FTXG vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) are both exchange-traded funds - FTXG is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned -1.45%/yr vs 17.84%/yr for GRID. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

FTXG vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXG achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 28.91% return.

FTXG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: 0.33%
• 3Y*: -3.08%
• 5Y*: -1.45%
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 3.85%
• YTD: 28.91%
• 6M: 29.60%
• 1Y: 51.55%
• 3Y*: 26.27%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

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

FTXG vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	5.86%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	28.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and GRID is 0.08, 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	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2016	0.30

Over the past year, the correlation between FTXG and GRID has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.30, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FTXG vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	GRID
Consumer Defensive	94.0%	-
Basic Materials	4.3%	0.0%
Industrials	1.7%	65.2%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.5%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	11.0%
Utilities	-	20.4%

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 9
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 79
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

FTXG vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (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.

	FTXG	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	2.67	-2.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.13	3.50	-3.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.45	-0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.03	4.42	-4.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.06	16.72	-16.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXG vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.02, which is lower than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXG	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02	2.67	-2.65
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.10	0.85	-0.95
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.57	-0.39

Drawdowns

FTXG vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-40.56%	+9.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-11.73%	+1.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-20.77%	+2.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-29.64%	+7.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.76%	-1.33%	-13.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-8.43%	+0.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	3.09%	+2.31%

Volatility

FTXG vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) is 3.29%, while First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) has a volatility of 7.95%. This indicates that FTXG 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

	FTXG	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	7.95%	-4.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.62%	16.08%	-6.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	19.39%	-5.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	21.00%	-6.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	22.81%	-6.18%

FTXG vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXG vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, more than GRID's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.75%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	0.77%	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 FTXG and GRID in my portfolio?

FTXG and GRID have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (7.95%) compared to FTXG (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or GRID?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 17.84% vs -1.45% for FTXG. On fees, FTXG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 17.84% return vs -1.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or GRID?

FTXG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 0.77% for GRID.

What is the main difference between FTXG and GRID?

FTXG is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while GRID tracks NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 0.02), 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.