GRID vs IVV
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +20.20% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.62% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.94% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.02% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
GRID vs IVV Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, GRID is up 20.20% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +23.94% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.02% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, GRID has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -40.5% for GRID and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRID charges 0.56% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRID currently yields 0.78% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GRID and IVV share 19 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRID or IVV?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or IVV?
Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% vs +23.70% for IVV, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GRID annualized +11.91% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or IVV?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GRID and IVV?
GRID and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRID and IVV?
GRID and IVV share 19 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or IVV?
GRID yields 0.78% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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