GRID vs. VOLT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) and VOLT (Tema Electrification ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, while VOLT is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Tema. GRID is passively managed, while VOLT is actively managed. Over the past year, GRID returned 42.41% vs 64.69% for VOLT. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GRID charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for VOLT.

Performance

GRID vs. VOLT - 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 Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GRID achieves a 23.40% return, which is significantly lower than VOLT's 40.29% return.

GRID

• 1D: -4.46%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.40%
• 6M: 22.11%
• 1Y: 42.41%
• 3Y*: 24.21%
• 5Y*: 16.63%
• 10Y*: 19.95%

VOLT

• 1D: -3.50%
• 1M: 2.50%
• YTD: 40.29%
• 6M: 38.12%
• 1Y: 64.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GRID vs. VOLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.40%	29.65%	-4.93%
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	40.29%	25.92%	-8.98%

Correlation

The correlation between GRID and VOLT is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2024	0.83

The correlation between GRID and VOLT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

GRID vs. VOLT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GRID	VOLT
Industrials	24.2%	47.0%
Technology	12.5%	12.9%
Utilities	3.9%	31.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.3%	3.4%
Energy	1.6%	4.7%
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GRID vs. VOLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 65
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 60
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VOLT

VOLT Risk / Return Rank: 89
VOLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VOLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VOLT Omega Ratio Rank: 85
VOLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VOLT Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. VOLT - 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 Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT). 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	VOLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.99	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.71	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.49	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	6.78	-3.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.92	18.99	-6.07

GRID vs. VOLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GRID Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is lower than the VOLT Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GRID and VOLT, 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. VOLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GRID drawdown since its inception was -40.56%, which is greater than VOLT's maximum drawdown of -23.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GRID and VOLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	GRID	VOLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.56%	-23.40%	-17.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.73%	-9.59%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.55%	-3.50%	-2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-5.14%	-3.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	3.42%	-0.13%

Volatility

GRID vs. VOLT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a higher volatility of 10.12% compared to Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) at 9.40%. This indicates that GRID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOLT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GRID	VOLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.12%	9.40%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.23%	18.29%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.26%	21.75%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.37%	24.55%	-3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.80%	24.55%	-1.75%

GRID vs. VOLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

GRID has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than VOLT's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

GRID vs. VOLT - Dividend Comparison

GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than VOLT's 0.32% 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%
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	0.32%	0.46%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GRID and VOLT in my portfolio?

GRID and VOLT have a correlation of 0.81, 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 VOLT?

GRID has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to VOLT (9.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GRID dropped -40.56% vs VOLT's -23.40%.

Which ETF is better, GRID or VOLT?

On 1-year performance, VOLT leads with 64.69% vs 42.41% for GRID. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, VOLT has been the lower-risk option at 9.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GRID or VOLT?

Over the 1-year period, VOLT has performed better with a 64.69% return vs 42.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GRID or VOLT?

GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for VOLT.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.32% for VOLT.

What is the main difference between GRID and VOLT?

GRID is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VOLT is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Tema. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for GRID and 0.75% for VOLT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.01), 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.