There is a change to the First Trust Sector Model this week as the model removed the First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN).
There is a change to the First Trust Sector Model (FTRUST) this week as the model is removing the First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN). Recall the First Trust Sector Model utilizes an RS versus benchmark methodology, comparing each of the funds in the model’s universe to the S&P 500 Index (SPX) on a 6.5% scale RS chart. If the RS chart resides in a column of Xs, the ETF is included in the model’s holdings, while an RS chart residing in a column of Os warrants the fund’s exclusion.
Following Monday’s (7/13) action, QCLN reversed into Os after having been in a column of Xs since September 2025, causing its removal from the model. While a holding, QCLN gained over 32%, beating the S&P 500 Index (SPX) by more than 18% during the roughly 10-month span (9/17/2025 – 7/13/2026). While the fund maintains a strong fund score north of 4, QCLN is testing the bullish support line in the lower $50s.
With this change, the model will rebalance with eight holdings equally weighted at 12.50% and now maintain exposure to materials (FXZ), banks (FTXO), pharmaceuticals (FTXH), biotechnology (FBT), semiconductors (FTXL), wind energy (FAN), Nasdaq-100 tech (QTEC), and technology (FXL).
