GRID vs. FXL

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and FXL (First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while FXL is a Technology Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Technology Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GRID returned 19.76%/yr vs 20.76%/yr for FXL. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for FXL.

Performance

GRID vs. FXL - 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 Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GRID achieves a 23.59% return, which is significantly lower than FXL's 25.90% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has underperformed FXL with an annualized return of 19.76%, while FXL has yielded a comparatively higher 20.76% annualized return.

GRID

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -4.22%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 24.02%
• 1Y: 43.17%
• 3Y*: 23.21%
• 5Y*: 16.83%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

FXL

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 9.18%
• YTD: 25.90%
• 6M: 24.57%
• 1Y: 41.44%
• 3Y*: 23.41%
• 5Y*: 11.96%
• 10Y*: 20.76%

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

GRID vs. FXL - 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	23.59%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	25.90%	13.29%	16.13%	40.50%	-30.44%	18.20%	54.20%	38.66%	2.72%	35.82%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and FXL is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.67

The correlation between GRID and FXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.80 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GRID vs. FXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	FXL
Industrials	24.4%	3.8%
Technology	12.6%	88.5%
Utilities	3.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	1.0%
Energy	1.6%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. FXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 73
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 78

FXL

FXL Risk / Return Rank: 56
FXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FXL Omega Ratio Rank: 50
FXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FXL Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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. FXL - 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 Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL). 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	FXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.64	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.19	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.28	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	2.89	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	9.33	+3.56

GRID vs. FXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the FXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and FXL, 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. FXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum FXL drawdown of -61.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and FXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	FXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-61.41%	+20.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-13.56%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-28.27%	+7.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-38.49%	+8.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-38.49%	-2.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.40%	-5.44%	+0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-11.36%	+2.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	4.19%	-0.94%

Volatility

GRID vs. FXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is 9.56%, while First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) has a volatility of 11.12%. This indicates that GRID experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	FXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.56%	11.12%	-1.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.70%	19.36%	-1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.73%	23.86%	-3.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	25.37%	-4.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.90%	25.41%	-2.51%

GRID vs. FXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than FXL's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. FXL - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, while FXL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXL First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund	0.00%	0.01%	0.11%	0.41%	0.34%	0.11%	0.04%	0.37%	0.32%	0.27%	1.12%	0.36%
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 GRID and FXL in my portfolio?

GRID and FXL have a correlation of 0.71, 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 FXL?

FXL has higher volatility (11.12%) compared to GRID (9.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs FXL's -61.41%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or FXL?

On 10-year performance, FXL leads with 20.76% vs 19.76% for GRID. On fees, FXL is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 9.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or FXL?

Over the 10-year period, FXL has performed better with a 20.76% return vs 19.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or FXL?

FXL is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.00% for FXL.

What is the main difference between GRID and FXL?

GRID is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while FXL is Technology Equities. GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while FXL tracks StrataQuant Technology Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.61% for FXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.64), 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.