GRID vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GRID returned 19.76%/yr vs 9.39%/yr for VDE. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

GRID vs. VDE - 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 Energy ETF (VDE). 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 VDE's 29.66% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has outperformed VDE with an annualized return of 19.76%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.39% 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%

VDE

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -1.49%
• YTD: 29.66%
• 6M: 28.33%
• 1Y: 35.15%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 20.05%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

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

GRID vs. VDE - 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%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	29.66%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and VDE is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.47

The correlation between GRID and VDE shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.47 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GRID vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	VDE
Industrials	24.4%	0.1%
Technology	12.6%	-
Utilities	3.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	-
Energy	1.6%	99.5%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. VDE — 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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 62
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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. VDE - 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 Energy ETF (VDE). 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	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.85	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.43	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.30	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	3.20	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	8.95	+3.94

GRID vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and VDE, 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. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-74.20%	+33.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-11.80%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-21.41%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-26.58%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-69.29%	+28.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.40%	-8.26%	+2.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-19.95%	+11.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.25%	4.21%	-0.96%

Volatility

GRID vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 9.56% compared to Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) at 7.15%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.56%	7.15%	+2.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.70%	16.59%	+1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.73%	20.46%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	26.45%	-5.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.90%	29.93%	-7.03%

GRID vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than VDE's 2.42% 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%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.42%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRID and VDE in my portfolio?

GRID and VDE have a correlation of -0.06, 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 VDE?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to VDE (7.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or VDE?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.76% vs 9.39% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 7.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or VDE?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.76% return vs 9.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between GRID and VDE?

GRID is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VDE is Energy Equities. GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.85), 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.