FTRI vs. GRID

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FTRI (First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FTRI is a Natural Resources fund tracking the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while GRID is a Infrastructure Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTRI returned 10.05%/yr vs 18.38%/yr for GRID. Their 0.53 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

FTRI vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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, FTRI achieves a 6.71% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 17.75% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRI has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 10.05%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 18.38% annualized return.

FTRI

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: 2.46%
• 6M: -2.84%
• YTD: 6.71%
• 1Y: 19.85%
• 3Y*: 11.52%
• 5Y*: 8.30%
• 10Y*: 10.05%
• ALL TIME*: 11.41%

GRID

• 1D: 1.53%
• 1M: -2.62%
• 6M: 9.29%
• YTD: 17.75%
• 1Y: 28.13%
• 3Y*: 20.65%
• 5Y*: 14.46%
• 10Y*: 18.38%
• ALL TIME*: 12.51%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	$358.94K	$650.63K	$673.37K
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	$98.53M	$102.24M	$137.97M

FTRI vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	6.71%	33.62%	-3.93%	1.53%	7.49%	25.29%	-0.79%	21.97%	-8.34%	11.77%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	17.75%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRI and GRID is 0.50, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2015	0.53

The correlation between FTRI and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTRI vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTRI	GRID
Basic Materials	44.5%	0.8%
Utilities	27.7%	3.9%
Energy	16.8%	1.6%
Industrials	4.9%	23.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	-
Real Estate	2.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	2.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	12.6%

Return for Risk

FTRI vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FTRI

FTRI Risk / Return Rank: 38
FTRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FTRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
FTRI Omega Ratio Rank: 41
FTRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FTRI Martin Ratio Rank: 31

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 49
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 53

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FTRI vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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.

	FTRI	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.18	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	1.69	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.22	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	1.73	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.93	6.17	-3.24

FTRI vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRI Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRI 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

FTRI vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRI drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRI and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRI	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-40.56%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.04%	-15.82%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.04%	-20.62%	+3.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-29.64%	+2.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.82%	-40.56%	-3.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.51%	-9.87%	-2.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-8.42%	-0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.81%	4.42%	+2.39%

Volatility

FTRI vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) is 5.11%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 8.92%. This indicates that FTRI 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

	FTRI	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.11%	8.92%	-3.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.01%	20.34%	-5.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.32%	23.07%	-4.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.70%	21.71%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.84%	22.81%	-0.97%

FTRI vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FTRI vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

FTRI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%, more than GRID's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	2.10%	2.35%	4.29%	6.56%	8.37%	6.58%	3.64%	6.25%	4.24%	3.60%	2.96%	0.89%
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 FTRI and GRID in my portfolio?

FTRI and GRID have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRI or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (8.92%) compared to FTRI (5.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRI dropped -43.82% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, FTRI or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 18.38% vs 10.05% for FTRI. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, FTRI has been the lower-risk option at 5.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTRI or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 18.38% return vs 10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTRI or GRID?

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

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

FTRI has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between FTRI and GRID?

FTRI is categorized as Natural Resources, while GRID is Infrastructure Equities. FTRI tracks Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 1.09), 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.