MLOZX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

MLOZX (Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc.) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both funds - MLOZX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Cohen & Steers, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, MLOZX returned 10.37%/yr vs 9.13%/yr for VPU. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLOZX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

MLOZX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc. (MLOZX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLOZX achieves a 32.43% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 5.51% return. Over the past 10 years, MLOZX has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 10.37%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.13% annualized return.

MLOZX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -2.30%
• YTD: 32.43%
• 6M: 33.53%
• 1Y: 48.31%
• 3Y*: 23.88%
• 5Y*: 18.96%
• 10Y*: 10.37%

VPU

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: -0.50%
• YTD: 5.51%
• 6M: 6.39%
• 1Y: 14.09%
• 3Y*: 13.33%
• 5Y*: 10.01%
• 10Y*: 9.13%

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

MLOZX vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLOZX Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc.	32.43%	17.35%	12.16%	10.49%	21.10%	39.09%	-26.70%	12.62%	-13.43%	0.33%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	5.51%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between MLOZX and VPU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2013	0.37

The correlation between MLOZX and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.46 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MLOZX vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLOZX

MLOZX Risk / Return Rank: 95
MLOZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
MLOZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
MLOZX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
MLOZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
MLOZX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 28
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

MLOZX vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc. (MLOZX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	MLOZX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.40	0.99	+2.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.46	1.40	+3.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.18	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.56	1.61	+8.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	30.43	3.44	+26.99

MLOZX vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLOZX Sharpe Ratio is 3.40, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLOZX and VPU, 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

MLOZX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLOZX drawdown since its inception was -72.01%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLOZX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLOZX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-72.01%	-46.31%	-25.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.71%	-8.90%	+4.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.84%	-17.34%	-3.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.84%	-25.15%	+4.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.94%	-36.42%	-28.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.19%	-5.17%	+1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.57%	-7.78%	-12.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	4.15%	-2.52%

Volatility

MLOZX vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc. (MLOZX) is 4.22%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.20%. This indicates that MLOZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLOZX	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	5.20%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.46%	11.56%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	14.42%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.33%	17.03%	+1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.09%	19.14%	+4.95%

MLOZX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLOZX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLOZX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

MLOZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than VPU's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLOZX Cohen & Steers MLP & Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc.	1.84%	1.71%	10.24%	4.61%	3.66%	3.08%	6.57%	6.21%	4.44%	3.86%	3.72%	6.05%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.63%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLOZX and VPU in my portfolio?

MLOZX and VPU have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLOZX or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to MLOZX (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLOZX dropped -72.01% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLOZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.40 vs 0.99), 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.