GRID vs VXUS
GRID vs VXUS
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.20% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.94% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.02% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GRID vs VXUS Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GRID is up 20.20% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +23.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.02% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, GRID has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRID charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRID currently yields 0.78% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GRID and VXUS share 51 holdings out of 7930 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GRID | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NG:LN | 7.86% | 0.21% | 7.65% |
| ABBN:SM | 7.62% | 0.33% | 7.29% |
| PRYMY | 4.28% | 0.08% | 4.20% |
| EOAN:FF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRN:MI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| H:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 267260:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SMNS:AQL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EQTL3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GRID shares with VXUS 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 VXUS?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or VXUS?
Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GRID annualized +11.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or VXUS?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GRID and VXUS?
GRID and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRID and VXUS?
GRID and VXUS share 51 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or VXUS?
GRID yields 0.78% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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