MLPB vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both MLPs funds - MLPB tracks the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index while MLPA tracks the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPB returned 10.20%/yr vs 6.22%/yr for MLPA. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

MLPB vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPB achieves a 19.72% return, which is significantly higher than MLPA's 16.07% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPB has outperformed MLPA with an annualized return of 10.20%, while MLPA has yielded a comparatively lower 6.22% annualized return.

MLPB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.42%
• YTD: 19.72%
• 6M: 18.24%
• 1Y: 20.60%
• 3Y*: 22.21%
• 5Y*: 19.42%
• 10Y*: 10.20%

MLPA

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 16.07%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 17.12%
• 5Y*: 15.58%
• 10Y*: 6.22%

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

MLPB vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	19.72%	7.40%	25.53%	22.01%	30.22%	39.42%	-30.80%	5.69%	-8.79%	-9.71%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	16.07%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPB and MLPA is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2015	0.76

The correlation between MLPB and MLPA shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (all time) to 0.95 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MLPB vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPB

MLPB Risk / Return Rank: 42
MLPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MLPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MLPB Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MLPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
MLPB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 37
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 34
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

MLPB vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). 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.

	MLPB	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.37	+0.17
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.96	+0.20
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.23	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	1.97	+0.17
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.60	5.99	+0.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPB vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPB Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPB and MLPA, 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

	MLPB	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	1.37	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97	0.86	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.23	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.16	+0.07

Drawdowns

MLPB vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPB drawdown since its inception was -71.93%, smaller than the maximum MLPA drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPB and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPB	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.93%	-78.75%	+6.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.68%	-8.33%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.49%	-14.20%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.41%	-18.75%	-1.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.93%	-74.05%	+2.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.69%	-3.84%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.83%	-20.27%	+5.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	2.73%	+0.40%

Volatility

MLPB vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) has a higher volatility of 5.40% compared to Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) at 4.50%. This indicates that MLPB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MLPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPB	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.40%	4.50%	+0.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	8.47%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.51%	12.00%	+1.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.03%	18.21%	+1.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.11%	27.47%	+0.64%

MLPB vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPA's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPB vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

MLPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.85%, less than MLPA's 7.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.28%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	5.85%	6.51%	5.95%	6.37%	6.00%	6.98%	11.93%	7.98%	8.11%	7.23%	6.85%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPB and MLPA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, MLPB and MLPA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MLPB or MLPA?

MLPB has higher volatility (5.40%) compared to MLPA (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPB dropped -71.93% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which ETF is better, MLPB or MLPA?

On 10-year performance, MLPB leads with 10.20% vs 6.22% for MLPA. On fees, MLPA is cheaper at 0.46% per year. On volatility, MLPA has been the lower-risk option at 4.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPB or MLPA?

Over the 10-year period, MLPB has performed better with a 10.20% return vs 6.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPB or MLPA?

MLPA is cheaper with a 0.46% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MLPB.

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

MLPA has the higher dividend yield at 7.28%, compared with 5.85% for MLPB.

What is the main difference between MLPB and MLPA?

MLPB tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while MLPA tracks Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MLPB and 0.46% for MLPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 1.37), 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.