MLPB vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MLPB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. MLPB is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, MLPB returned 21.12%/yr vs 19.29%/yr for VCLN. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

MLPB vs. VCLN - 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 Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPB achieves a 14.66% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 29.71% return.

MLPB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -8.01%
• YTD: 14.66%
• 6M: 15.05%
• 1Y: 15.47%
• 3Y*: 21.12%
• 5Y*: 18.03%
• 10Y*: 7.81%

VCLN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 29.71%
• 6M: 25.66%
• 1Y: 73.69%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MLPB vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	14.66%	7.40%	25.53%	22.01%	30.22%	2.02%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	29.71%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPB and VCLN is 0.04, 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	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.35

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPB and VCLN has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.35, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPB vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPB

MLPB Risk / Return Rank: 32
MLPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
MLPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
MLPB Omega Ratio Rank: 30
MLPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
MLPB Martin Ratio Rank: 32

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 80
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. VCLN - 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 Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	MLPB	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	2.45	-1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	3.16	-1.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.39	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	5.13	-3.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.54	18.99	-14.45

MLPB vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPB Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is lower than the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPB and VCLN, 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

MLPB vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPB drawdown since its inception was -71.93%, which is greater than VCLN's maximum drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPB and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPB	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.93%	-45.66%	-26.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.68%	-14.45%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.49%	-29.25%	+12.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.72%	-7.87%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.78%	-23.92%	+9.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.42%	3.90%	-0.48%

Volatility

MLPB vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) is 4.76%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 11.49%. This indicates that MLPB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPB	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.76%	11.49%	-6.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	21.11%	-10.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.59%	30.28%	-16.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	27.62%	-7.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.15%	27.62%	-0.47%

MLPB vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPB vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

MLPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.11%, more than VCLN's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	6.11%	6.51%	5.95%	6.37%	6.00%	6.98%	11.93%	7.98%	8.11%	7.23%	6.85%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.61%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPB and VCLN in my portfolio?

MLPB and VCLN have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPB or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.49%) compared to MLPB (4.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPB dropped -71.93% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, MLPB or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, MLPB leads with 21.12% vs 19.29% for VCLN. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, MLPB has been the lower-risk option at 4.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPB or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, MLPB has performed better with a 21.12% return vs 19.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPB or VCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MLPB.

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

MLPB has the higher dividend yield at 6.11%, compared with 1.61% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between MLPB and VCLN?

MLPB is categorized as MLPs, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MLPB and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.15), 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.