WSML vs. GRID

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

WSML (iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF) and GRID (First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - WSML is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Small Cap 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 year, WSML returned 25.48% vs 32.30% for GRID. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

WSML vs. GRID - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) 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, WSML achieves a 14.08% return, which is significantly lower than GRID's 19.10% return.

WSML

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -1.11%
• 6M: 8.51%
• YTD: 14.08%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GRID

• 1D: -1.86%
• 1M: -3.64%
• 6M: 16.16%
• YTD: 19.10%
• 1Y: 32.30%
• 3Y*: 20.54%
• 5Y*: 15.52%
• 10Y*: 18.65%

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

WSML vs. GRID - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	14.08%	29.10%
GRID First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund	19.10%	34.35%

Correlation

The correlation between WSML and GRID is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.80

The correlation between WSML and GRID has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

WSML vs. GRID - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WSML	GRID
Industrials	19.5%	25.4%
Technology	16.3%	11.9%
Financial Services	13.7%	-
Healthcare	10.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	2.4%
Real Estate	8.1%	-
Basic Materials	7.1%	0.8%
Energy	4.3%	1.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	-
Communication Services	3.1%	-
Utilities	2.5%	4.0%

Return for Risk

WSML vs. GRID — Risk / Return Rank

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

WSML

WSML Risk / Return Rank: 63
WSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
WSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
WSML Omega Ratio Rank: 60
WSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
WSML Martin Ratio Rank: 67

GRID

GRID Risk / Return Rank: 58
GRID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GRID Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
GRID Omega Ratio Rank: 52
GRID Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
GRID Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

WSML vs. GRID - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) 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.

	WSML	GRID	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.48	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.01	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.26	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.39	2.77	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.53	8.93	+0.60

WSML vs. GRID - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the GRID Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WSML 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

WSML vs. GRID - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSML drawdown since its inception was -10.70%, smaller than the maximum GRID drawdown of -40.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSML and GRID.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSML	GRID	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.70%	-40.56%	+29.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.70%	-11.73%	+1.03%
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	-2.38%	-8.84%	+6.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-8.41%	+6.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	3.63%	-0.95%

Volatility

WSML vs. GRID - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is 4.70%, while First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) has a volatility of 9.59%. This indicates that WSML 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

	WSML	GRID	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.70%	9.59%	-4.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.28%	19.12%	-6.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.60%	22.00%	-6.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.72%	21.51%	-3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.72%	22.70%	-4.98%

Dividends

WSML vs. GRID - Dividend Comparison

WSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, more than GRID's 0.79% 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	0.79%	1.01%	1.06%	1.23%	1.26%	0.63%	0.68%	1.26%	1.28%	1.07%	1.07%	1.23%
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	2.83%	2.53%	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 WSML and GRID in my portfolio?

WSML and GRID have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WSML or GRID?

GRID has higher volatility (9.59%) compared to WSML (4.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSML dropped -10.70% vs GRID's -40.56%.

Which ETF is better, WSML or GRID?

On 1-year performance, GRID leads with 32.30% vs 25.48% for WSML. On volatility, WSML has been the lower-risk option at 4.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WSML or GRID?

Over the 1-year period, GRID has performed better with a 32.30% return vs 25.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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

WSML has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 0.79% for GRID.

What is the main difference between WSML and GRID?

WSML is categorized as Global Equities, while GRID is Alternative Energy Equities. WSML tracks MSCI World Small Cap Index, while GRID tracks Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WSML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.48), 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.