AOR vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AOR (iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - AOR is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the S&P Target Risk Growth 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 10 years, AOR returned 8.52%/yr vs 19.76%/yr for GRID. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AOR charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

AOR vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) 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, AOR achieves a 6.83% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.59% return. Over the past 10 years, AOR has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 8.52%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.76% annualized return.

AOR

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 6.83%
• 6M: 7.42%
• 1Y: 17.08%
• 3Y*: 13.55%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 8.52%

GRID

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -4.18%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 24.02%
• 1Y: 41.72%
• 3Y*: 23.21%
• 5Y*: 16.83%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

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

AOR vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AOR iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF	6.83%	16.44%	10.68%	15.75%	-15.64%	11.19%	11.42%	18.91%	-5.82%	15.80%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.59%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between AOR and GRID is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.75

The correlation between AOR and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (all time) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AOR vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AOR	GRID
Technology	27.8%	11.0%
Financial Services	16.2%	-
Industrials	11.9%	65.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	3.5%
Communication Services	8.1%	-
Healthcare	8.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Energy	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	0.0%
Utilities	2.7%	20.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

AOR vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

AOR

AOR Risk / Return Rank: 68
AOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
AOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AOR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
AOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
AOR Martin Ratio Rank: 69

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 73
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

AOR vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) 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.

	AOR	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.02	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.70	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.35	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.57	-0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.10	12.89	-1.79

AOR vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AOR Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AOR 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

AOR vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AOR drawdown since its inception was -24.44%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AOR and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	AOR	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.44%	-40.56%	+16.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-11.73%	+5.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.77%	-20.77%	+11.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.72%	-29.64%	+7.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.95%	-40.56%	+17.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	-5.40%	+4.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.47%	-8.42%	+4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	3.25%	-1.70%

Volatility

AOR vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) is 3.50%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.56%. This indicates that AOR 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

	AOR	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	9.56%	-6.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.32%	17.70%	-10.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.85%	20.73%	-11.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.61%	21.24%	-10.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.70%	22.90%	-12.20%

AOR vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

AOR has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

AOR vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

AOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOR iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF	2.48%	2.55%	2.66%	2.50%	2.12%	1.64%	1.89%	2.56%	2.49%	4.51%	2.16%	2.12%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	0.80%	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 AOR and GRID in my portfolio?

AOR and GRID have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AOR or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to AOR (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AOR dropped -24.44% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, AOR or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.76% vs 8.52% for AOR. On fees, AOR is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AOR has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AOR or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.76% return vs 8.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AOR or GRID?

AOR is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

AOR has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between AOR and GRID?

AOR is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. AOR tracks S&P Target Risk Growth Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AOR and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.94), 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.