ICLN: iShares Global Clean Energy ETF returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds on a theme: clean energy, robotics, cybersecurity, uranium, gold miners and others.
Data updated October 2026
ICLN · US exchange · USDCategory: Thematic ETFsData from June 2008
From June 2008 to October 2026 ICLN returned 4.2% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start was worth $4,519.
Its deepest fall was 87.1%, from June 2008 to July 2012, and it has not yet returned to the previous high. Annual volatility was 32.4%; at the last close it was 54.8% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 220 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.69: they moved together only in part. Beta was 1.36. In months when SPY rose, ICLN moved 90% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 160% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- −4.2%
- 1-year return
- +2.0%
- 5 years, a year
- −5.8%
- 10 years, a year
- +8.0%
- Annual volatility
- 32.4%
- Maximum drawdown
- −87.1%
- Sharpe ratio
- -0.01
- Worst year
- 2011: −44.0%
Trailing returns
| Period | ICLN | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +2.0% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +9.1% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | −5.8% | +12.7% |
| 10 years, a year | +8.0% | +15.4% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: ICLN vs SPY
Month-end values from July 2008, the first month both funds have data.
ICLN drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | ICLN | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +0.7% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +47.0% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | −25.7% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | −20.4% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −5.4% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | −24.2% | +28.7% |
| 2020 | +141.8% | +18.3% |
| 2019 | +44.4% | +31.2% |
| 2018 | −9.0% | −4.6% |
| 2017 | +21.5% | +21.7% |
| 2016 | −16.9% | +12.0% |
| 2015 | +3.8% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | −4.8% | +13.5% |
| 2013 | +49.1% | +32.3% |
| 2012 | −12.8% | +16.0% |
| 2011 | −44.0% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | −27.5% | +15.1% |
| 2009 | +5.4% | +26.4% |
| 2008(partial) | −59.2% | — |
ICLN compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of ICLN?
From June 2008 to October 2026 ICLN returned 4.2% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: −5.8% a year. Over the last 12 months: +2.0%.
What was the worst drawdown of ICLN?
87.1%, from June 2008 to July 2012; it has not yet returned to the previous high.
How volatile is ICLN?
Annual volatility was 32.4% over the period. Its worst month was −39.7% and 52% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2011 (−44.0%).
How closely does ICLN follow SPY?
Over 220 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.69, so they moved together only in part, with a beta of 1.36.
Use ICLN in a free tool
Other Thematic ETFs
- All Thematic ETFsReturns and risk side by side
- ARKK — ARK Innovation ETFCAGR +13.7%
- TAN — Invesco Solar ETFCAGR −8.0%
- GDX — VanEck Gold Miners ETFCAGR +5.3%
- URA — Global X Uranium ETFCAGR +23.9%
- LIT — Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETFCAGR +5.9%
- BOTZ — Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETFCAGR +8.9%
- AIQ — Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETFCAGR +19.1%
- CIBR — First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETFCAGR +16.3%
- HACK — Amplify Cybersecurity ETFCAGR +14.6%
- SKYY — First Trust Cloud Computing ETFCAGR +15.1%
- PAVE — Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETFCAGR +22.6%
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.