KNCT vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

KNCT (Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - KNCT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the STOXX World AC NexGen Connectivity Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KNCT returned 20.79%/yr vs 19.76%/yr for GRID. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KNCT charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

KNCT vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF (KNCT) 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, KNCT achieves a 52.62% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 23.59% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with KNCT having a 20.79% annualized return and GRID not far behind at 19.76%.

KNCT

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 6.07%
• YTD: 52.62%
• 6M: 54.67%
• 1Y: 85.43%
• 3Y*: 39.08%
• 5Y*: 19.43%
• 10Y*: 20.79%

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%

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

KNCT vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KNCT Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF	52.62%	28.65%	19.41%	27.39%	-29.54%	21.83%	39.14%	26.35%	5.78%	15.41%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between KNCT and GRID is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.64

The correlation between KNCT and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.77 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KNCT vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNCT	GRID
Technology	84.4%	12.6%
Communication Services	11.4%	-
Real Estate	3.3%	-
Industrials	0.8%	24.4%
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.6%
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	3.9%

Return for Risk

KNCT vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNCT

KNCT Risk / Return Rank: 94
KNCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
KNCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
KNCT Omega Ratio Rank: 93
KNCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
KNCT Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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

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.

KNCT vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF (KNCT) 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.

	KNCT	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.47	2.02	+1.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.09	2.70	+1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.35	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.77	3.57	+3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.27	12.89	+17.38

KNCT vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNCT Sharpe Ratio is 3.47, which is higher than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNCT 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

KNCT vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNCT drawdown since its inception was -57.18%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNCT and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNCT	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.18%	-40.56%	-16.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.30%	-11.73%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.40%	-20.77%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.55%	-29.64%	-4.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.55%	-40.56%	+6.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.20%	-5.40%	-1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.73%	-8.42%	-2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	3.25%	-0.50%

Volatility

KNCT vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF (KNCT) has a higher volatility of 13.73% compared to First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) at 9.56%. This indicates that KNCT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GRID based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KNCT	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.73%	9.56%	+4.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.56%	17.70%	+2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.00%	20.73%	+3.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.67%	21.24%	+2.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.22%	22.90%	+0.32%

KNCT vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNCT has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNCT vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

KNCT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than GRID's 0.80% 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%
KNCT Invesco Next Gen Connectivity ETF	0.61%	0.86%	1.38%	0.60%	2.24%	0.55%	0.18%	0.44%	1.22%	0.66%	0.44%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNCT and GRID in my portfolio?

KNCT and GRID have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNCT or GRID?

KNCT has higher volatility (13.73%) compared to GRID (9.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNCT dropped -57.18% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, KNCT or GRID?

On 10-year performance, KNCT leads with 20.79% vs 19.76% for GRID. On fees, KNCT is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 9.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNCT or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, KNCT has performed better with a 20.79% return vs 19.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNCT or GRID?

KNCT is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.61% for KNCT.

What is the main difference between KNCT and GRID?

KNCT is categorized as Technology Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. KNCT tracks STOXX World AC NexGen Connectivity Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for KNCT and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNCT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.47 vs 2.02), 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.