DLFE vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DLFE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DLFE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DLFE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

DLFE vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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

DLFE

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -4.79%
• 1M: -5.14%
• YTD: 22.65%
• 6M: 22.49%
• 1Y: 44.27%
• 3Y*: 24.27%
• 5Y*: 16.67%
• 10Y*: 19.01%

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

DLFE vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	4.27%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	7.79%

Correlation

The correlation between DLFE and GRID is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2026	0.80

Return for Risk

DLFE vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 70
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 65
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

DLFE vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DLFE	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	0.56	+1.43

Drawdowns

DLFE vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLFE drawdown since its inception was -5.03%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLFE and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLFE	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-40.56%	+35.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.73%	—
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	-0.88%	-6.13%	+5.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-8.43%	+7.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.12%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLFE	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.87%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	20.00%	-11.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.01%	21.10%	-13.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.01%	22.85%	-14.84%

DLFE vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DLFE vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

DLFE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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	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 DLFE and GRID in my portfolio?

DLFE and GRID have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DLFE or GRID?

On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLFE or GRID?

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

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.00% for DLFE.

What is the main difference between DLFE and GRID?

DLFE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. DLFE tracks SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DLFE and 0.70% for GRID.