SIMS vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SIMS (SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SIMS is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure 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 5 years, SIMS returned 0.30%/yr vs 16.63%/yr for GRID. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIMS charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

SIMS vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) 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, SIMS achieves a 9.29% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.40% return.

SIMS

• 1D: -2.82%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: 9.29%
• 6M: 7.06%
• 1Y: 32.84%
• 3Y*: 11.20%
• 5Y*: 0.30%
• 10Y*: —

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)

SIMS vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	9.29%	23.75%	-0.27%	7.43%	-27.13%	9.00%	29.88%	35.30%	-18.07%	0.03%
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%	0.06%

Correlation

The correlation between SIMS 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	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2017	0.81

The correlation between SIMS and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.83 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SIMS vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIMS	GRID
Industrials	48.6%	24.2%
Technology	24.6%	12.5%
Energy	10.7%	1.6%
Communication Services	5.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	2.3%
Utilities	3.5%	3.9%
Basic Materials	3.1%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SIMS vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIMS

SIMS Risk / Return Rank: 40
SIMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SIMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SIMS Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SIMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SIMS Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

SIMS vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) 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.

	SIMS	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	2.01	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.63	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.35	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	3.63	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.41	12.92	-7.51

SIMS vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIMS Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is lower than the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIMS 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

SIMS vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIMS drawdown since its inception was -43.97%, which is greater than GRID's maximum drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIMS and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIMS	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.97%	-40.56%	-3.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.79%	-11.73%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.78%	-20.77%	-8.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.97%	-29.64%	-14.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.04%	-5.55%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.00%	-8.42%	-7.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.09%	3.29%	+2.80%

Volatility

SIMS vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is 8.08%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 10.12%. This indicates that SIMS 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

	SIMS	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.08%	10.12%	-2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.94%	18.23%	-3.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.05%	21.26%	+2.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.26%	21.37%	+3.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.05%	22.80%	+3.25%

SIMS vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIMS has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIMS vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

SIMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%, 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%
SIMS SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF	0.55%	0.66%	0.88%	1.49%	1.48%	0.97%	0.58%	1.24%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIMS and GRID in my portfolio?

SIMS 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, SIMS or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (10.12%) compared to SIMS (8.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIMS dropped -43.97% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, SIMS or GRID?

On 5-year performance, GRID leads with 16.63% vs 0.30% for SIMS. On fees, SIMS is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, SIMS has been the lower-risk option at 8.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIMS or GRID?

Over the 5-year period, GRID has performed better with a 16.63% return vs 0.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIMS or GRID?

SIMS is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for GRID.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.55% for SIMS.

What is the main difference between SIMS and GRID?

SIMS is categorized as Global Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. SIMS tracks S&P Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for SIMS and 0.70% for GRID.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GRID currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.37), 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.