ENFR vs. MLPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ENFR (Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF) and MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ENFR is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index, while MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ENFR returned 11.98%/yr vs 12.45%/yr for MLPX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ENFR charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for MLPX.

Performance

ENFR vs. MLPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ENFR having a 24.93% return and MLPX slightly higher at 25.35%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ENFR having a 11.98% annualized return and MLPX not far ahead at 12.45%.

ENFR

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: -4.52%
• YTD: 24.93%
• 6M: 25.03%
• 1Y: 27.76%
• 3Y*: 28.90%
• 5Y*: 20.07%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

MLPX

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: -3.98%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 25.51%
• 1Y: 27.11%
• 3Y*: 29.56%
• 5Y*: 21.27%
• 10Y*: 12.45%

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

ENFR vs. MLPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ENFR Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF	24.93%	5.88%	42.17%	15.63%	17.48%	39.97%	-24.14%	21.60%	-18.67%	-0.19%
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	25.35%	4.96%	42.90%	15.77%	21.54%	39.63%	-20.32%	19.04%	-15.64%	-4.53%

Correlation

The correlation between ENFR and MLPX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2013	0.94

The correlation between ENFR and MLPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

ENFR vs. MLPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ENFR	MLPX
Energy	98.5%	99.5%
Industrials	3.4%	-
Utilities	1.4%	0.3%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

ENFR vs. MLPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ENFR

ENFR Risk / Return Rank: 57
ENFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ENFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ENFR Omega Ratio Rank: 54
ENFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
ENFR Martin Ratio Rank: 50

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 55
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

ENFR vs. MLPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX). 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.

	ENFR	MLPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.77	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.46	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	3.33	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.24	8.00	+0.24

ENFR vs. MLPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ENFR Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the MLPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ENFR and MLPX, 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

ENFR vs. MLPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ENFR drawdown since its inception was -68.28%, roughly equal to the maximum MLPX drawdown of -70.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ENFR and MLPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ENFR	MLPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.28%	-70.67%	+2.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.64%	-8.18%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-16.77%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.29%	-19.72%	-0.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.64%	-64.70%	+2.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.71%	-4.34%	-0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.94%	-16.58%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	3.40%	-0.02%

Volatility

ENFR vs. MLPX - Volatility Comparison

Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) have volatilities of 5.69% and 5.80%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	ENFR	MLPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.69%	5.80%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.60%	11.78%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.86%	15.43%	-0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.25%	19.99%	-0.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.68%	26.47%	-1.79%

ENFR vs. MLPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ENFR has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

ENFR vs. MLPX - Dividend Comparison

ENFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.02%, less than MLPX's 4.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ENFR Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.02%	4.77%	4.41%	5.48%	5.23%	7.86%	7.57%	5.81%	3.98%	2.98%	3.31%	3.34%
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.09%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ENFR and MLPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ENFR and MLPX 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, ENFR or MLPX?

MLPX has higher volatility (5.80%) compared to ENFR (5.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ENFR dropped -68.28% vs MLPX's -70.67%.

Which ETF is better, ENFR or MLPX?

On 10-year performance, MLPX leads with 12.45% vs 11.98% for ENFR. On fees, ENFR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, ENFR has been the lower-risk option at 5.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ENFR or MLPX?

Over the 10-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 12.45% return vs 11.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ENFR or MLPX?

ENFR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for MLPX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ENFR or MLPX?

MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 4.02% for ENFR.

What is the main difference between ENFR and MLPX?

ENFR is categorized as Energy Equities, while MLPX is MLPs. ENFR tracks Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index, while MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for ENFR and 0.45% for MLPX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ENFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.77), 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.