HUSV vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

HUSV (First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - HUSV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. HUSV is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HUSV returned 5.67%/yr vs 16.82%/yr for GRID. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

HUSV vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HUSV achieves a 1.05% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 24.91% return.

HUSV

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 1.05%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: -0.23%
• 3Y*: 7.84%
• 5Y*: 5.67%
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: -3.05%
• YTD: 24.91%
• 6M: 23.50%
• 1Y: 41.98%
• 3Y*: 24.52%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 20.66%

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

HUSV vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.05%	4.96%	12.64%	3.51%	-6.31%	26.04%	5.39%	26.98%	-1.92%	16.07%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	24.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between HUSV and GRID is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2016	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between HUSV and GRID has dropped to 0.11 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HUSV vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HUSV	GRID
Technology	25.2%	12.5%
Financial Services	14.9%	-
Utilities	11.8%	3.9%
Industrials	10.8%	24.2%
Real Estate	9.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	2.3%
Healthcare	7.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	0.0%
Energy	2.3%	1.6%
Communication Services	1.4%	-

Return for Risk

HUSV vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

HUSV

HUSV Risk / Return Rank: 8
HUSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
HUSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
HUSV Martin Ratio Rank: 9

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 72
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 68
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

HUSV vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID). 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.

	HUSV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.99	-2.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	2.61	-2.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.35	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	3.60	-3.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	12.67	-12.75

HUSV vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HUSV Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HUSV and GRID, 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

HUSV vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HUSV drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HUSV and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	HUSV	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-40.56%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.78%	-11.73%	+4.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.35%	-20.77%	+11.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.00%	-29.64%	+12.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.76%	-4.40%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.61%	-8.41%	+4.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.32%	-0.40%

Volatility

HUSV vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is 3.06%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.91%. This indicates that HUSV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GRID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HUSV	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	9.91%	-6.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	18.26%	-11.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.27%	21.22%	-11.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.03%	21.37%	-9.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.47%	22.79%	-8.32%

HUSV vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both HUSV and GRID have an expense ratio of 0.70%.

Dividends

HUSV vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

HUSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, more than GRID's 1.19% 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	1.19%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
HUSV First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF	1.66%	1.38%	1.14%	1.80%	1.68%	1.35%	1.29%	1.36%	1.48%	1.31%	0.35%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HUSV and GRID in my portfolio?

HUSV and GRID have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HUSV or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.91%) compared to HUSV (3.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HUSV dropped -35.72% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, HUSV or GRID?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 16.82% vs 5.67% for HUSV. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, HUSV has been the lower-risk option at 3.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HUSV or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 16.82% return vs 5.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HUSV or GRID?

HUSV and GRID have the same expense ratio: 0.70% per year.

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

HUSV has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 1.19% for GRID.

What is the main difference between HUSV and GRID?

HUSV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs -0.03), 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.