MLPB vs. VOO
MLPB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPB returned 7.81%/yr vs 15.77%/yr for VOO. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPB charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.
Performance
MLPB vs. VOO - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MLPB achieves a 14.66% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 9.75% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPB has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 7.81%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.77% annualized 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%
VOO
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- 0.08%
- YTD
- 9.75%
- 6M
- 9.30%
- 1Y
- 26.77%
- 3Y*
- 21.36%
- 5Y*
- 13.58%
- 10Y*
- 15.77%
MLPB vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B | 14.66% | 7.40% | 25.53% | 22.01% | 30.22% | 39.42% | -30.80% | 5.69% | -8.79% | -9.71% |
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 9.75% | 17.82% | 24.98% | 26.32% | -18.17% | 28.79% | 18.32% | 31.37% | -4.50% | 21.77% |
Correlation
The correlation between MLPB and VOO is -0.00, 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 | -0.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.28 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.36 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2015 | 0.34 |
The correlation between MLPB and VOO shifts across timeframes, from -0.00 (1 year) to 0.39 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
MLPB vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank
MLPB
VOO
MLPB vs. VOO - 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 Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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 | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.03 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | 1.39 | -0.20 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.60 | 3.02 | -1.42 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.54 | 13.58 | -9.04 |
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Drawdowns
MLPB vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MLPB drawdown since its inception was -71.93%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPB and VOO.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MLPB | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -71.93% | -33.99% | -37.94% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.68% | -8.90% | -0.78% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -16.49% | -18.69% | +2.20% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.41% | -24.52% | +4.11% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -71.93% | -33.99% | -37.94% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -8.72% | -1.74% | -6.98% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -14.78% | -3.68% | -11.10% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.42% | 1.98% | +1.44% |
Volatility
MLPB vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison
ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) have volatilities of 4.76% and 4.60%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MLPB | VOO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.76% | 4.60% | +0.16% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.16% | 9.73% | +0.43% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.59% | 12.39% | +1.20% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.88% | 16.90% | +2.98% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 27.15% | 18.05% | +9.10% |
MLPB vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison
MLPB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.
Dividends
MLPB vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison
MLPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.11%, more than VOO's 1.04% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% | 0.00% |
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.24% | 1.46% | 1.69% | 1.25% | 1.54% | 1.88% | 2.06% | 1.78% | 2.02% | 2.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MLPB and VOO have a correlation of -0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MLPB has higher volatility (4.76%) compared to VOO (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPB dropped -71.93% vs VOO's -33.99%.
On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.77% vs 7.81% for MLPB. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.77% return vs 7.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MLPB.
MLPB has the higher dividend yield at 6.11%, compared with 1.04% for VOO.
MLPB is categorized as MLPs, while VOO is S&P 500. MLPB tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for MLPB and 0.03% for VOO.
VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 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.
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