MLPA vs. RDOG
MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) and RDOG (ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index, while RDOG is a REIT fund tracking the S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPA returned 6.04%/yr vs 4.49%/yr for RDOG. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPA charges 0.77%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RDOG.
Performance
MLPA vs. RDOG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MLPA achieves a 14.27% return, which is significantly lower than RDOG's 17.52% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPA has outperformed RDOG with an annualized return of 6.04%, while RDOG has yielded a comparatively lower 4.49% annualized return.
MLPA
- 1D
- 1.78%
- 1M
- -4.45%
- YTD
- 14.27%
- 6M
- 14.04%
- 1Y
- 15.23%
- 3Y*
- 16.94%
- 5Y*
- 14.82%
- 10Y*
- 6.04%
RDOG
- 1D
- 1.34%
- 1M
- 2.64%
- YTD
- 17.52%
- 6M
- 19.48%
- 1Y
- 20.13%
- 3Y*
- 13.65%
- 5Y*
- 2.58%
- 10Y*
- 4.49%
MLPA vs. RDOG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPA Global X MLP ETF | 14.27% | 5.73% | 20.35% | 15.93% | 27.03% | 39.64% | -33.97% | 11.91% | -15.71% | -8.31% |
RDOG ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF | 17.52% | 0.95% | 4.57% | 10.38% | -25.53% | 34.42% | -10.01% | 21.54% | -5.70% | 11.84% |
Correlation
The correlation between MLPA and RDOG is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.40 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2012 | 0.38 |
The correlation between MLPA and RDOG shifts across timeframes, from 0.21 (1 year) to 0.40 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
MLPA vs. RDOG — Risk / Return Rank
MLPA
RDOG
MLPA vs. RDOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG). 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 | RDOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.10 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.16 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.21 | 1.23 | -0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.84 | 2.02 | -0.18 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.17 | 6.52 | -1.35 |
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Drawdowns
MLPA vs. RDOG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MLPA drawdown since its inception was -78.75%, which is greater than RDOG's maximum drawdown of -67.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPA and RDOG.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MLPA | RDOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -78.75% | -67.59% | -11.16% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.33% | -10.02% | +1.69% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.20% | -21.40% | +7.20% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.75% | -35.52% | +16.77% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -74.05% | -49.35% | -24.70% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.33% | -1.08% | -4.25% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -20.21% | -12.23% | -7.98% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.96% | 3.10% | -0.14% |
Volatility
MLPA vs. RDOG - Volatility Comparison
Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) have volatilities of 4.66% and 4.55%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MLPA | RDOG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.66% | 4.55% | +0.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.76% | 11.04% | -2.28% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.14% | 14.91% | -2.77% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.08% | 19.85% | -1.77% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 27.44% | 23.05% | +4.39% |
MLPA vs. RDOG - Expense Ratio Comparison
MLPA has a 0.77% expense ratio, which is higher than RDOG's 0.35% expense ratio.
Dividends
MLPA vs. RDOG - Dividend Comparison
MLPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.39%, more than RDOG's 6.21% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPA Global X MLP ETF | 7.39% | 7.82% | 7.25% | 7.49% | 7.30% | 8.72% | 13.84% | 9.09% | 10.00% | 8.05% | 7.15% | 9.29% |
RDOG ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF | 6.21% | 6.91% | 6.11% | 7.07% | 5.25% | 3.11% | 5.12% | 3.10% | 3.13% | 3.64% | 3.66% | 3.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MLPA and RDOG have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MLPA has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to RDOG (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPA dropped -78.75% vs RDOG's -67.59%.
On 10-year performance, MLPA leads with 6.04% vs 4.49% for RDOG. On fees, RDOG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, RDOG has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, MLPA has performed better with a 6.04% return vs 4.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
RDOG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.77% for MLPA.
MLPA has the higher dividend yield at 7.39%, compared with 6.21% for RDOG.
MLPA is categorized as MLPs, while RDOG is REIT. MLPA tracks Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index, while RDOG tracks S-Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.77% for MLPA and 0.35% for RDOG.
RDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.26), 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.
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