GRID vs. ACES

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) and ACES (ALPS Clean Energy ETF) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - GRID tracks the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index while ACES tracks the CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GRID returned 17.84%/yr vs -8.73%/yr for ACES. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ACES.

Performance

GRID vs. ACES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) and ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES). 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 GRID having a 28.91% return and ACES slightly lower at 28.72%.

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%

ACES

• 1D: -2.84%
• 1M: 17.92%
• YTD: 28.72%
• 6M: 27.36%
• 1Y: 69.96%
• 3Y*: -1.21%
• 5Y*: -8.73%
• 10Y*: —

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

GRID vs. ACES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%	-19.75%
ACES ALPS Clean Energy ETF	28.72%	25.44%	-26.71%	-20.04%	-28.44%	-19.44%	140.33%	51.70%	-9.63%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and ACES is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2018	0.72

The correlation between GRID and ACES has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

GRID vs. ACES - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	ACES
Industrials	65.2%	20.3%
Utilities	20.4%	25.5%
Technology	11.0%	24.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	11.1%
Basic Materials	0.0%	9.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	3.2%
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	5.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. ACES — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

ACES

ACES Risk / Return Rank: 62
ACES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
ACES Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
ACES Omega Ratio Rank: 53
ACES Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
ACES Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

GRID vs. ACES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) and ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES). 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.

	GRID	ACES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	2.18	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	2.77	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.33	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.42	4.03	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.72	10.16	+6.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GRID vs. ACES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is comparable to the ACES Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and ACES, 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

	GRID	ACES	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.67	2.18	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85	-0.24	+1.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.22	+0.36

Drawdowns

GRID vs. ACES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum ACES drawdown of -79.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and ACES.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	ACES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-79.05%	+38.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-17.44%	+5.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-58.68%	+37.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-74.44%	+44.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-56.41%	+55.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-38.87%	+30.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	6.91%	-3.82%

Volatility

GRID vs. ACES - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) is 7.95%, while ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) has a volatility of 9.99%. This indicates that GRID experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ACES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	ACES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.95%	9.99%	-2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.08%	22.55%	-6.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.39%	32.42%	-13.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.00%	36.17%	-15.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.81%	35.59%	-12.78%

GRID vs. ACES - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than ACES's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. ACES - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than ACES's 0.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACES ALPS Clean Energy ETF	0.54%	0.70%	1.10%	1.44%	1.08%	0.71%	0.56%	1.79%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	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 GRID and ACES in my portfolio?

GRID and ACES have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GRID or ACES?

ACES has higher volatility (9.99%) compared to GRID (7.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs ACES's -79.05%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or ACES?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 17.84% vs -8.73% for ACES. On fees, ACES is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 7.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or ACES?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 17.84% return vs -8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or ACES?

ACES is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.54% for ACES.

What is the main difference between GRID and ACES?

GRID tracks NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while ACES tracks CIBC Atlas Clean Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.55% for ACES.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 2.18), 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.