ILDR vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ILDR (First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF) and GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) are both exchange-traded funds - ILDR is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. ILDR is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ILDR returned 14.40%/yr vs 17.84%/yr for GRID. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ILDR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

ILDR vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ILDR achieves a 21.58% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 28.91% return.

ILDR

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 13.98%
• YTD: 21.58%
• 6M: 21.69%
• 1Y: 47.41%
• 3Y*: 31.44%
• 5Y*: 14.40%
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 3.85%
• YTD: 28.91%
• 6M: 29.60%
• 1Y: 51.55%
• 3Y*: 26.27%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 19.76%

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

ILDR vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ILDR First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF	21.58%	29.22%	29.31%	39.34%	-34.95%	7.29%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	28.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	15.17%

Correlation

The correlation between ILDR and GRID is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 27, 2021	0.79

The correlation between ILDR and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

ILDR vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ILDR	GRID
Technology	45.2%	11.0%
Healthcare	14.7%	-
Industrials	12.8%	65.2%
Communication Services	10.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	3.5%
Financial Services	3.1%	-
Energy	2.0%	-
Utilities	1.9%	20.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ILDR vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

ILDR

ILDR Risk / Return Rank: 60
ILDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ILDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
ILDR Omega Ratio Rank: 60
ILDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ILDR Martin Ratio Rank: 53

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 79
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

ILDR vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (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.

	ILDR	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.67	-0.41
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.50	-0.56
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.45	-0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	4.42	-1.73
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.00	16.72	-7.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ILDR vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ILDR Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ILDR 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ILDR	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.67	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56	0.85	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.57	-0.01

Drawdowns

ILDR vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ILDR drawdown since its inception was -44.61%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ILDR and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	ILDR	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.61%	-40.56%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.70%	-11.73%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.43%	-20.77%	-5.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.61%	-29.64%	-14.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-1.33%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.98%	-8.43%	-6.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.28%	3.09%	+2.19%

Volatility

ILDR vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) is 6.23%, while First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) has a volatility of 7.95%. This indicates that ILDR 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

	ILDR	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.23%	7.95%	-1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.21%	16.08%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.11%	19.39%	+1.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.07%	21.00%	+5.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.02%	22.81%	+3.21%

ILDR vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

ILDR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

ILDR vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

ILDR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	0.77%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
ILDR First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ILDR and GRID in my portfolio?

ILDR and GRID have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ILDR or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (7.95%) compared to ILDR (6.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ILDR dropped -44.61% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, ILDR or GRID?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 17.84% vs 14.40% for ILDR. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, ILDR has been the lower-risk option at 6.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ILDR or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 17.84% return vs 14.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ILDR or GRID?

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

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.00% for ILDR.

What is the main difference between ILDR and GRID?

ILDR is categorized as Technology Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ILDR and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 2.26), 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.