MDST vs. BESF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) and BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.80% expense ratio.

Performance

MDST vs. BESF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDST achieves a 14.94% return, which is significantly lower than BESF's 19.74% return.

MDST

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 14.94%
• 6M: 14.77%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BESF

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -4.08%
• YTD: 19.74%
• 6M: 21.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDST vs. BESF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	14.94%	3.59%
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	19.74%	41.15%

Correlation

The correlation between MDST and BESF is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.47

Return for Risk

MDST vs. BESF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 44
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

MDST vs. BESF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). 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.

	MDST	BESF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.46	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MDST	BESF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.16	2.87	-1.71

Drawdowns

MDST vs. BESF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDST drawdown since its inception was -14.19%, which is greater than BESF's maximum drawdown of -9.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDST and BESF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDST	BESF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-9.89%	-4.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.53%	-5.88%	+2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-2.45%	+0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MDST	BESF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.36%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.12%	24.33%	-12.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.11%	24.33%	-8.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.11%	24.33%	-8.22%

MDST vs. BESF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MDST and BESF have an expense ratio of 0.80%.

Dividends

MDST vs. BESF - Dividend Comparison

MDST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.33%, more than BESF's 5.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.68%	6.39%	0.00%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.33%	10.22%	6.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDST and BESF in my portfolio?

MDST and BESF have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MDST or BESF?

Both ETFs have the same 0.80% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDST or BESF?

MDST and BESF have the same expense ratio: 0.80% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MDST or BESF?

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.33%, compared with 5.68% for BESF.

What is the main difference between MDST and BESF?

They also come from different issuers: Westwood and Bastion.