AMUB vs. MLPR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AMUB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B) and MLPR (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - AMUB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index, while MLPR is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index (150%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AMUB returned 12.50%/yr vs 27.13%/yr for MLPR. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AMUB charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for MLPR.

Performance

AMUB vs. MLPR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) and ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMUB achieves a 17.24% return, which is significantly lower than MLPR's 30.29% return.

AMUB

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 17.24%
• 6M: 16.74%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 15.89%
• 5Y*: 12.50%
• 10Y*: 3.08%

MLPR

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 30.29%
• 6M: 29.33%
• 1Y: 36.00%
• 3Y*: 32.30%
• 5Y*: 27.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

AMUB vs. MLPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	17.24%	2.05%	15.68%	16.89%	21.91%	28.83%	-9.01%
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN	30.29%	9.83%	31.57%	35.87%	41.04%	57.33%	-9.51%

Correlation

The correlation between AMUB and MLPR is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2020	0.95

The correlation between AMUB and MLPR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AMUB vs. MLPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMUB

AMUB Risk / Return Rank: 35
AMUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
AMUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
AMUB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
AMUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
AMUB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

MLPR

MLPR Risk / Return Rank: 49
MLPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
MLPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
MLPR Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MLPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MLPR Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

AMUB vs. MLPR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) and ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR). 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.

	AMUB	MLPR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.75	-0.43
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.30	-0.42
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.30	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	2.67	-0.93
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.17	8.67	-3.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AMUB vs. MLPR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMUB Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the MLPR Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMUB and MLPR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AMUB	MLPR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	1.75	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.92	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.00	0.94	-0.93

Drawdowns

AMUB vs. MLPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMUB drawdown since its inception was -79.46%, which is greater than MLPR's maximum drawdown of -48.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMUB and MLPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMUB	MLPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.46%	-48.98%	-30.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.37%	-13.97%	+3.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.22%	-24.45%	+7.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.58%	-28.66%	+8.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-78.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.94%	-6.73%	+0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.23%	-8.94%	-20.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	4.30%	-0.81%

Volatility

AMUB vs. MLPR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) is 5.50%, while ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that AMUB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MLPR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMUB	MLPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	8.21%	-2.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	14.84%	-5.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.61%	20.65%	-7.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	29.52%	-9.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.09%	33.76%	-6.67%

AMUB vs. MLPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMUB has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMUB vs. MLPR - Dividend Comparison

AMUB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MLPR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.97%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN	8.97%	10.85%	9.57%	10.08%	7.49%	10.69%	4.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMUB and MLPR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AMUB and MLPR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AMUB or MLPR?

MLPR has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to AMUB (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMUB dropped -79.46% vs MLPR's -48.98%.

Which ETF is better, AMUB or MLPR?

On 5-year performance, MLPR leads with 27.13% vs 12.50% for AMUB. On fees, AMUB is cheaper at 0.80% per year. On volatility, AMUB has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMUB or MLPR?

Over the 5-year period, MLPR has performed better with a 27.13% return vs 12.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMUB or MLPR?

AMUB is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for MLPR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMUB or MLPR?

MLPR has the higher dividend yield at 8.97%, compared with 0.00% for AMUB.

What is the main difference between AMUB and MLPR?

AMUB is categorized as MLPs, while MLPR is Leveraged Equities. AMUB tracks Alerian MLP Index, while MLPR tracks Alerian MLP Index (150%). Their fees differ too: 0.80% for AMUB and 0.95% for MLPR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.32), 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.