GRID

First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index

This unique produce from First Trust targets companies engaged in the ‘smart grid’ movement which seeks to upgrade America’s electricity grid with 21st century technologies. This process looks to transform the electric system to one that is more efficient and all around ‘smarter’ than the current grid, potentially benefiting consumers and utilities alike. Companies in this fund include those that areengaged and involved in maintaining and operating the electric grid, electric meters and devices, networks, energy storage and management, and enabling software used by the smart grid infrastructure sector. Due to the often specialized nature of many of the companies in this field, most do not find their way into other, broad utility ETFs such as XLU or UTH making GRID an interesting pick for those looking to ‘complete’ their exposure to the utility sector. However, with budget crises around the country, the amount of money that can go to smart grid projects here in the U.S. may be limited so many should look for high levels of volatility in these products both due to their small cap nature as well as the political uncertainty surrounding the field.