MLPD vs. XYLD

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

MLPD (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF) and XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPD is a Infrastructure Equities fund tracking the Cboe MLPX ATM BuyWrite Index, while XYLD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MLPD returned 11.46% vs 19.53% for XYLD. Their 0.25 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

MLPD vs. XYLD - 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 Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPD achieves a 5.77% return, which is significantly lower than XYLD's 8.63% return.

MLPD

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 0.16%
• 6M: 3.31%
• YTD: 5.77%
• 1Y: 11.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.20%

XYLD

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.36%
• 6M: 6.99%
• YTD: 8.63%
• 1Y: 19.53%
• 3Y*: 12.12%
• 5Y*: 7.92%
• 10Y*: 8.27%
• ALL TIME*: 8.41%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
MLPD Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF	$334.42K	$282.21K	$276.41K
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	$33.43M	$34.54M	$32.48M

MLPD vs. XYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MLPD Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF	5.77%	11.77%	9.42%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	8.63%	8.02%	13.37%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPD and XYLD is 0.03, meaning there was essentially no consistent relationship between their historical price movements. Each responded to its own set of market drivers.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 8, 2024	0.25

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPD and XYLD has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.25, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MLPD vs. XYLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPD	XYLD
Financial Services	102.5%	11.6%
Energy	100.0%	3.0%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	9.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Healthcare	-	8.9%
Industrials	-	8.4%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	38.5%
Utilities	-	2.2%

Return for Risk

MLPD vs. XYLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

MLPD

MLPD Risk / Return Rank: 61
MLPD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MLPD Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
MLPD Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MLPD Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MLPD Martin Ratio Rank: 60

XYLD

XYLD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
XYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 96
XYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
XYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

MLPD vs. XYLD - 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 Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD). 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	XYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.77	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	3.95	-1.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.63	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	3.71	-1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.46	19.28	-11.82

MLPD vs. XYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPD Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the XYLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPD and XYLD, 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. XYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPD drawdown since its inception was -12.90%, smaller than the maximum XYLD drawdown of -33.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPD and XYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPD	XYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.90%	-33.46%	+20.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.80%	-5.29%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.53%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	0.00%	-1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.11%	-3.68%	+2.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.54%	1.02%	+0.52%

Volatility

MLPD vs. XYLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF (MLPD) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) have volatilities of 1.93% and 1.97%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	MLPD	XYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	1.97%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.55%	5.99%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.63%	7.10%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.17%	11.27%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.17%	14.16%	-2.99%

MLPD vs. XYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MLPD and XYLD have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

MLPD vs. XYLD - Dividend Comparison

MLPD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.77%, more than XYLD's 10.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPD Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF	13.77%	13.45%	6.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	10.47%	10.51%	11.54%	10.51%	13.43%	9.07%	7.93%	5.76%	7.12%	5.18%	3.23%	4.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPD and XYLD in my portfolio?

MLPD and XYLD have a correlation of 0.03, 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 XYLD?

XYLD has higher volatility (1.97%) compared to MLPD (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPD dropped -12.90% vs XYLD's -33.46%.

Which ETF is better, MLPD or XYLD?

On 1-year performance, XYLD leads with 19.53% vs 11.46% for MLPD. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPD or XYLD?

Over the 1-year period, XYLD has performed better with a 19.53% return vs 11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPD or XYLD?

MLPD and XYLD have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

MLPD has the higher dividend yield at 13.77%, compared with 10.47% for XYLD.

What is the main difference between MLPD and XYLD?

MLPD is categorized as Infrastructure Equities, while XYLD is Derivative Income. MLPD tracks Cboe MLPX ATM BuyWrite Index, while XYLD tracks Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 1.51), 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.