GLPIX vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

GLPIX (Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both funds - GLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Goldman Sachs, while MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. Over the past 10 years, GLPIX returned 8.36%/yr vs 6.01%/yr for MLPA. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GLPIX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) 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, GLPIX achieves a 15.74% return, which is significantly higher than MLPA's 12.45% return. Over the past 10 years, GLPIX has outperformed MLPA with an annualized return of 8.36%, while MLPA has yielded a comparatively lower 6.01% annualized return.

GLPIX

• 1D: -1.69%
• 1M: -4.52%
• YTD: 15.74%
• 6M: 17.01%
• 1Y: 16.72%
• 3Y*: 21.00%
• 5Y*: 17.02%
• 10Y*: 8.36%

MLPA

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -5.42%
• YTD: 12.45%
• 6M: 13.31%
• 1Y: 12.20%
• 3Y*: 15.34%
• 5Y*: 14.19%
• 10Y*: 6.01%

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

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLPIX Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund	15.74%	4.45%	28.00%	19.67%	26.06%	39.89%	-31.08%	7.04%	-14.57%	-5.13%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	12.45%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between GLPIX and MLPA is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.93

The correlation between GLPIX and MLPA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLPIX vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLPIX

GLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
GLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 28
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 25
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) 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.

	GLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.02	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	1.50	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.17	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.47	+1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.90	4.33	+2.57

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is higher than the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLPIX 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

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLPIX drawdown since its inception was -75.98%, roughly equal to the maximum MLPA drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLPIX and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.98%	-78.75%	+2.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.43%	-8.33%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.96%	-14.20%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.89%	-18.75%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.48%	-74.05%	+3.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-6.85%	+0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.08%	-20.23%	-2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	2.83%	-0.51%

Volatility

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) have volatilities of 4.38% and 4.30%, 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

	GLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.38%	4.30%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.72%	8.71%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.56%	12.01%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.14%	18.21%	+0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.89%	27.46%	-1.57%

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLPIX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPA's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLPIX vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

GLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.47%, less than MLPA's 7.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLPIX Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund	6.47%	7.03%	6.60%	6.70%	6.00%	6.26%	9.72%	8.67%	8.02%	7.49%	11.46%	6.62%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.51%	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 GLPIX and MLPA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, GLPIX and MLPA 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, GLPIX or MLPA?

GLPIX has higher volatility (4.38%) compared to MLPA (4.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLPIX dropped -75.98% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 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.