The First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure UCITS ETF (GRDU) is an Ireland-domiciled equity ETF managed by First Trust and traded on the London Stock Exchange.

The fund seeks to track the performance of the Nasdaq OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, a benchmark composed of global companies involved in the development and modernization of electric grid and smart grid infrastructure.

GRDU provides thematic exposure to companies involved in electric grids, meters and devices, energy storage and management, connected mobility, and enabling software used across smart grid and electric infrastructure. The ETF follows a passive investment strategy, operates under the UCITS framework, and follows an accumulating income policy.

The Nasdaq OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index is designed to represent global companies involved in smart grid and electric infrastructure. 

Its methodology divides constituents into Pure Play companies, which derive a significant portion of their revenue from smart grid and grid infrastructure activities, and Diversified companies with meaningful exposure to the theme. Pure Play companies collectively account for 80% of the index, while Diversified companies account for the remaining 20%.

Composition / Exposure Profile

GRDU primarily provides exposure to areas such as:

• Electric grid infrastructure.

• Smart meters, devices, and networks.

• Energy storage and management.

• Electrical equipment and components.

• Connected mobility.

• Software and technologies supporting electric infrastructure.

Geographically, the strategy has a global reach, including companies across the United States, Europe, Asia, and other markets. The benchmark includes both specialized electric infrastructure companies and diversified corporations with meaningful exposure to grid modernization.

GRDU's thematic exposure is linked to trends such as grid modernization, electrification, expansion of energy storage capacity, and the increasing digitalization of electric infrastructure.

Structure and Costs

GRDU trades in U.S. dollars on the London Stock Exchange. The ETF has a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.63% per year, is domiciled in Ireland, and operates under the UCITS framework.

GRDU is an accumulating share class, meaning dividends and other income generated by its holdings are reinvested within the fund rather than distributed periodically to shareholders.

History and Evolution of the ETF

The First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure UCITS ETF (GRDU) was launched in 2021 to provide thematic exposure to global companies involved in the modernization of electric infrastructure and smart grids.

Since its launch, the fund has maintained a passive strategy linked to the Nasdaq OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index, which itself dates back to 2009.

Throughout its history, the strategy has provided exposure to companies involved in grid expansion and modernization, energy storage and management, connected mobility, and digital technologies supporting electric infrastructure.

Additional Information

First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure UCITS ETF (Ireland) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with assets under management totaling $502.24 million.

Over the past 12 months, First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure UCITS ETF recorded a return of 18.45%, with its price trading between $50.36 and $69.12 during the same period.

The ETF is traded under the ticker GRDU.