ELFY vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ELFY (ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - ELFY is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Ladenburg Thalmann Electrification Infrastructure 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 year, ELFY returned 44.09% vs 42.41% for GRID. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ELFY charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

ELFY vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) 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, ELFY achieves a 26.69% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 23.40% return.

ELFY

• 1D: -2.50%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 26.69%
• 6M: 24.89%
• 1Y: 44.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -4.46%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.40%
• 6M: 22.11%
• 1Y: 42.41%
• 3Y*: 24.21%
• 5Y*: 16.63%
• 10Y*: 19.95%

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

ELFY vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ELFY ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF	26.69%	34.72%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.40%	38.53%

Correlation

The correlation between ELFY and GRID is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2025	0.81

The correlation between ELFY and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

ELFY vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ELFY	GRID
Utilities	36.8%	3.9%
Industrials	27.5%	24.2%
Energy	15.8%	1.6%
Technology	13.3%	12.5%
Basic Materials	5.3%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	2.3%
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ELFY vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

ELFY

ELFY Risk / Return Rank: 76
ELFY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
ELFY Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
ELFY Omega Ratio Rank: 67
ELFY Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
ELFY Martin Ratio Rank: 83

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 65
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 60
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

ELFY vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) 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.

	ELFY	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.01	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	2.63	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.35	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.29	3.63	+1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.96	12.92	+3.04

ELFY vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ELFY Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ELFY 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

ELFY vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ELFY drawdown since its inception was -8.37%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ELFY and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	ELFY	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.37%	-40.56%	+32.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.37%	-11.73%	+3.36%
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	-2.50%	-5.55%	+3.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.67%	-8.42%	+6.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	3.29%	-0.52%

Volatility

ELFY vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) is 8.54%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.12%. This indicates that ELFY 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

	ELFY	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	10.12%	-1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.97%	18.23%	-2.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.80%	21.26%	-1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.69%	21.37%	-1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	22.80%	-3.11%

ELFY vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

ELFY has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ELFY vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

ELFY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ELFY ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF	0.97%	0.76%	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 ELFY and GRID in my portfolio?

ELFY and GRID have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ELFY or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to ELFY (8.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ELFY dropped -8.37% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, ELFY or GRID?

On 1-year performance, ELFY leads with 44.09% vs 42.41% for GRID. On fees, ELFY is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ELFY has been the lower-risk option at 8.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ELFY or GRID?

Over the 1-year period, ELFY has performed better with a 44.09% return vs 42.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ELFY or GRID?

ELFY is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

ELFY has the higher dividend yield at 0.97%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between ELFY and GRID?

ELFY is categorized as Utilities Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. ELFY tracks Ladenburg Thalmann Electrification Infrastructure Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: ALPS and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ELFY and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ELFY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 2.01), 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.