GRID vs. INCE

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and INCE (Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while INCE is a Dividend fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. GRID is passively managed, while INCE is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GRID returned 16.83%/yr vs 11.19%/yr for INCE. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for INCE.

Performance

GRID vs. INCE - 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 Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF (INCE). 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 higher than INCE's 13.74% 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%

INCE

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 13.74%
• 6M: 14.18%
• 1Y: 26.22%
• 3Y*: 16.84%
• 5Y*: 11.19%
• 10Y*: —

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

GRID vs. INCE - 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%
INCE Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF	13.74%	15.92%	10.70%	13.87%	-8.54%	23.36%	12.33%	32.72%	-2.14%	19.66%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and INCE is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2016	0.64

The correlation between GRID and INCE shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.72 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GRID vs. INCE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	INCE
Industrials	24.4%	16.2%
Technology	12.6%	10.5%
Utilities	3.9%	12.6%
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	3.7%
Energy	1.6%	13.3%
Basic Materials	0.0%	7.5%
Communication Services	-	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	15.5%
Financial Services	-	9.5%
Healthcare	-	7.1%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. INCE — 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

INCE

INCE Risk / Return Rank: 92
INCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
INCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
INCE Omega Ratio Rank: 92
INCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
INCE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. INCE - 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 Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF (INCE). 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	INCE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	3.02	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	4.38	-1.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.55	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	5.18	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	19.39	-6.50

GRID vs. INCE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is lower than the INCE Sharpe Ratio of 3.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and INCE, 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. INCE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, which is greater than INCE's maximum drawdown of -33.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and INCE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	INCE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-33.95%	-6.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-4.90%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-14.01%	-6.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-18.40%	-11.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.40%	-0.15%	-5.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-3.25%	-5.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	1.31%	+1.94%

Volatility

GRID vs. INCE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 9.56% compared to Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF (INCE) at 2.42%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than INCE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	INCE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.56%	2.42%	+7.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.70%	6.07%	+11.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.73%	8.41%	+12.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	13.28%	+7.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.90%	15.68%	+7.22%

GRID vs. INCE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than INCE's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. INCE - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than INCE's 4.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
INCE Franklin Income Equity Focus ETF	4.70%	4.71%	3.25%	1.75%	1.68%	1.41%	1.40%	1.31%	1.55%	1.44%	0.50%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRID and INCE in my portfolio?

GRID and INCE have a correlation of 0.53, 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 INCE?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to INCE (2.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs INCE's -33.95%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or INCE?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 16.83% vs 11.19% for INCE. On fees, INCE is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, INCE has been the lower-risk option at 2.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or INCE?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 16.83% return vs 11.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or INCE?

INCE is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

INCE has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between GRID and INCE?

GRID is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while INCE is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.29% for INCE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

INCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 2.02), 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.