GRID vs. EMLP

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and EMLP (First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund) are both Infrastructure Equities funds from First Trust. GRID is passively managed, while EMLP is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, GRID returned 18.61%/yr vs 10.02%/yr for EMLP. Their 0.47 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for EMLP.

Performance

GRID vs. EMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GRID achieves a 19.50% return, which is significantly higher than EMLP's 17.64% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has outperformed EMLP with an annualized return of 18.61%, while EMLP has yielded a comparatively lower 10.02% annualized return.

GRID

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: -1.17%
• 6M: 10.03%
• YTD: 19.50%
• 1Y: 30.04%
• 3Y*: 22.76%
• 5Y*: 14.44%
• 10Y*: 18.61%
• ALL TIME*: 12.60%

EMLP

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.53%
• 6M: 11.82%
• YTD: 17.64%
• 1Y: 18.98%
• 3Y*: 21.10%
• 5Y*: 16.57%
• 10Y*: 10.02%
• ALL TIME*: 9.66%

*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)
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	$13.81M	$10.90M	$12.45M
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	$102.61M	$99.71M	$138.67M

GRID vs. EMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	19.50%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	17.64%	9.67%	33.39%	8.05%	10.39%	23.20%	-13.36%	23.40%	-8.70%	1.07%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and EMLP is 0.09, meaning there was essentially no consistent relationship between their historical price movements. Each responded to its own set of market drivers.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2012	0.47

Over the past year, the correlation between GRID and EMLP has dropped to 0.09 - well below their long-term average of 0.47, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GRID vs. EMLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	EMLP
Industrials	23.6%	8.6%
Technology	12.6%	-
Utilities	3.9%	55.2%
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	-
Energy	1.6%	25.9%
Basic Materials	0.8%	1.7%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. EMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 53
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 51
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 56

EMLP

EMLP Risk / Return Rank: 80
EMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
EMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 73
EMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
EMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

GRID vs. EMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). 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.

	GRID	EMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.85	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	2.71	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	3.86	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.77	10.89	-4.12

GRID vs. EMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the EMLP Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and EMLP, 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

GRID vs. EMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum EMLP drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and EMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	EMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-43.61%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.82%	-4.94%	-10.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.62%	-11.47%	-9.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-14.59%	-15.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-43.61%	+3.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.53%	-2.03%	-6.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-5.71%	-2.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.45%	1.75%	+2.70%

Volatility

GRID vs. EMLP - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 8.94% compared to First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) at 3.66%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than EMLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	EMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.94%	3.66%	+5.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.34%	8.47%	+11.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.13%	10.35%	+12.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.70%	14.49%	+7.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.83%	17.68%	+5.15%

GRID vs. EMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than EMLP's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. EMLP - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than EMLP's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMLP First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund	2.77%	3.18%	3.19%	3.92%	3.15%	3.29%	4.70%	3.71%	4.71%	3.80%	3.62%	4.63%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	0.79%	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 EMLP in my portfolio?

GRID and EMLP have a correlation of 0.09, 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 EMLP?

GRID has higher volatility (8.94%) compared to EMLP (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs EMLP's -43.61%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or EMLP?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 18.61% vs 10.02% for EMLP. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, EMLP has been the lower-risk option at 3.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or EMLP?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 18.61% return vs 10.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or EMLP?

GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for EMLP.

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

EMLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 0.79% for GRID.

What is the main difference between GRID and EMLP?

Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.96% for EMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.31), 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.