GRID vs SPY
GRID vs SPY
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.20% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.62% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.94% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.02% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GRID vs SPY Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, GRID is up 20.20% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +23.94% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.02% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, GRID has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $9 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRID currently yields 0.78% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GRID and SPY share 20 holdings out of 603 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GRID | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 2.12% | 7.31% | 5.19% |
| ETN | 8.30% | 0.25% | 8.05% |
| JCI | 7.97% | 0.13% | 7.84% |
| PWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HUBB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APTV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GRID shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRID or SPY?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or SPY?
Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% vs +23.66% for SPY, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GRID annualized +11.91% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or SPY?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GRID and SPY?
GRID and SPY 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 SPY?
GRID and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 7.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or SPY?
GRID yields 0.78% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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