GRID vs VTI
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.53% | +13.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.40% | +19.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.24% | +20.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.74% | +11.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
GRID vs VTI Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRID returned +24.40% while VTI returned +19.90%. Year to date, GRID is up 15.53% versus a gain of 13.48% for VTI.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +22.24% per year against +20.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.74% and +11.75% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, GRID has the edge at +11.60% annualized vs +8.10%. 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRID charges 0.56% per year while VTI 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 0.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
GRID and VTI share 32 holdings out of 2874 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 VTI?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or VTI?
Over the past year GRID returned +24.40% vs +19.90% for VTI, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GRID annualized +11.60% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or VTI?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both GRID and VTI?
GRID and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRID and VTI?
GRID and VTI share 32 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or VTI?
GRID yields 0.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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