QTEC vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QTEC (First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QTEC is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector 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, QTEC returned 23.50%/yr vs 20.66%/yr for GRID. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTEC charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

QTEC vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) 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, QTEC achieves a 40.25% return, which is significantly higher than GRID's 24.91% return. Over the past 10 years, QTEC has outperformed GRID with an annualized return of 23.50%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively lower 20.66% annualized return.

QTEC

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 2.80%
• YTD: 40.25%
• 6M: 37.40%
• 1Y: 53.38%
• 3Y*: 31.63%
• 5Y*: 15.73%
• 10Y*: 23.50%

GRID

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: -3.05%
• YTD: 24.91%
• 6M: 23.50%
• 1Y: 41.98%
• 3Y*: 24.52%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 20.66%

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

QTEC vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	40.25%	22.28%	7.32%	67.02%	-39.83%	26.89%	38.76%	48.22%	-4.62%	37.78%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	24.91%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QTEC and GRID is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2009	0.66

The correlation between QTEC and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (all time) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QTEC vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTEC	GRID
Technology	89.8%	12.5%
Communication Services	5.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	2.3%
Industrials	1.4%	24.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.6%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	3.9%

Return for Risk

QTEC vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTEC

QTEC Risk / Return Rank: 70
QTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
QTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
QTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 66

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 72
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 68
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

QTEC vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) 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.

	QTEC	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.99	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.61	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.35	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	3.60	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	12.67	-2.17

QTEC vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTEC 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

QTEC vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTEC drawdown since its inception was -58.86%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTEC and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTEC	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.86%	-40.56%	-18.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.03%	-11.73%	-4.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.00%	-20.77%	-8.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.54%	-29.64%	-15.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.54%	-40.56%	-4.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.83%	-4.40%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.87%	-8.41%	-1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	3.32%	+1.78%

Volatility

QTEC vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) has a higher volatility of 14.21% compared to First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) at 9.91%. This indicates that QTEC'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

	QTEC	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.21%	9.91%	+4.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.98%	18.26%	+3.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.11%	21.22%	+4.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.73%	21.37%	+8.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.75%	22.79%	+4.96%

QTEC vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTEC has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTEC vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

QTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than GRID's 1.19% 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	1.19%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
QTEC First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index Fund	0.01%	0.00%	0.02%	0.14%	0.15%	0.02%	0.44%	0.68%	0.91%	0.80%	1.29%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTEC and GRID in my portfolio?

QTEC and GRID have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTEC or GRID?

QTEC has higher volatility (14.21%) compared to GRID (9.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTEC dropped -58.86% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, QTEC or GRID?

On 10-year performance, QTEC leads with 23.50% vs 20.66% for GRID. On fees, QTEC is cheaper at 0.57% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 9.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTEC or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, QTEC has performed better with a 23.50% return vs 20.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTEC or GRID?

QTEC is cheaper with a 0.57% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.01% for QTEC.

What is the main difference between QTEC and GRID?

QTEC is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. QTEC tracks NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for QTEC and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.99), 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.