DRIV vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DRIV (Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF) and GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) are both exchange-traded funds - DRIV is a Global Equities fund tracking the Solactive Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DRIV returned 9.49%/yr vs 17.84%/yr for GRID. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DRIV charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

DRIV vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRIV achieves a 42.27% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 28.91% return.

DRIV

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 12.34%
• YTD: 42.27%
• 6M: 41.87%
• 1Y: 92.43%
• 3Y*: 21.80%
• 5Y*: 9.49%
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 3.85%
• YTD: 28.91%
• 6M: 29.60%
• 1Y: 51.55%
• 3Y*: 26.27%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

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

DRIV vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRIV Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF	42.27%	30.42%	-5.04%	26.14%	-34.13%	27.80%	62.76%	28.54%	-21.49%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	28.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-21.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DRIV and GRID is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 18, 2018	0.84

The correlation between DRIV and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRIV vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRIV	GRID
Technology	34.0%	11.0%
Consumer Cyclical	26.8%	3.5%
Industrials	19.4%	65.2%
Basic Materials	14.4%	0.0%
Communication Services	5.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	20.4%

Return for Risk

DRIV vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRIV

DRIV Risk / Return Rank: 92
DRIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
DRIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
DRIV Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DRIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
DRIV Martin Ratio Rank: 92

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 79
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

DRIV vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (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.

	DRIV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.70	2.67	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.35	3.50	+0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.45	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.92	4.42	+2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.10	16.72	+7.38
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DRIV vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRIV Sharpe Ratio is 3.70, which is higher than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRIV 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

	DRIV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70	2.67	+1.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	0.85	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	0.57	-0.03

Drawdowns

DRIV vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRIV drawdown since its inception was -41.93%, roughly equal to the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRIV and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRIV	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.93%	-40.56%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.43%	-11.73%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.18%	-20.77%	-13.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.93%	-29.64%	-12.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.33%	+0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.13%	-8.43%	-6.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.85%	3.09%	+0.76%

Volatility

DRIV vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) has a higher volatility of 9.36% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) at 7.95%. This indicates that DRIV'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

	DRIV	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.36%	7.95%	+1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.29%	16.08%	+3.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.14%	19.39%	+5.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.07%	21.00%	+6.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.40%	22.81%	+4.59%

DRIV vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DRIV vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

DRIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, less than GRID's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRIV Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF	0.75%	1.07%	2.07%	1.62%	1.24%	0.32%	0.29%	1.23%	2.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	0.77%	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 DRIV and GRID in my portfolio?

DRIV and GRID have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRIV or GRID?

DRIV has higher volatility (9.36%) compared to GRID (7.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRIV dropped -41.93% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, DRIV or GRID?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 17.84% vs 9.49% for DRIV. On fees, DRIV is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 7.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRIV or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 17.84% return vs 9.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRIV or GRID?

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

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.75% for DRIV.

What is the main difference between DRIV and GRID?

DRIV is categorized as Global Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. DRIV tracks Solactive Autonomous & Electric Vehicles Index, while GRID tracks NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for DRIV and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.70 vs 2.67), 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.