MLPAX vs. NML

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MLPAX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A) and NML (Neuberger Berman MLP) are both MLPs funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPAX returned 8.53%/yr vs 9.69%/yr for NML. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPAX charges 1.54%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for NML.

Performance

MLPAX vs. NML - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPAX achieves a 15.55% return, which is significantly lower than NML's 18.43% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPAX has underperformed NML with an annualized return of 8.53%, while NML has yielded a comparatively higher 9.69% 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%

NML

• 1D: 0.94%
• 1M: -6.73%
• YTD: 18.43%
• 6M: 20.71%
• 1Y: 19.19%
• 3Y*: 25.74%
• 5Y*: 22.78%
• 10Y*: 9.69%

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

MLPAX vs. NML - 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%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	18.43%	4.36%	40.55%	14.61%	32.75%	61.76%	-45.84%	10.60%	-23.02%	7.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPAX and NML is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2013	0.75

The correlation between MLPAX and NML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MLPAX vs. NML — 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

NML

NML Risk / Return Rank: 21
NML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NML Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
NML Omega Ratio Rank: 16
NML Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
NML Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. NML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A (MLPAX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). 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	NML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.12	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.57	+0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.19	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	1.99	+0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	5.39	+1.88

MLPAX vs. NML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is higher than the NML Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPAX and NML, 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. NML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPAX drawdown since its inception was -77.51%, smaller than the maximum NML drawdown of -90.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPAX and NML.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPAX	NML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.51%	-90.48%	+12.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.06%	-9.67%	+3.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.29%	-16.92%	+1.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.04%	-21.40%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.85%	-84.84%	+11.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.82%	-7.87%	+2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.01%	-36.96%	+19.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	3.57%	-1.21%

Volatility

MLPAX vs. NML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund Class A (MLPAX) is 4.20%, while Neuberger Berman MLP (NML) has a volatility of 6.11%. This indicates that MLPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPAX	NML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	6.11%	-1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.80%	13.76%	-4.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.37%	17.30%	-5.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.33%	23.80%	-4.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.97%	35.11%	-9.14%

MLPAX vs. NML - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPAX has a 1.54% expense ratio, which is lower than NML's 2.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPAX vs. NML - Dividend Comparison

MLPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.34%, less than NML's 7.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	7.60%	8.24%	7.94%	10.19%	4.26%	3.54%	8.33%	9.76%	9.87%	7.04%	8.63%	15.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPAX and NML in my portfolio?

MLPAX and NML have a correlation of 0.76, 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 NML?

NML has higher volatility (6.11%) compared to MLPAX (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPAX dropped -77.51% vs NML's -90.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.12), 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.