DRLL vs. MDST

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DRLL (Strive U.S. Energy ETF) and MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. DRLL is passively managed, while MDST is actively managed. Over the past year, DRLL returned 22.10% vs 18.36% for MDST. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRLL charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MDST.

Performance

DRLL vs. MDST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRLL achieves a 20.68% return, which is significantly higher than MDST's 14.54% return.

DRLL

• 1D: 1.39%
• 1M: -8.33%
• YTD: 20.68%
• 6M: 21.93%
• 1Y: 22.10%
• 3Y*: 12.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDST

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: -3.58%
• YTD: 14.54%
• 6M: 16.10%
• 1Y: 18.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DRLL vs. MDST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	20.68%	7.74%	-13.79%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	14.54%	7.09%	17.03%

Correlation

The correlation between DRLL and MDST is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2024	0.51

The correlation between DRLL and MDST has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRLL vs. MDST - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRLL	MDST
Energy	99.2%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DRLL vs. MDST — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRLL

DRLL Risk / Return Rank: 27
DRLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DRLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
DRLL Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DRLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DRLL Martin Ratio Rank: 30

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 46
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

DRLL vs. MDST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). 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.

	DRLL	MDST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.49	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.15	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.27	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	2.74	-1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.99	7.40	-3.42

DRLL vs. MDST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRLL Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the MDST Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRLL and MDST, 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

DRLL vs. MDST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRLL drawdown since its inception was -23.73%, which is greater than MDST's maximum drawdown of -14.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRLL and MDST.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRLL	MDST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.73%	-14.19%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.66%	-6.74%	-9.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.51%	-3.86%	-11.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.06%	-2.20%	-5.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.60%	2.49%	+3.11%

Volatility

DRLL vs. MDST - Volatility Comparison

Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) has a higher volatility of 7.94% compared to Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) at 4.49%. This indicates that DRLL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MDST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRLL	MDST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.94%	4.49%	+3.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.53%	8.58%	+9.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.82%	12.37%	+10.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.83%	16.09%	+7.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.83%	16.09%	+7.74%

DRLL vs. MDST - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRLL has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than MDST's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRLL vs. MDST - Dividend Comparison

DRLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than MDST's 9.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	2.54%	2.99%	3.00%	3.01%	1.18%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.36%	10.22%	6.60%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRLL and MDST in my portfolio?

DRLL and MDST have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRLL or MDST?

DRLL has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to MDST (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRLL dropped -23.73% vs MDST's -14.19%.

Which ETF is better, DRLL or MDST?

On 1-year performance, DRLL leads with 22.10% vs 18.36% for MDST. On fees, DRLL is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, MDST has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRLL or MDST?

Over the 1-year period, DRLL has performed better with a 22.10% return vs 18.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRLL or MDST?

DRLL is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MDST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRLL or MDST?

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.36%, compared with 2.54% for DRLL.

What is the main difference between DRLL and MDST?

They also come from different issuers: Strive and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DRLL and 0.80% for MDST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 0.97), 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.