EMO vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

EMO (ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both MLPs funds. EMO is actively managed, while MLPA is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EMO returned 7.02%/yr vs 5.85%/yr for MLPA. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMO charges 13.90%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

EMO vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMO achieves a 14.85% return, which is significantly higher than MLPA's 12.27% return. Over the past 10 years, EMO has outperformed MLPA with an annualized return of 7.02%, while MLPA has yielded a comparatively lower 5.85% annualized return.

EMO

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 14.85%
• 6M: 16.60%
• 1Y: 18.20%
• 3Y*: 31.92%
• 5Y*: 26.27%
• 10Y*: 7.02%

MLPA

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: -6.12%
• YTD: 12.27%
• 6M: 12.23%
• 1Y: 12.25%
• 3Y*: 16.25%
• 5Y*: 14.32%
• 10Y*: 5.85%

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

EMO vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EMO ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund	14.85%	7.38%	44.45%	31.76%	40.13%	74.70%	-64.47%	19.60%	-25.73%	0.07%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	12.27%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between EMO and MLPA is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2012	0.80

Over the past year, the correlation between EMO and MLPA has dropped to 0.56 - well below their long-term average of 0.80, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

EMO vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMO

EMO Risk / Return Rank: 18
EMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
EMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
EMO Omega Ratio Rank: 18
EMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
EMO Martin Ratio Rank: 13

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 29
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 26
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

EMO vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). 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.

	EMO	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.02	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	1.50	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.17	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.48	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.56	4.18	-0.62

EMO vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMO Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMO and MLPA, 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

EMO vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMO drawdown since its inception was -95.06%, which is greater than MLPA's maximum drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMO and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMO	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.06%	-78.75%	-16.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.87%	-8.33%	-2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.81%	-14.20%	-4.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.59%	-18.75%	-9.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-93.02%	-74.05%	-18.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.40%	-6.99%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.88%	-20.22%	-11.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.13%	2.94%	+2.19%

Volatility

EMO vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO) has a higher volatility of 4.48% compared to Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) at 4.18%. This indicates that EMO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MLPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMO	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	4.18%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.27%	8.61%	+3.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	12.04%	+4.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.48%	18.06%	+8.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.24%	27.45%	+13.79%

EMO vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMO has a 13.90% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPA's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMO vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

EMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.69%, more than MLPA's 7.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMO ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund	8.69%	9.41%	7.16%	6.79%	6.71%	6.71%	15.82%	10.94%	16.39%	10.85%	9.76%	11.88%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.52%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMO and MLPA in my portfolio?

EMO and MLPA have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMO or MLPA?

EMO has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to MLPA (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMO dropped -95.06% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.09 vs 1.02), 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.