RFDI vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RFDI (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - RFDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. RFDI is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFDI returned 9.44%/yr vs 19.95%/yr for GRID. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RFDI charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

RFDI vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) 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, RFDI achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.40% return. Over the past 10 years, RFDI has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 9.44%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.95% annualized return.

RFDI

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.54%
• 1Y: 25.31%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 8.21%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

GRID

• 1D: -4.46%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.40%
• 6M: 22.11%
• 1Y: 42.41%
• 3Y*: 24.21%
• 5Y*: 16.63%
• 10Y*: 19.95%

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

RFDI vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	8.72%	35.95%	5.56%	18.14%	-23.57%	17.36%	9.16%	20.47%	-18.26%	24.08%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	23.40%	29.65%	15.18%	21.57%	-13.89%	27.65%	48.84%	42.80%	-22.69%	27.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RFDI and GRID is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 14, 2016	0.75

The correlation between RFDI and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFDI vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFDI	GRID
Financial Services	27.8%	-
Industrials	11.6%	24.2%
Energy	10.6%	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	2.3%
Healthcare	8.6%	-
Technology	7.6%	12.5%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	-
Communication Services	5.1%	-
Basic Materials	5.0%	0.0%
Utilities	4.4%	3.9%
Real Estate	1.9%	-

Return for Risk

RFDI vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFDI

RFDI Risk / Return Rank: 54
RFDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RFDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFDI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
RFDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
RFDI Martin Ratio Rank: 56

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 65
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 60
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

RFDI vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) 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.

	RFDI	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.01	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.63	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	3.63	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.98	12.92	-3.94

RFDI vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFDI 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

RFDI vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFDI drawdown since its inception was -39.40%, roughly equal to the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFDI and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFDI	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.40%	-40.56%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-11.73%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.44%	-20.77%	+7.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.87%	-29.64%	-6.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.40%	-40.56%	+1.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-5.55%	+3.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.20%	-8.42%	-0.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	3.29%	-0.46%

Volatility

RFDI vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is 4.56%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.12%. This indicates that RFDI 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

	RFDI	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.56%	10.12%	-5.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.49%	18.23%	-5.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.84%	21.26%	-6.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	21.37%	-4.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.10%	22.80%	-5.70%

RFDI vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFDI has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFDI vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

RFDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, 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%
RFDI First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF	3.24%	3.45%	5.21%	2.43%	5.00%	3.22%	1.34%	2.72%	2.59%	1.63%	1.85%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFDI and GRID in my portfolio?

RFDI and GRID have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RFDI or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to RFDI (4.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFDI dropped -39.40% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, RFDI or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.95% vs 9.44% for RFDI. On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, RFDI has been the lower-risk option at 4.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFDI or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.95% return vs 9.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFDI or GRID?

GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFDI.

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

RFDI has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between RFDI and GRID?

RFDI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.83% for RFDI and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.71), 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.