IMLPX vs. VLPIX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

IMLPX (MainGate MLP Fund) and VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) are both Energy Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, IMLPX returned 9.83%/yr vs 12.39%/yr for VLPIX. Their 0.95 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. IMLPX charges 1.44%/yr vs 1.17%/yr for VLPIX.

Performance

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MainGate MLP Fund (IMLPX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). 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 IMLPX having a 23.80% return and VLPIX slightly higher at 24.52%. Over the past 10 years, IMLPX has underperformed VLPIX with an annualized return of 9.83%, while VLPIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.39% annualized return.

IMLPX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 3.28%
• 6M: 15.71%
• YTD: 23.80%
• 1Y: 24.31%
• 3Y*: 21.80%
• 5Y*: 23.56%
• 10Y*: 9.83%
• ALL TIME*: 7.85%

VLPIX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 1.05%
• 6M: 16.18%
• YTD: 24.52%
• 1Y: 28.63%
• 3Y*: 24.12%
• 5Y*: 23.52%
• 10Y*: 12.39%
• ALL TIME*: 10.76%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IMLPX MainGate MLP Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IMLPX MainGate MLP Fund	23.80%	2.77%	34.76%	20.26%	33.69%	44.24%	-27.81%	7.14%	-22.20%	-7.92%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	24.52%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%

Correlation

The correlation between IMLPX and VLPIX is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2015	0.95

The correlation between IMLPX and VLPIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IMLPX vs. VLPIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IMLPX

IMLPX Risk / Return Rank: 73
IMLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
IMLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IMLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
IMLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
IMLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainGate MLP Fund (IMLPX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). 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.

	IMLPX	VLPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	2.04	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.87	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.72	4.42	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.46	11.13	-2.67

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VLPIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMLPX and VLPIX, 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

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMLPX drawdown since its inception was -76.39%, which is greater than VLPIX's maximum drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMLPX and VLPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMLPX	VLPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.39%	-64.56%	-11.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-6.65%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.93%	-17.54%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.00%	-21.26%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.19%	-64.56%	-7.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.53%	-3.51%	+0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.54%	-10.54%	-7.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.64%	+0.20%

Volatility

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MainGate MLP Fund (IMLPX) is 4.92%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a volatility of 5.30%. This indicates that IMLPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VLPIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMLPX	VLPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.92%	5.30%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.08%	11.56%	-0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.87%	14.39%	-0.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.84%	20.00%	-0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.44%	24.58%	+1.86%

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMLPX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VLPIX's 1.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMLPX vs. VLPIX - Dividend Comparison

IMLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, less than VLPIX's 7.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMLPX MainGate MLP Fund	4.53%	4.55%	4.22%	5.04%	5.75%	7.22%	11.02%	9.83%	9.65%	6.98%	6.02%	7.01%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	7.87%	9.63%	2.61%	3.32%	3.01%	3.66%	5.40%	4.28%	4.04%	2.81%	2.50%	0.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMLPX and VLPIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IMLPX and VLPIX 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, IMLPX or VLPIX?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to IMLPX (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMLPX dropped -76.39% vs VLPIX's -64.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.73), 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.