TDIV vs. GRID

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TDIV (First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - TDIV is a Technology Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Technology Dividend 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, TDIV returned 18.56%/yr vs 19.95%/yr for GRID. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TDIV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

TDIV vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) 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, TDIV achieves a 19.03% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 23.40% return. Over the past 10 years, TDIV has underperformed GRID with an annualized return of 18.56%, while GRID has yielded a comparatively higher 19.95% annualized return.

TDIV

• 1D: -2.33%
• 1M: -0.89%
• YTD: 19.03%
• 6M: 18.00%
• 1Y: 33.98%
• 3Y*: 28.59%
• 5Y*: 17.24%
• 10Y*: 18.56%

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)

TDIV vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	19.03%	25.27%	24.43%	36.71%	-22.13%	29.49%	17.55%	33.27%	-3.18%	21.95%
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 TDIV and GRID is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2012	0.67

The correlation between TDIV and GRID shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.80 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

TDIV vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TDIV	GRID
Technology	87.1%	12.5%
Communication Services	11.6%	-
Industrials	1.3%	24.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	2.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.6%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	3.9%

Return for Risk

TDIV vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

TDIV

TDIV Risk / Return Rank: 53
TDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
TDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
TDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 49
TDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
TDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

TDIV vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	TDIV	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	2.01	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.63	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	3.63	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.56	12.92	-4.36

TDIV vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TDIV 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 TDIV 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

TDIV vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TDIV drawdown since its inception was -31.97%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TDIV and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	TDIV	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.97%	-40.56%	+8.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.35%	-11.73%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.00%	-20.77%	-2.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.97%	-29.64%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.97%	-40.56%	+8.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.47%	-5.55%	-4.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.85%	-8.42%	+3.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	3.29%	+0.69%

Volatility

TDIV vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) and First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) have volatilities of 10.50% and 10.12%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TDIV	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.50%	10.12%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.69%	18.23%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.02%	21.26%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.97%	21.37%	-0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.96%	22.80%	-1.84%

TDIV vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

TDIV vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

TDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, 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%
TDIV First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund	1.22%	1.40%	1.59%	1.74%	2.51%	1.76%	2.07%	2.27%	2.97%	2.27%	2.45%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TDIV and GRID in my portfolio?

TDIV and GRID have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TDIV or GRID?

TDIV has higher volatility (10.50%) compared to GRID (10.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TDIV dropped -31.97% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, TDIV or GRID?

On 10-year performance, GRID leads with 19.95% vs 18.56% for TDIV. On fees, TDIV is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, GRID has been the lower-risk option at 10.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TDIV or GRID?

Over the 10-year period, GRID has performed better with a 19.95% return vs 18.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TDIV or GRID?

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

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

TDIV has the higher dividend yield at 1.22%, compared with 0.80% for GRID.

What is the main difference between TDIV and GRID?

TDIV is categorized as Technology Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. TDIV tracks NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for TDIV 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.