MLPD vs. FTQI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

MLPD (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF) and FTQI (First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe MLPX ATM BuyWrite Index, while FTQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MLPD returned 14.11% vs 26.34% for FTQI. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPD charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for FTQI.

Performance

MLPD vs. FTQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF (MLPD) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPD achieves a 6.80% return, which is significantly lower than FTQI's 12.76% return.

MLPD

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 2.18%
• 6M: 5.89%
• YTD: 6.80%
• 1Y: 14.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTQI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 1.28%
• 6M: 11.68%
• YTD: 12.76%
• 1Y: 26.34%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 7.85%

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

MLPD vs. FTQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MLPD Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF	6.80%	11.77%	9.42%
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	12.76%	12.68%	11.00%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPD and FTQI is 0.01, 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	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2024	0.26

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPD and FTQI has dropped to 0.01 - well below their long-term average of 0.26, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MLPD vs. FTQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPD	FTQI
Financial Services	102.5%	5.5%
Energy	100.0%	2.3%
Basic Materials	-	1.4%
Communication Services	-	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.2%
Healthcare	-	6.0%
Industrials	-	4.1%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Technology	-	49.4%
Utilities	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

MLPD vs. FTQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPD

MLPD Risk / Return Rank: 71
MLPD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
MLPD Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
MLPD Omega Ratio Rank: 74
MLPD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
MLPD Martin Ratio Rank: 66

FTQI

FTQI Risk / Return Rank: 91
FTQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FTQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FTQI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

MLPD vs. FTQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF (MLPD) and First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI). 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.

	MLPD	FTQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.43	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	3.37	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.45	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	4.24	-1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.26	20.07	-10.81

MLPD vs. FTQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPD Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the FTQI Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPD and FTQI, 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

MLPD vs. FTQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPD drawdown since its inception was -12.90%, smaller than the maximum FTQI drawdown of -19.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPD and FTQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPD	FTQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.90%	-19.42%	+6.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.80%	-6.24%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-0.85%	+0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-3.73%	+2.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.53%	1.32%	+0.21%

Volatility

MLPD vs. FTQI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF (MLPD) is 2.15%, while First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that MLPD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FTQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPD	FTQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.15%	2.92%	-0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.39%	8.83%	-3.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.64%	10.87%	-3.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.22%	14.82%	-3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.22%	12.98%	-1.76%

MLPD vs. FTQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPD has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than FTQI's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPD vs. FTQI - Dividend Comparison

MLPD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.37%, more than FTQI's 10.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTQI First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF	10.92%	11.46%	11.66%	11.49%	9.85%	3.05%	3.27%	2.95%	3.27%	2.74%	3.02%	3.54%
MLPD Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF	13.37%	13.45%	6.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPD and FTQI in my portfolio?

MLPD and FTQI have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPD or FTQI?

FTQI has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to MLPD (2.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPD dropped -12.90% vs FTQI's -19.42%.

Which ETF is better, MLPD or FTQI?

On 1-year performance, FTQI leads with 26.34% vs 14.11% for MLPD. On fees, MLPD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, MLPD has been the lower-risk option at 2.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPD or FTQI?

Over the 1-year period, FTQI has performed better with a 26.34% return vs 14.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPD or FTQI?

MLPD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for FTQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLPD or FTQI?

MLPD has the higher dividend yield at 13.37%, compared with 10.92% for FTQI.

What is the main difference between MLPD and FTQI?

MLPD is categorized as Derivative Income, while FTQI is Nasdaq-100. MLPD tracks Cboe MLPX ATM BuyWrite Index, while FTQI tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for MLPD and 0.75% for FTQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.85), 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.