FYX vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FYX (First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FYX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core 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, FYX returned 13.63%/yr vs 20.66%/yr for GRID. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FYX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

FYX vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FYX having a 25.10% return and GRID slightly lower at 24.91%. Over the past 10 years, FYX has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 13.63%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 20.66% annualized return.

FYX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 25.10%
• 6M: 22.59%
• 1Y: 49.42%
• 3Y*: 22.57%
• 5Y*: 9.53%
• 10Y*: 13.63%

GRID

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: -3.05%
• YTD: 24.91%
• 6M: 23.50%
• 1Y: 41.98%
• 3Y*: 24.52%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 20.66%

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

FYX vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	25.10%	12.68%	12.22%	18.30%	-18.41%	27.43%	19.48%	21.32%	-10.64%	14.34%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	24.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between FYX and GRID is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.69

The correlation between FYX and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.76 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FYX vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FYX	GRID
Financial Services	17.3%	-
Industrials	16.6%	24.2%
Healthcare	14.0%	-
Technology	11.7%	12.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.7%	2.3%
Real Estate	8.6%	-
Energy	5.7%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.5%	0.0%
Communication Services	3.1%	-
Utilities	1.6%	3.9%

Return for Risk

FYX vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

FYX

FYX Risk / Return Rank: 91
FYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FYX Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FYX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 72
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 68
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

FYX vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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.

	FYX	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.71	1.99	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	2.61	+1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.35	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.57	3.60	+2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.39	12.67	+8.72

FYX vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.71, which is higher than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FYX 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

FYX vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FYX drawdown since its inception was -61.80%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FYX and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	FYX	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.80%	-40.56%	-21.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.56%	-11.73%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.91%	-20.77%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.91%	-29.64%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.82%	-40.56%	-8.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.40%	+4.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.85%	-8.41%	-2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	3.32%	-1.00%

Volatility

FYX vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) is 4.82%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.91%. This indicates that FYX 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

	FYX	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.82%	9.91%	-5.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.31%	18.26%	-5.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.36%	21.22%	-2.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.96%	21.37%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.19%	22.79%	+1.40%

FYX vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

FYX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FYX vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

FYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than GRID's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FYX First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund	0.97%	0.64%	1.62%	1.22%	0.95%	0.99%	0.65%	1.12%	1.08%	0.60%	0.94%	0.88%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	1.19%	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 FYX and GRID in my portfolio?

FYX and GRID have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FYX or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.91%) compared to FYX (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FYX dropped -61.80% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, FYX or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 20.66% vs 13.63% for FYX. On fees, FYX is cheaper at 0.63% per year. On volatility, FYX has been the lower-risk option at 4.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FYX or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 20.66% return vs 13.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FYX or GRID?

FYX is cheaper with a 0.63% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.97% for FYX.

What is the main difference between FYX and GRID?

FYX is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. FYX tracks Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for FYX and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FYX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.99), 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.