FCVT vs. GRID
FCVT (First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FCVT is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. FCVT is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FCVT returned 12.06%/yr vs 19.95%/yr for GRID. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FCVT charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.
Performance
FCVT vs. GRID - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FCVT achieves a 24.74% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 23.40% return. Over the past 10 years, FCVT has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 12.06%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.95% annualized return.
FCVT
- 1D
- -2.29%
- 1M
- 2.99%
- YTD
- 24.74%
- 6M
- 22.65%
- 1Y
- 43.93%
- 3Y*
- 20.64%
- 5Y*
- 6.75%
- 10Y*
- 12.06%
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%
FCVT vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FCVT First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF | 24.74% | 19.60% | 11.92% | 7.12% | -20.88% | 4.23% | 51.02% | 22.30% | -2.28% | 12.66% |
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund | 23.40% | 29.65% | 15.18% | 21.57% | -13.89% | 27.65% | 48.84% | 42.80% | -22.69% | 27.44% |
Correlation
The correlation between FCVT and GRID is 0.73, 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 | 0.73 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.75 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.67 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2015 | 0.63 |
The correlation between FCVT and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (all time) to 0.75 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
FCVT vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank
FCVT
GRID
FCVT vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) 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.
| FCVT | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.56 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.59 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.43 | 1.35 | +0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 5.21 | 3.63 | +1.58 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 18.41 | 12.92 | +5.49 |
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Drawdowns
FCVT vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FCVT drawdown since its inception was -31.79%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCVT and GRID.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FCVT | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -31.79% | -40.56% | +8.77% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.47% | -11.73% | +3.26% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.06% | -20.77% | +5.71% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -30.43% | -29.64% | -0.79% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -31.79% | -40.56% | +8.77% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.29% | -5.55% | +3.26% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.32% | -8.42% | -1.90% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.39% | 3.29% | -0.90% |
Volatility
FCVT vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) is 7.27%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.12%. This indicates that FCVT 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.
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Volatility by Period
| FCVT | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.27% | 10.12% | -2.85% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.25% | 18.23% | -3.98% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.19% | 21.26% | -4.07% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.37% | 21.37% | -7.00% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.99% | 22.80% | -7.81% |
FCVT vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison
FCVT has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
FCVT vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison
FCVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FCVT First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF | 1.20% | 1.98% | 1.30% | 1.76% | 3.71% | 23.07% | 1.72% | 1.60% | 1.85% | 2.18% | 1.88% | 0.59% |
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
FCVT and GRID have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
GRID has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to FCVT (7.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCVT dropped -31.79% vs GRID's -40.56%.
On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.95% vs 12.06% for FCVT. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FCVT has been the lower-risk option at 7.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.95% return vs 12.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FCVT.
FCVT has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.
FCVT is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FCVT and 0.70% for GRID.
FCVT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 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.
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