GLPIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

GLPIX (Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - GLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Goldman Sachs, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, GLPIX returned 8.36%/yr vs 18.18%/yr for VUG. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLPIX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GLPIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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 VUG's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, GLPIX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 8.36%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.18% 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%

VUG

• 1D: -1.00%
• 1M: -0.73%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 7.81%
• 1Y: 23.46%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.91%
• 10Y*: 18.18%

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

GLPIX vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	6.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GLPIX and VUG is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.37

The correlation between GLPIX and VUG shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (1 year) to 0.37 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GLPIX vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.42	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	1.95	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.25	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.43	+1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.90	4.90	+2.00

GLPIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLPIX and VUG, 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. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLPIX drawdown since its inception was -75.98%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLPIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLPIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.98%	-50.68%	-25.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.43%	-16.53%	+10.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.96%	-22.85%	+8.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.89%	-35.61%	+14.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-70.48%	-35.61%	-34.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.89%	-3.88%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.08%	-7.09%	-15.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	4.80%	-2.48%

Volatility

GLPIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund (GLPIX) is 4.38%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.29%. This indicates that GLPIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLPIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.38%	6.29%	-1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.72%	13.22%	-4.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.56%	16.66%	-5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.14%	22.34%	-3.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.89%	21.51%	+4.38%

GLPIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLPIX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLPIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.47%, more than VUG's 0.38% 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLPIX and VUG in my portfolio?

GLPIX and VUG have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLPIX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.29%) compared to GLPIX (4.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLPIX dropped -75.98% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 1.38), 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.