QQQ vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 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, QQQ returned 21.79%/yr vs 19.76%/yr for GRID. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

QQQ vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) 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, QQQ achieves a 17.57% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.59% return. Over the past 10 years, QQQ has outperformed GRID with an annualized return of 21.79%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively lower 19.76% annualized return.

QQQ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 17.85%
• 1Y: 37.55%
• 3Y*: 26.43%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 21.79%

GRID

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -1.44%
• 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)

QQQ vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	17.57%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%
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 QQQ and GRID is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.65

The correlation between QQQ and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (all time) to 0.80 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QQQ vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQ	GRID
Technology	58.7%	12.6%
Communication Services	14.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	-
Industrials	2.6%	24.4%
Utilities	1.2%	3.9%
Basic Materials	1.0%	0.0%
Energy	0.5%	1.6%
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 71
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

QQQ vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) 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.

	QQQ	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.02	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.70	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.35	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	3.57	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	12.89	-1.67

QQQ vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQ 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

QQQ vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-40.56%	-42.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-11.73%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	-20.77%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	-29.64%	-5.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	-40.56%	+5.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-5.40%	+2.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-8.42%	-24.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	3.25%	-0.05%

Volatility

QQQ vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) is 7.56%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.56%. This indicates that QQQ 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

	QQQ	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.56%	9.56%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.81%	17.70%	-3.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	20.73%	-3.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	21.24%	+1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	22.90%	-0.52%

QQQ vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQ vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, 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%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.39%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and GRID in my portfolio?

QQQ and GRID have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQ or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.56%) compared to QQQ (7.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, QQQ or GRID?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 21.79% vs 19.76% for GRID. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 7.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQ or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 21.79% return vs 19.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQ or GRID?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.39% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQ and GRID?

QQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 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: 0.18% for QQQ and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 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.