AMLP vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AMLP returned 6.33%/yr vs 8.84%/yr for VDE. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AMLP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

AMLP vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMLP achieves a 12.04% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 22.80% return. Over the past 10 years, AMLP has underperformed VDE with an annualized return of 6.33%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively higher 8.84% annualized return.

AMLP

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: -7.08%
• YTD: 12.04%
• 6M: 12.19%
• 1Y: 12.67%
• 3Y*: 19.33%
• 5Y*: 15.63%
• 10Y*: 6.33%

VDE

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: -8.49%
• YTD: 22.80%
• 6M: 24.09%
• 1Y: 26.80%
• 3Y*: 15.90%
• 5Y*: 18.82%
• 10Y*: 8.84%

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

AMLP vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	12.04%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	25.47%	39.09%	-32.26%	5.99%	-12.67%	-7.89%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	22.80%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between AMLP and VDE is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2010	0.68

The correlation between AMLP and VDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

AMLP vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMLP	VDE
Energy	97.7%	99.5%
Utilities	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

AMLP vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 30
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 28
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 31

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 36
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AMLP	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	1.29	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	1.78	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.22	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	1.90	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.32	5.92	-1.60

AMLP vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMLP Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is comparable to the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMLP and VDE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AMLP vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMLP drawdown since its inception was -77.19%, roughly equal to the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMLP and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMLP	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.19%	-74.20%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-14.20%	+5.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.27%	-21.41%	+7.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.92%	-26.58%	+5.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.62%	-69.29%	-3.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.62%	-13.11%	+5.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.36%	-19.94%	+2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	4.57%	-1.63%

Volatility

AMLP vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is 4.48%, while Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a volatility of 7.02%. This indicates that AMLP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMLP	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	7.02%	-2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.85%	16.69%	-7.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	20.84%	-8.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.75%	26.37%	-6.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.68%	29.96%	-2.28%

AMLP vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMLP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMLP vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

AMLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.94%, more than VDE's 2.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.94%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.56%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMLP and VDE in my portfolio?

AMLP and VDE have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMLP or VDE?

VDE has higher volatility (7.02%) compared to AMLP (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMLP dropped -77.19% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, AMLP or VDE?

On 10-year performance, VDE leads with 8.84% vs 6.33% for AMLP. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, AMLP has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMLP or VDE?

Over the 10-year period, VDE has performed better with a 8.84% return vs 6.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMLP or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

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

AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.94%, compared with 2.56% for VDE.

What is the main difference between AMLP and VDE?

AMLP is categorized as MLPs, while VDE is Energy Equities. AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AMLP and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.06), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.