GRID vs VOO
GRID vs VOO
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.20% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.62% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.94% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.02% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GRID vs VOO Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, GRID is up 20.20% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +23.94% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +15.02% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +11.91%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GRID and VOO share 20 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GRID | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 2.12% | 7.51% | 5.39% |
| ETN | 8.30% | 0.26% | 8.04% |
| JCI | 7.97% | 0.14% | 7.83% |
| 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 VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRID or VOO?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or VOO?
Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% vs +23.71% for VOO, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GRID annualized +11.91% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or VOO?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GRID and VOO?
GRID and VOO 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 VOO?
GRID and VOO share 20 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or VOO?
GRID yields 0.78% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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