MDEV vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MDEV (First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF) and GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) are both exchange-traded funds - MDEV is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global Medical Equipment Index, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MDEV returned -2.86%/yr vs 26.27%/yr for GRID. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.70% expense ratio.

Performance

MDEV vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) 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, MDEV achieves a -11.48% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 28.91% return.

MDEV

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 1.54%
• YTD: -11.48%
• 6M: -12.29%
• 1Y: -7.05%
• 3Y*: -2.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

MDEV vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MDEV First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF	-11.48%	2.00%	1.79%	7.55%	-28.59%	4.16%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	28.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	13.45%

Correlation

The correlation between MDEV and GRID is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2021	0.66

Over the past year, the correlation between MDEV and GRID has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.66, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MDEV vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDEV	GRID
Healthcare	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	65.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	11.0%
Utilities	-	20.4%

Return for Risk

MDEV vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDEV

MDEV Risk / Return Rank: 5
MDEV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
MDEV Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
MDEV Omega Ratio Rank: 5
MDEV Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
MDEV Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

MDEV vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) 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.

	MDEV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.44	2.67	-3.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.53	3.50	-4.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.45	-0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.39	4.42	-4.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.98	16.72	-17.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MDEV vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDEV Sharpe Ratio is -0.44, which is lower than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDEV 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

	MDEV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.44	2.67	-3.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.87	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.32	0.57	-0.89

Drawdowns

MDEV vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDEV drawdown since its inception was -42.34%, roughly equal to the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDEV and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDEV	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.34%	-40.56%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.13%	-11.73%	-6.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.50%	-20.77%	-1.73%
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	-33.76%	-1.33%	-32.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.65%	-8.43%	-17.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.22%	3.09%	+4.13%

Volatility

MDEV vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) is 4.60%, while First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (GRID) has a volatility of 7.95%. This indicates that MDEV 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

	MDEV	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.60%	7.95%	-3.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.42%	16.08%	-4.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.00%	19.39%	-3.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.98%	21.00%	-2.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.98%	22.81%	-3.83%

MDEV vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MDEV vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

MDEV 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%
MDEV First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 MDEV and GRID in my portfolio?

MDEV and GRID have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDEV or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (7.95%) compared to MDEV (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDEV dropped -42.34% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, MDEV or GRID?

On 3-year performance, GRID leads with 26.27% vs -2.86% for MDEV. Both ETFs have the same 0.70% expense ratio. On volatility, MDEV has been the lower-risk option at 4.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDEV or GRID?

Over the 3-year period, GRID has performed better with a 26.27% return vs -2.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDEV or GRID?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between MDEV and GRID?

MDEV is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. MDEV tracks Indxx Global Medical Equipment Index, while GRID tracks NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs -0.44), 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.