WCMG vs. GRID

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

WCMG (First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - WCMG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while GRID is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. WCMG is actively managed, while GRID is passively managed. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WCMG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for GRID.

Performance

WCMG vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF (WCMG) 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

WCMG

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 25.89%
• 6M: 24.90%
• 1Y: 39.09%
• 3Y*: 23.47%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 19.74%

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

WCMG vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WCMG First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF	9.07%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	6.54%

Correlation

The correlation between WCMG and GRID is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	0.61

Return for Risk

WCMG vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

WCMG

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

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 68
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 63
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

WCMG vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust WCM Global Equity ETF (WCMG) 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.

	WCMG	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.83	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.42	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.32	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.35	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	11.61	—

Drawdowns

WCMG vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WCMG drawdown since its inception was -5.01%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WCMG and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	WCMG	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.01%	-40.56%	+35.55%
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	-0.28%	-3.64%	+3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-8.41%	+7.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WCMG	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.32%	21.47%	-2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.32%	21.43%	-2.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.32%	22.72%	-3.40%

WCMG vs. GRID - Expense Ratio Comparison

WCMG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than GRID's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

WCMG vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

WCMG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GRID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	0.75%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
WCMG First Trust WCM Global Equity 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

Can I hold both WCMG and GRID in my portfolio?

WCMG and GRID have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WCMG or GRID?

On fees, GRID is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WCMG or GRID?

GRID is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for WCMG.

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

GRID has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.00% for WCMG.

What is the main difference between WCMG and GRID?

WCMG is categorized as Global Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for WCMG and 0.70% for GRID.