FNY vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FNY (First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FNY is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Growth 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, FNY returned 14.22%/yr vs 19.91%/yr for GRID. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

FNY vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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, FNY achieves a 17.77% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.03% return. Over the past 10 years, FNY has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 14.22%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.91% annualized return.

FNY

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 17.77%
• 6M: 14.21%
• 1Y: 31.38%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 7.73%
• 10Y*: 14.22%

GRID

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 23.03%
• 6M: 21.65%
• 1Y: 39.31%
• 3Y*: 24.08%
• 5Y*: 16.47%
• 10Y*: 19.91%

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

FNY vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNY First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	17.77%	14.03%	18.09%	21.13%	-23.80%	13.46%	36.97%	32.54%	-7.53%	25.12%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.03%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FNY and GRID is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2011	0.69

The correlation between FNY and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (all time) to 0.83 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FNY vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNY	GRID
Industrials	24.9%	24.2%
Technology	19.3%	12.5%
Healthcare	18.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	2.3%
Financial Services	9.4%	-
Real Estate	6.0%	-
Communication Services	3.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	0.0%
Energy	1.7%	1.6%
Utilities	0.6%	3.9%

Return for Risk

FNY vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNY

FNY Risk / Return Rank: 53
FNY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FNY Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FNY Omega Ratio Rank: 45
FNY Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FNY Martin Ratio Rank: 60

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 65
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 60
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
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.

FNY vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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.

	FNY	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.87	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.47	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.33	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	3.37	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.46	11.90	-2.45

FNY vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNY Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNY 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

FNY vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNY drawdown since its inception was -38.91%, roughly equal to the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNY and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNY	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.91%	-40.56%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.01%	-11.73%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.97%	-20.77%	-4.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.94%	-29.64%	-4.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.91%	-40.56%	+1.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	-5.83%	+4.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.57%	-8.42%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	3.31%	+0.02%

Volatility

FNY vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) is 7.18%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.09%. This indicates that FNY 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

	FNY	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.18%	10.09%	-2.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.77%	18.22%	-2.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.67%	21.25%	-0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	21.36%	+1.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	22.79%	-0.38%

FNY vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNY and GRID have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

FNY vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

FNY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNY First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund	0.03%	0.03%	0.56%	0.24%	0.24%	0.00%	0.25%	0.28%	0.06%	0.21%	0.60%	0.46%
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 FNY and GRID in my portfolio?

FNY and GRID have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNY or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (10.09%) compared to FNY (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNY dropped -38.91% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, FNY or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.91% vs 14.22% for FNY. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, FNY has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNY or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.91% return vs 14.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNY or GRID?

FNY and GRID have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.03% for FNY.

What is the main difference between FNY and GRID?

FNY is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. FNY tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Mid Cap Growth Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.53), 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.