AMLP vs. AMTR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) and AMTR (ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN) are both MLPs funds - AMLP tracks the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index while AMTR tracks the Alerian Midstream Energy Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AMLP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for AMTR.

Performance

AMLP vs. AMTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN (AMTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AMLP

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 16.62%
• 6M: 16.20%
• 1Y: 19.16%
• 3Y*: 20.25%
• 5Y*: 17.03%
• 10Y*: 6.79%

AMTR

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AMLP vs. AMTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	16.62%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	25.47%	39.09%	22.72%
AMTR ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN	0.00%	0.00%	44.68%	12.75%	20.41%	36.99%	15.24%

Correlation

The correlation between AMLP and AMTR is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2020	0.78

The correlation between AMLP and AMTR shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (3 years) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AMLP vs. AMTR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMLP	AMTR
Energy	97.7%	0.0%
Utilities	2.3%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Technology	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

AMLP vs. AMTR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 45
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 43
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 45

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AMLP vs. AMTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN (AMTR). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	AMLP	AMTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.36	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AMLP	AMTR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.62	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	AMLP	AMTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.62%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.85%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.40%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AMLP	AMTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.65%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.91%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.98%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.68%	—	—

AMLP vs. AMTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMLP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than AMTR's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMLP vs. AMTR - Dividend Comparison

AMLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.62%, while AMTR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.62%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
AMTR ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMLP and AMTR in my portfolio?

AMLP and AMTR have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AMLP or AMTR?

On fees, AMTR is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMLP or AMTR?

AMTR is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMLP or AMTR?

AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.62%, compared with 0.00% for AMTR.

What is the main difference between AMLP and AMTR?

AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while AMTR tracks Alerian Midstream Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and UBS. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AMLP and 0.75% for AMTR.