GRID vs. VBTIX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and VBTIX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VBTIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, GRID returned 19.76%/yr vs 1.54%/yr for VBTIX. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBTIX.

Performance

GRID vs. VBTIX - 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 Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX). 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 VBTIX's 0.43% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has outperformed VBTIX with an annualized return of 19.76%, while VBTIX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.54% annualized return.

GRID

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -4.18%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 24.02%
• 1Y: 41.72%
• 3Y*: 23.21%
• 5Y*: 16.83%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

VBTIX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 4.48%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: 0.06%
• 10Y*: 1.54%

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

GRID vs. VBTIX - 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%
VBTIX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.43%	7.18%	1.27%	5.75%	-13.15%	-1.95%	7.75%	8.74%	-0.24%	3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and VBTIX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	-0.09

The correlation between GRID and VBTIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (all time) to 0.24 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GRID vs. VBTIX — 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

VBTIX

VBTIX Risk / Return Rank: 30
VBTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VBTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
VBTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VBTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VBTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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. VBTIX - 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 Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX). 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	VBTIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.26	+0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	1.90	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.22	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	1.71	+1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	4.95	+7.94

GRID vs. VBTIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the VBTIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and VBTIX, 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. VBTIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, which is greater than VBTIX's maximum drawdown of -18.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and VBTIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	VBTIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-18.90%	-21.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-2.89%	-8.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-5.99%	-14.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-18.13%	-11.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-18.90%	-21.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.40%	-2.25%	-3.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-2.32%	-6.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	1.00%	+2.25%

Volatility

GRID vs. VBTIX - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 9.56% compared to Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX) at 1.33%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBTIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	VBTIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.56%	1.33%	+8.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.70%	2.85%	+14.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.73%	3.93%	+16.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	6.02%	+15.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.90%	4.99%	+17.91%

GRID vs. VBTIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VBTIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. VBTIX - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than VBTIX's 3.99% 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%
VBTIX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.99%	3.88%	3.69%	3.12%	2.61%	1.81%	2.41%	2.75%	2.58%	2.56%	2.54%	2.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRID and VBTIX in my portfolio?

GRID and VBTIX have a correlation of 0.24, 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 VBTIX?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to VBTIX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs VBTIX's -18.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.26), 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.