RAYS vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and GRID (First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - RAYS tracks the Solactive Solar Index while GRID tracks the NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

RAYS vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

RAYS vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
GRID First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index	15.46%

RAYS vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	GRID
Technology	66.9%	11.0%
Industrials	21.4%	65.2%
Utilities	6.8%	20.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	0.9%	0.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RAYS vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

RAYS vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RAYS	GRID	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.67	—
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	—	0.57	—

Drawdowns

RAYS vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-40.56%	+40.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.73%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.77%	—
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	0.00%	-1.33%	+1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-8.43%	+8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.95%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.08%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	19.39%	-19.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	21.00%	-21.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	22.81%	-22.81%

RAYS vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYS vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

RAYS 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%
RAYS Global X Solar 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

Which ETF is better, RAYS or GRID?

On fees, RAYS is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYS or GRID?

RAYS is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

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

What is the main difference between RAYS and GRID?

RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while GRID tracks NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.70% for GRID.