GRID vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GRID returned 19.34%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for VEA. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

GRID vs. VEA - 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 FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GRID achieves a 23.80% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 12.02% return. Over the past 10 years, GRID has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 19.34%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.14% annualized return.

GRID

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: -4.01%
• YTD: 23.80%
• 6M: 23.19%
• 1Y: 44.25%
• 3Y*: 24.20%
• 5Y*: 16.92%
• 10Y*: 19.34%

VEA

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 14.95%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 9.09%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

GRID vs. VEA - 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	23.80%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	12.02%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and VEA is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2009	0.73

The correlation between GRID and VEA shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (all time) to 0.84 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GRID vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	VEA
Industrials	65.2%	19.2%
Utilities	20.4%	3.3%
Technology	11.0%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	7.5%
Basic Materials	0.0%	7.5%
Communication Services	-	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.6%
Energy	-	5.4%
Financial Services	-	23.3%
Healthcare	-	8.2%
Real Estate	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

GRID vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 76
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VEA 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. VEA - 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 FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	GRID	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.75	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.39	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.79	2.42	+1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.15	9.39	+4.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GRID vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GRID	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22	1.75	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.55	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.59	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.24	+0.32

Drawdowns

GRID vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-60.68%	+20.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-11.63%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	-13.45%	-7.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-29.71%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	-35.73%	-4.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.25%	-3.40%	-1.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-13.29%	+4.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	3.00%	+0.14%

Volatility

GRID vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 8.65% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 6.03%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.65%	6.03%	+2.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.87%	13.91%	+2.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.03%	16.15%	+3.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.11%	16.63%	+4.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.86%	17.40%	+5.46%

GRID vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, less than VEA's 2.69% 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%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.69%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRID and VEA in my portfolio?

GRID and VEA have a correlation of 0.83, 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 VEA?

GRID has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to VEA (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or VEA?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.34% vs 10.14% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.34% return vs 10.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between GRID and VEA?

GRID is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.75), 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.