AGQI vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AGQI (First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - AGQI is a Global Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. AGQI is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past year, AGQI returned 21.20% vs 41.98% for GRID. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AGQI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

AGQI vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AGQI achieves a 9.94% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 24.91% return.

AGQI

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 9.94%
• 6M: 9.87%
• 1Y: 21.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: -3.05%
• YTD: 24.91%
• 6M: 23.50%
• 1Y: 41.98%
• 3Y*: 24.52%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 20.66%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AGQI vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AGQI First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF	9.94%	26.67%	2.98%	4.43%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	24.91%	29.65%	15.18%	9.96%

Correlation

The correlation between AGQI and GRID is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2023	0.79

The correlation between AGQI and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

AGQI vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AGQI	GRID
Technology	23.4%	12.5%
Consumer Defensive	14.4%	-
Financial Services	14.1%	-
Industrials	11.0%	24.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	2.3%
Energy	7.7%	1.6%
Healthcare	6.6%	-
Communication Services	6.5%	-
Basic Materials	5.3%	0.0%
Utilities	2.2%	3.9%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

AGQI vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AGQI

AGQI Risk / Return Rank: 57
AGQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
AGQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
AGQI Omega Ratio Rank: 60
AGQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AGQI Martin Ratio Rank: 54

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 72
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 68
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 77

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AGQI vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AGQI	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.99	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.61	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.35	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	3.60	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.27	12.67	-4.40

AGQI vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AGQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AGQI and GRID, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AGQI vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AGQI drawdown since its inception was -14.07%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AGQI and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	AGQI	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.07%	-40.56%	+26.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-11.73%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.77%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.64%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.72%	-4.40%	+2.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.15%	-8.41%	+6.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	3.32%	-0.75%

Volatility

AGQI vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) is 4.11%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.91%. This indicates that AGQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GRID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AGQI	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	9.91%	-5.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.01%	18.26%	-8.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.01%	21.22%	-9.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.66%	21.37%	-8.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.66%	22.79%	-10.13%

AGQI vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

AGQI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

AGQI vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

AGQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, more than GRID's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AGQI First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF	2.63%	2.54%	2.14%	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	1.19%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AGQI and GRID in my portfolio?

AGQI and GRID have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AGQI or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.91%) compared to AGQI (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AGQI dropped -14.07% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, AGQI or GRID?

On 1-year performance, GRID leads with 41.98% vs 21.20% for AGQI. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, AGQI has been the lower-risk option at 4.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AGQI or GRID?

Over the 1-year period, GRID has performed better with a 41.98% return vs 21.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AGQI or GRID?

GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for AGQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AGQI or GRID?

AGQI has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 1.19% for GRID.

What is the main difference between AGQI and GRID?

AGQI is categorized as Global Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for AGQI and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.