MDST vs. WEEI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) and WEEI (Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds from Westwood. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MDST returned 18.36% vs 19.06% for WEEI. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MDST charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for WEEI.

Performance

MDST vs. WEEI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDST achieves a 14.54% return, which is significantly higher than WEEI's 11.84% return.

MDST

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: -3.58%
• YTD: 14.54%
• 6M: 16.10%
• 1Y: 18.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WEEI

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: -6.86%
• YTD: 11.84%
• 6M: 13.16%
• 1Y: 19.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDST vs. WEEI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	14.54%	7.09%	17.64%
WEEI Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF	11.84%	11.28%	-3.19%

Correlation

The correlation between MDST and WEEI is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2024	0.57

The correlation between MDST and WEEI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

MDST vs. WEEI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MDST	WEEI
Energy	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MDST vs. WEEI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 46
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 46

WEEI

WEEI Risk / Return Rank: 39
WEEI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
WEEI Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
WEEI Omega Ratio Rank: 35
WEEI Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
WEEI Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. WEEI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI). 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	WEEI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.33	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	1.77	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.23	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	2.02	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.40	7.06	+0.34

MDST vs. WEEI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDST Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the WEEI Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDST and WEEI, 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. WEEI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDST drawdown since its inception was -14.19%, smaller than the maximum WEEI drawdown of -18.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDST and WEEI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDST	WEEI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-18.78%	+4.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.74%	-9.46%	+2.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.86%	-8.49%	+4.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.20%	-4.19%	+1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.73%	-0.24%

Volatility

MDST vs. WEEI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is 4.49%, while Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI) has a volatility of 5.68%. This indicates that MDST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WEEI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDST	WEEI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	5.68%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.58%	11.21%	-2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.37%	14.47%	-2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.09%	18.37%	-2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.09%	18.37%	-2.28%

MDST vs. WEEI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDST has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than WEEI's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDST vs. WEEI - Dividend Comparison

MDST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.36%, less than WEEI's 11.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.36%	10.22%	6.60%
WEEI Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF	11.93%	12.59%	7.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDST and WEEI in my portfolio?

MDST and WEEI have a correlation of 0.55, 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 WEEI?

WEEI has higher volatility (5.68%) compared to MDST (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDST dropped -14.19% vs WEEI's -18.78%.

Which ETF is better, MDST or WEEI?

On 1-year performance, WEEI leads with 19.06% vs 18.36% for MDST. On fees, MDST is cheaper at 0.80% 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 WEEI?

Over the 1-year period, WEEI has performed better with a 19.06% return vs 18.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDST or WEEI?

MDST is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for WEEI.

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

WEEI has the higher dividend yield at 11.93%, compared with 9.36% for MDST.

What is the main difference between MDST and WEEI?

Their fees differ too: 0.80% for MDST and 0.85% for WEEI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.32), 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.