BIL vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BIL (SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - BIL is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill 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, BIL returned 2.19%/yr vs 19.34%/yr for GRID. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. BIL charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

BIL vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) 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, BIL achieves a 1.54% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.80% return. Over the past 10 years, BIL has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 2.19%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.34% annualized return.

BIL

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.54%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 3.88%
• 3Y*: 4.62%
• 5Y*: 3.42%
• 10Y*: 2.19%

GRID

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: -4.01%
• YTD: 23.80%
• 6M: 23.19%
• 1Y: 44.25%
• 3Y*: 24.20%
• 5Y*: 16.92%
• 10Y*: 19.34%

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

BIL vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BIL SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF	1.54%	4.15%	5.19%	4.94%	1.40%	-0.10%	0.40%	2.03%	1.74%	0.69%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.80%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between BIL and GRID is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2009	-0.02

Return for Risk

BIL vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIL

BIL Risk / Return Rank: 100
BIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
BIL Omega Ratio Rank: 100
BIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
BIL Martin Ratio Rank: 100

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 76
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
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.

BIL vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) 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.

	BIL	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	19.64	2.22	+17.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	174.66	2.91	+171.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	88.16	1.38	+86.77
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	356.40	3.79	+352.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2,826.06	14.15	+2,811.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIL vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIL Sharpe Ratio is 19.64, which is higher than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIL 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BIL	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.64	2.22	+17.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	13.23	0.81	+12.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	8.57	0.85	+7.72
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.78	0.56	+2.22

Drawdowns

BIL vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIL drawdown since its inception was -0.78%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIL and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIL	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-40.56%	+39.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.01%	-11.73%	+11.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.01%	-20.77%	+20.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-0.09%	-29.64%	+29.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-0.21%	-40.56%	+40.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.25%	+5.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-8.43%	+8.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.00%	3.14%	-3.14%

Volatility

BIL vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) is 0.06%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 8.65%. This indicates that BIL 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

	BIL	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.06%	8.65%	-8.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.14%	16.87%	-16.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20%	20.03%	-19.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.26%	21.11%	-20.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.26%	22.86%	-22.60%

BIL vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIL has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIL vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

BIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIL SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF	3.86%	4.13%	5.03%	4.92%	1.35%	0.00%	0.30%	2.05%	1.66%	0.68%	0.07%	0.00%
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 BIL and GRID in my portfolio?

BIL and GRID have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BIL or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to BIL (0.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIL dropped -0.78% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, BIL or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.34% vs 2.19% for BIL. On fees, BIL is cheaper at 0.14% per year. On volatility, BIL has been the lower-risk option at 0.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BIL or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.34% return vs 2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BIL or GRID?

BIL is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

BIL has the higher dividend yield at 3.86%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between BIL and GRID?

BIL is categorized as Government Bonds, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. BIL tracks Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for BIL and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (19.64 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.