MDST vs. UPGR

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) and UPGR (Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. MDST is actively managed, while UPGR is passively managed. Over the past year, MDST returned 22.89% vs 29.37% for UPGR. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MDST charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for UPGR.

Performance

MDST vs. UPGR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDST achieves a 18.55% return, which is significantly higher than UPGR's 4.09% return.

MDST

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 2.50%
• 6M: 19.86%
• YTD: 18.55%
• 1Y: 22.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UPGR

• 1D: -2.63%
• 1M: -6.15%
• 6M: -3.70%
• YTD: 4.09%
• 1Y: 29.37%
• 3Y*: 1.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDST vs. UPGR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	18.55%	7.09%	17.03%
UPGR Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF	4.09%	35.25%	-6.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MDST and UPGR is 0.03, 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	0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2024	0.25

Over the past year, the correlation between MDST and UPGR has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.25, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MDST vs. UPGR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDST	UPGR
Energy	97.3%	11.1%
Industrials	0.9%	56.6%
Basic Materials	-	9.7%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.9%
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	3.7%
Utilities	-	8.6%

Return for Risk

MDST vs. UPGR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 72
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 69
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 64

UPGR

UPGR Risk / Return Rank: 34
UPGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
UPGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
UPGR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
UPGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
UPGR Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. UPGR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR). 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.

	MDST	UPGR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	0.91	+0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	1.40	+1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.16	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.41	1.75	+1.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.13	3.88	+5.25

MDST vs. UPGR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDST Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is higher than the UPGR Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDST and UPGR, 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

MDST vs. UPGR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDST drawdown since its inception was -14.19%, smaller than the maximum UPGR drawdown of -46.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDST and UPGR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDST	UPGR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-46.60%	+32.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.74%	-16.90%	+10.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-46.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-16.90%	+16.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.20%	-20.16%	+17.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	7.58%	-5.07%

Volatility

MDST vs. UPGR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is 4.49%, while Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR) has a volatility of 11.05%. This indicates that MDST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UPGR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDST	UPGR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	11.05%	-6.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.98%	23.19%	-14.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	32.44%	-19.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	30.99%	-14.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.12%	30.99%	-14.87%

MDST vs. UPGR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDST has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than UPGR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDST vs. UPGR - Dividend Comparison

MDST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.11%, more than UPGR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.11%	10.22%	6.60%	0.00%
UPGR Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF	0.31%	0.39%	1.16%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDST and UPGR in my portfolio?

MDST and UPGR have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDST or UPGR?

UPGR has higher volatility (11.05%) compared to MDST (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDST dropped -14.19% vs UPGR's -46.60%.

Which ETF is better, MDST or UPGR?

On 1-year performance, UPGR leads with 29.37% vs 22.89% for MDST. On fees, UPGR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MDST has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDST or UPGR?

Over the 1-year period, UPGR has performed better with a 29.37% return vs 22.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDST or UPGR?

UPGR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MDST.

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

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.11%, compared with 0.31% for UPGR.

What is the main difference between MDST and UPGR?

They also come from different issuers: Westwood and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for MDST and 0.35% for UPGR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 0.91), 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.