AIQ vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AIQ returned 18.01%/yr vs 17.31%/yr for GRID. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AIQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

AIQ vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) 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, AIQ achieves a 30.85% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 25.84% return.

AIQ

• 1D: 3.98%
• 1M: 9.03%
• YTD: 30.85%
• 6M: 33.54%
• 1Y: 60.30%
• 3Y*: 33.19%
• 5Y*: 18.01%
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 25.84%
• 6M: 25.25%
• 1Y: 45.78%
• 3Y*: 23.73%
• 5Y*: 17.31%
• 10Y*: 19.71%

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

AIQ vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	30.85%	31.89%	24.11%	55.39%	-36.44%	17.09%	52.88%	39.94%	-14.05%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	25.84%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-24.90%

Correlation

The correlation between AIQ and GRID is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2018	0.76

The correlation between AIQ and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIQ vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIQ	GRID
Technology	77.4%	12.6%
Communication Services	11.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	2.4%
Industrials	3.4%	24.4%
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	3.9%

Return for Risk

AIQ vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 76
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 76
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 72

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 77
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 73
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

AIQ vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) 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.

	AIQ	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	2.22	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.91	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.68	3.92	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.07	14.11	-2.04

AIQ vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIQ 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

AIQ vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIQ drawdown since its inception was -44.66%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIQ and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIQ	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.66%	-40.56%	-4.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.47%	-11.73%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.35%	-20.77%	-5.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.66%	-29.64%	-15.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.12%	-3.68%	-1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.79%	-8.42%	-1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.01%	3.25%	+1.76%

Volatility

AIQ vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a higher volatility of 13.44% compared to First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) at 9.77%. This indicates that AIQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GRID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIQ	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.44%	9.77%	+3.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.69%	17.77%	+3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.60%	20.78%	+4.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.80%	21.27%	+4.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.74%	22.88%	+2.86%

AIQ vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIQ vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

AIQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than GRID's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.14%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	0.78%	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 AIQ and GRID in my portfolio?

AIQ and GRID have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIQ or GRID?

AIQ has higher volatility (13.44%) compared to GRID (9.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIQ dropped -44.66% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, AIQ or GRID?

On 5-year performance, AIQ leads with 18.01% vs 17.31% for GRID. On fees, AIQ is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 9.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIQ or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 18.01% return vs 17.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIQ or GRID?

AIQ is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.14% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between AIQ and GRID?

AIQ is categorized as Technology Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for AIQ and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.22), 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.