MLPA vs. VTHRX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) and VTHRX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund) are both funds - MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index, while VTHRX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, MLPA returned 6.25%/yr vs 8.58%/yr for VTHRX. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPA charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTHRX.

Performance

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPA achieves a 16.25% return, which is significantly higher than VTHRX's 5.62% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPA has underperformed VTHRX with an annualized return of 6.25%, while VTHRX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.58% annualized return.

MLPA

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 1.56%
• YTD: 16.25%
• 6M: 14.54%
• 1Y: 16.59%
• 3Y*: 17.06%
• 5Y*: 14.92%
• 10Y*: 6.25%

VTHRX

• 1D: -1.95%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 6.29%
• 1Y: 16.54%
• 3Y*: 13.56%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: 8.58%

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

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	16.25%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%
VTHRX Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund	5.62%	16.25%	10.43%	16.24%	-16.28%	11.37%	14.11%	21.08%	-5.85%	15.24%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPA and VTHRX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2012	0.45

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPA and VTHRX has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.45, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPA	VTHRX
Energy	96.9%	4.3%
Utilities	3.1%	2.7%
Basic Materials	-	4.2%
Communication Services	-	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.8%
Financial Services	-	16.0%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Industrials	-	12.3%
Real Estate	-	2.5%
Technology	-	27.4%

Return for Risk

MLPA vs. VTHRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 43
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VTHRX

VTHRX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VTHRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VTHRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VTHRX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VTHRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VTHRX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX). 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.

	MLPA	VTHRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	2.04	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.85	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.38	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	2.59	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.04	11.30	-5.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPA Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is lower than the VTHRX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPA and VTHRX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MLPA	VTHRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.41	2.04	-0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	0.62	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	0.76	-0.53
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.50	-0.33

Drawdowns

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPA drawdown since its inception was -78.75%, which is greater than VTHRX's maximum drawdown of -49.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPA and VTHRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPA	VTHRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.75%	-49.57%	-29.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-6.56%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.20%	-9.64%	-4.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.75%	-22.75%	+4.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-74.05%	-24.86%	-49.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.70%	-2.25%	-1.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.26%	-6.18%	-14.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.75%	1.50%	+1.25%

Volatility

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Volatility Comparison

Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) has a higher volatility of 4.31% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) at 3.07%. This indicates that MLPA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTHRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPA	VTHRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	3.07%	+1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.41%	6.85%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.88%	8.34%	+3.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.21%	10.40%	+7.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.47%	11.27%	+16.20%

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPA has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than VTHRX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPA vs. VTHRX - Dividend Comparison

MLPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.27%, more than VTHRX's 3.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.27%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%
VTHRX Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund	3.82%	4.03%	3.63%	2.59%	2.53%	17.56%	2.56%	2.38%	2.71%	0.06%	2.38%	3.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPA and VTHRX in my portfolio?

MLPA and VTHRX 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, MLPA or VTHRX?

MLPA has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to VTHRX (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPA dropped -78.75% vs VTHRX's -49.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTHRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.41), 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.