MLPAX vs. EMO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MLPAX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A) and EMO (ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund) are both MLPs funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPAX returned 8.53%/yr vs 7.02%/yr for EMO. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPAX charges 1.54%/yr vs 13.90%/yr for EMO.

Performance

MLPAX vs. EMO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A (MLPAX) and ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MLPAX having a 15.55% return and EMO slightly lower at 14.85%. Over the past 10 years, MLPAX has outperformed EMO with an annualized return of 8.53%, while EMO has yielded a comparatively lower 7.02% annualized return.

MLPAX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -5.44%
• YTD: 15.55%
• 6M: 16.24%
• 1Y: 16.65%
• 3Y*: 24.53%
• 5Y*: 21.03%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

EMO

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 14.85%
• 6M: 16.60%
• 1Y: 18.20%
• 3Y*: 31.92%
• 5Y*: 26.27%
• 10Y*: 7.02%

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

MLPAX vs. EMO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPAX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A	15.55%	4.31%	40.77%	20.43%	29.07%	39.45%	-30.58%	5.60%	-15.05%	-7.22%
EMO ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund	14.85%	7.38%	44.45%	31.76%	40.13%	74.70%	-64.47%	19.60%	-25.73%	0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPAX and EMO is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2011	0.79

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPAX and EMO has dropped to 0.56 - well below their long-term average of 0.79, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPAX vs. EMO — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPAX

MLPAX Risk / Return Rank: 37
MLPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MLPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MLPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
MLPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
MLPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

EMO

EMO Risk / Return Rank: 18
EMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
EMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
EMO Omega Ratio Rank: 18
EMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
EMO Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

MLPAX vs. EMO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A (MLPAX) and ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO). 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.

	MLPAX	EMO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.09	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.63	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.21	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	1.68	+1.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	3.56	+3.71

MLPAX vs. EMO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is higher than the EMO Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPAX and EMO, 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

MLPAX vs. EMO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPAX drawdown since its inception was -77.51%, smaller than the maximum EMO drawdown of -95.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPAX and EMO.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPAX	EMO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.51%	-95.06%	+17.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.06%	-10.87%	+4.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.29%	-18.81%	+3.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.04%	-28.59%	+7.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.85%	-93.02%	+20.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.82%	-7.40%	+1.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.01%	-31.88%	+14.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	5.13%	-2.77%

Volatility

MLPAX vs. EMO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A (MLPAX) is 4.20%, while ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund (EMO) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that MLPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EMO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPAX	EMO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	4.48%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.80%	12.27%	-3.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.37%	16.78%	-5.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.33%	26.48%	-7.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.97%	41.24%	-15.27%

MLPAX vs. EMO - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPAX has a 1.54% expense ratio, which is lower than EMO's 13.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPAX vs. EMO - Dividend Comparison

MLPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.34%, less than EMO's 8.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EMO ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund	8.69%	9.41%	7.16%	6.79%	6.71%	6.71%	15.82%	10.94%	16.39%	10.85%	9.76%	11.88%
MLPAX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A	5.34%	5.72%	5.00%	5.91%	6.56%	7.91%	14.02%	9.91%	10.40%	8.21%	7.34%	7.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPAX and EMO in my portfolio?

MLPAX and EMO have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPAX or EMO?

EMO has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to MLPAX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPAX dropped -77.51% vs EMO's -95.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.09), 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.