MLPA vs. AMZA

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) and AMZA (InfraCap MLP ETF) are both MLPs funds. MLPA is passively managed, while AMZA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPA returned 6.71%/yr vs 5.46%/yr for AMZA. Their correlation of 0.92 means they have usually moved in the same direction. MLPA charges 0.77%/yr vs 2.01%/yr for AMZA.

Performance

MLPA vs. AMZA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPA achieves a 21.83% return, which is significantly lower than AMZA's 30.46% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPA has outperformed AMZA with an annualized return of 6.71%, while AMZA has yielded a comparatively lower 5.46% annualized return.

MLPA

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 6.27%
• 6M: 14.54%
• YTD: 21.83%
• 1Y: 20.93%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 18.11%
• 10Y*: 6.71%
• ALL TIME*: 4.63%

AMZA

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 5.94%
• 6M: 21.61%
• YTD: 30.46%
• 1Y: 23.26%
• 3Y*: 22.79%
• 5Y*: 22.88%
• 10Y*: 5.46%
• ALL TIME*: -0.35%

*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)
AMZA InfraCap MLP ETF	$1.66M	$1.65M	$1.75M
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	$8.12M	$8.66M	$10.73M

MLPA vs. AMZA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	21.83%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%
AMZA InfraCap MLP ETF	30.46%	0.17%	30.90%	23.35%	33.20%	51.22%	-49.25%	6.27%	-26.78%	-6.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPA and AMZA is 0.85, 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.	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2014	0.92

The correlation between MLPA and AMZA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

MLPA vs. AMZA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPA	AMZA
Energy	97.2%	99.8%
Industrials	3.8%	1.2%
Utilities	2.8%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

MLPA vs. AMZA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 64
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 56

AMZA

AMZA Risk / Return Rank: 47
AMZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
AMZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
AMZA Omega Ratio Rank: 45
AMZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AMZA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

MLPA vs. AMZA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA). 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.

	MLPA	AMZA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.20	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	1.74	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.21	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	1.85	+0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.61	4.51	+2.10

MLPA vs. AMZA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPA Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the AMZA Sharpe Ratio of 1.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPA and AMZA, 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

MLPA vs. AMZA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPA drawdown since its inception was -78.75%, smaller than the maximum AMZA drawdown of -91.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPA and AMZA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPA	AMZA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.75%	-91.46%	+12.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.73%	-11.84%	+4.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.20%	-18.56%	+4.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.75%	-25.15%	+6.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-74.05%	-86.84%	+12.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.13%	+4.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.08%	-44.51%	+24.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.18%	5.02%	-1.84%

Volatility

MLPA vs. AMZA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) is 4.14%, while InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) has a volatility of 5.43%. This indicates that MLPA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AMZA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPA	AMZA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	5.43%	-1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.72%	14.17%	-4.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.47%	18.20%	-5.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.73%	25.27%	-7.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.39%	37.14%	-9.75%

MLPA vs. AMZA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPA has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is lower than AMZA's 2.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPA vs. AMZA - Dividend Comparison

MLPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.93%, less than AMZA's 7.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMZA InfraCap MLP ETF	7.83%	8.81%	7.29%	9.40%	7.65%	10.24%	22.13%	19.47%	34.46%	24.16%	18.36%	18.21%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	6.93%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPA and AMZA in my portfolio?

MLPA and AMZA have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPA or AMZA?

AMZA has higher volatility (5.43%) compared to MLPA (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPA dropped -78.75% vs AMZA's -91.46%.

Which ETF is better, MLPA or AMZA?

On 10-year performance, MLPA leads with 6.71% vs 5.46% for AMZA. On fees, MLPA is cheaper at 0.77% per year. On volatility, MLPA has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPA or AMZA?

Over the 10-year period, MLPA has performed better with a 6.71% return vs 5.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPA or AMZA?

MLPA is cheaper with a 0.77% expense ratio, compared with 2.01% for AMZA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLPA or AMZA?

AMZA has the higher dividend yield at 7.83%, compared with 6.93% for MLPA.

What is the main difference between MLPA and AMZA?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Virtus. Their fees differ too: 0.77% for MLPA and 2.01% for AMZA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.20), 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.