aims to replicate the performance of the Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index.

This index focuses on tracking the performance of companies involved in the clean energy sector, including those in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced transportation.

What is the expense ratio for QCLN?

The expense ratio for QCLN is 0.56%. This means that for every $10,000 invested in the fund, $56 is deducted annually to cover operating expenses.

While this provides access to a specific sector, the expense ratio is higher than some broad market ETFs.

What are the top holdings in QCLN?

As of 2026-03-15, QCLN's top holdings include several prominent companies in the clean energy and technology sectors. The largest holding is Bloom Energy Corp Class A, representing 12.87% of the fund's assets.

ON Semiconductor Corp is the second-largest holding at 9.39%, followed by Tesla Inc at 7.53%.

Is QCLN a good long-term investment?

Whether QCLN is a suitable long-term investment depends on an individual's investment goals, risk tolerance, and belief in the long-term growth prospects of the clean energy sector.

QCLN provides targeted exposure to companies involved in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced transportation. The fund has a beta of 2.06, indicating higher volatility compared to the broader market.

How does QCLN compare to similar ETFs?

QCLN competes with other ETFs that focus on clean energy and renewable energy sectors. QCLN has an expense ratio of 0.56% and AUM of $0.55 billion. Some competing ETFs may have lower expense ratios, potentially offering a cost advantage.

Others may have different index methodologies, resulting in varying allocations to specific companies and sub-sectors within the clean energy space.

Does QCLN pay dividends?

As of 2026-03-15, the First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) has a dividend yield of 0.00%. This indicates that the fund does not currently distribute dividends to its shareholders.

Investors seeking income-generating investments may need to consider other ETFs with a focus on dividend-paying stocks. The fund's primary objective is capital appreciation through investments in the clean energy sector, rather than providing regular income through dividends.