AMLP vs. XLRE
AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AMLP returned 6.92%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for XLRE. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMLP charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.
Performance
AMLP vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, AMLP achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly higher than XLRE's 13.17% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AMLP having a 6.92% annualized return and XLRE not far ahead at 7.15%.
AMLP
- 1D
- -0.34%
- 1M
- -3.55%
- YTD
- 15.29%
- 6M
- 14.35%
- 1Y
- 15.02%
- 3Y*
- 20.22%
- 5Y*
- 15.26%
- 10Y*
- 6.92%
XLRE
- 1D
- 0.98%
- 1M
- 4.93%
- YTD
- 13.17%
- 6M
- 13.29%
- 1Y
- 12.05%
- 3Y*
- 10.41%
- 5Y*
- 3.32%
- 10Y*
- 7.15%
AMLP vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF | 15.29% | 5.78% | 22.76% | 21.40% | 25.47% | 39.09% | -32.26% | 5.99% | -12.67% | -7.89% |
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund | 13.17% | 2.63% | 5.09% | 12.36% | -26.25% | 46.10% | -2.18% | 28.68% | -2.39% | 10.69% |
Correlation
The correlation between AMLP and XLRE is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.20 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.33 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.35 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015 | 0.31 |
The correlation between AMLP and XLRE shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (1 year) to 0.35 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
AMLP vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank
AMLP
XLRE
AMLP vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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 | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.44 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.61 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.15 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.66 | 1.34 | +0.31 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.35 | 3.69 | +1.66 |
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Drawdowns
AMLP vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum AMLP drawdown since its inception was -77.19%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMLP and XLRE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| AMLP | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -77.19% | -38.83% | -38.36% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.94% | -8.33% | -0.61% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.27% | -16.74% | +2.47% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.92% | -34.12% | +13.20% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -72.62% | -38.83% | -33.79% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.94% | 0.00% | -4.94% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -17.37% | -9.58% | -7.79% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.77% | 3.03% | -0.26% |
Volatility
AMLP vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) have volatilities of 4.71% and 4.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| AMLP | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.71% | 4.81% | -0.10% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.77% | 10.20% | -1.43% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.84% | 13.83% | -1.99% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.95% | 19.10% | +0.85% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 27.67% | 20.42% | +7.25% |
AMLP vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison
AMLP has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% expense ratio.
Dividends
AMLP vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison
AMLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.71%, more than XLRE's 3.08% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF | 7.71% | 8.36% | 7.70% | 7.86% | 7.70% | 8.55% | 12.31% | 9.12% | 9.29% | 7.97% | 8.09% | 9.84% |
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.08% | 3.45% | 3.43% | 3.31% | 3.70% | 2.61% | 3.15% | 3.06% | 3.78% | 3.25% | 4.22% | 1.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
AMLP and XLRE have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
XLRE has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to AMLP (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMLP dropped -77.19% vs XLRE's -38.83%.
On 10-year performance, XLRE leads with 7.15% vs 6.92% for AMLP. On fees, XLRE is cheaper at 0.13% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, XLRE has performed better with a 7.15% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
XLRE is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.
AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.71%, compared with 3.08% for XLRE.
AMLP is categorized as MLPs, while XLRE is REIT. AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while XLRE tracks Real Estate Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AMLP and 0.13% for XLRE.
AMLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs 0.81), 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.
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