MALOX vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

MALOX (BlackRock Global Allocation Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both funds - MALOX is a Global Allocation fund managed by BlackRock, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Over the past 10 years, MALOX returned 8.28%/yr vs 19.34%/yr for GRID. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MALOX charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

MALOX vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (MALOX) 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, MALOX achieves a 5.74% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.80% return. Over the past 10 years, MALOX has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 8.28%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.34% annualized return.

MALOX

• 1D: -2.27%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 17.22%
• 3Y*: 13.89%
• 5Y*: 5.47%
• 10Y*: 8.28%

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%

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

MALOX vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MALOX BlackRock Global Allocation Fund	5.74%	19.63%	9.23%	12.63%	-15.86%	6.69%	24.93%	17.56%	-7.40%	13.59%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between MALOX and GRID is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2009	0.75

The correlation between MALOX and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (all time) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MALOX vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

MALOX

MALOX Risk / Return Rank: 41
MALOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
MALOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MALOX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MALOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
MALOX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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

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.

MALOX vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (MALOX) 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.

	MALOX	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.22	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.91	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.79	-1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.13	14.15	-5.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MALOX vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MALOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MALOX 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

	MALOX	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.79	2.22	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.81	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77	0.85	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.56	+0.37

Drawdowns

MALOX vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MALOX drawdown since its inception was -32.83%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MALOX and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	MALOX	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.83%	-40.56%	+7.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.31%	-11.73%	+3.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.04%	-20.77%	+10.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.76%	-29.64%	+6.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.76%	-40.56%	+17.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.31%	-5.25%	+2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.92%	-8.43%	+4.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	3.14%	-1.21%

Volatility

MALOX vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BlackRock Global Allocation Fund (MALOX) is 3.53%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 8.65%. This indicates that MALOX 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

	MALOX	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	8.65%	-5.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.22%	16.87%	-8.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.87%	20.03%	-10.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.91%	21.11%	-10.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.73%	22.86%	-12.13%

MALOX vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

MALOX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

MALOX vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

MALOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.72%, more 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%
MALOX BlackRock Global Allocation Fund	8.72%	9.22%	7.68%	1.54%	6.01%	10.32%	10.15%	5.68%	5.50%	4.81%	2.10%	9.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MALOX and GRID in my portfolio?

MALOX and GRID have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MALOX or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to MALOX (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MALOX dropped -32.83% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.79), 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.