FTGC vs. GRID
FTGC (First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTGC is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. FTGC is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTGC returned 7.15%/yr vs 19.95%/yr for GRID. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTGC charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.
Performance
FTGC vs. GRID - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FTGC achieves a 18.86% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.40% return. Over the past 10 years, FTGC has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 7.15%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.95% annualized return.
FTGC
- 1D
- -1.14%
- 1M
- -7.37%
- YTD
- 18.86%
- 6M
- 17.54%
- 1Y
- 28.18%
- 3Y*
- 14.26%
- 5Y*
- 12.29%
- 10Y*
- 7.15%
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%
FTGC vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund | 18.86% | 14.61% | 9.96% | -5.36% | 17.36% | 27.95% | 2.17% | 6.40% | -12.75% | 2.73% |
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 FTGC and GRID is 0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.02 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.25 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2013 | 0.24 |
Over the past year, the correlation between FTGC and GRID has dropped to 0.02 - well below their long-term average of 0.24, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FTGC vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank
FTGC
GRID
FTGC vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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.
| FTGC | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.18 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.16 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.32 | 1.35 | -0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.60 | 3.63 | -1.03 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.67 | 12.92 | -3.25 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FTGC vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FTGC drawdown since its inception was -59.47%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTGC and GRID.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FTGC | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.47% | -40.56% | -18.91% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.87% | -11.73% | +0.86% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -10.87% | -20.77% | +9.90% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -22.64% | -29.64% | +7.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -35.91% | -40.56% | +4.65% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -10.87% | -5.55% | -5.32% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -27.34% | -8.42% | -18.92% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.94% | 3.29% | -0.35% |
Volatility
FTGC vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) is 3.07%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.12%. This indicates that FTGC 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FTGC | GRID | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.07% | 10.12% | -7.05% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.21% | 18.23% | -5.02% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.70% | 21.26% | -5.56% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.87% | 21.37% | -5.50% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 14.71% | 22.80% | -8.09% |
FTGC vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison
FTGC has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
FTGC vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison
FTGC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.13%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund | 16.13% | 17.74% | 3.05% | 3.34% | 10.35% | 7.21% | 0.00% | 0.81% | 0.80% | 1.21% | 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
FTGC and GRID have a correlation of 0.02, 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 FTGC (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTGC dropped -59.47% vs GRID's -40.56%.
On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.95% vs 7.15% for FTGC. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FTGC has been the lower-risk option at 3.07%. 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 7.15%. 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 FTGC.
FTGC has the higher dividend yield at 16.13%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.
FTGC is categorized as Commodities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FTGC and 0.70% for GRID.
GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.82), 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.
Find the right allocation for FTGC and GRID
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer