MLPFX vs. VAFAX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MLPFX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A) and VAFAX (Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A) are both mutual funds - MLPFX is a MLPs fund actively managed by Invesco, while VAFAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Invesco. Over the past 10 years, MLPFX returned 10.04%/yr vs 15.82%/yr for VAFAX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPFX charges 10.29%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for VAFAX.

Performance

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A (MLPFX) and Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPFX achieves a 21.14% return, which is significantly higher than VAFAX's 8.55% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPFX has underperformed VAFAX with an annualized return of 10.04%, while VAFAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.82% annualized return.

MLPFX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: -1.94%
• YTD: 21.14%
• 6M: 22.36%
• 1Y: 25.25%
• 3Y*: 25.73%
• 5Y*: 20.81%
• 10Y*: 10.04%

VAFAX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 5.21%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 7.80%
• 1Y: 22.63%
• 3Y*: 22.88%
• 5Y*: 10.49%
• 10Y*: 15.82%

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

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPFX Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A	21.14%	8.22%	29.99%	22.47%	21.84%	39.44%	-25.43%	6.90%	-9.63%	-4.02%
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	8.55%	11.86%	34.78%	40.91%	-31.20%	11.13%	42.15%	36.55%	-3.99%	27.11%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPFX and VAFAX is 0.02, 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	0.02
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2010	0.41

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPFX and VAFAX has dropped to 0.02 - well below their long-term average of 0.41, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPFX vs. VAFAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPFX

MLPFX Risk / Return Rank: 58
MLPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
MLPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MLPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
MLPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
MLPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VAFAX

VAFAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
VAFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VAFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VAFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VAFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VAFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A (MLPFX) and Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX). 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.

	MLPFX	VAFAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.24	+0.88
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	1.73	+1.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.22	+0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	1.23	+2.59
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.80	3.73	+9.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is higher than the VAFAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPFX and VAFAX, 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

	MLPFX	VAFAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	1.24	+0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.17	0.46	+0.72
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.71	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.57	-0.20

Drawdowns

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPFX drawdown since its inception was -76.01%, which is greater than VAFAX's maximum drawdown of -48.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPFX and VAFAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPFX	VAFAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.01%	-48.48%	-27.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.68%	-19.27%	+12.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.55%	-27.24%	+12.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.81%	-38.86%	+20.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-72.18%	-38.86%	-33.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.24%	-0.54%	-5.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.08%	-8.13%	-4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	6.35%	-4.36%

Volatility

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Volatility Comparison

Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A (MLPFX) and Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) have volatilities of 5.09% and 4.91%, 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

	MLPFX	VAFAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	4.91%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.37%	14.65%	-5.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.63%	19.23%	-6.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.85%	23.05%	-5.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.07%	22.31%	+2.76%

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPFX has a 10.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VAFAX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPFX vs. VAFAX - Dividend Comparison

MLPFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.31%, less than VAFAX's 12.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPFX Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund Class A	5.31%	6.11%	5.29%	6.54%	7.34%	8.29%	13.36%	10.42%	10.09%	8.35%	7.41%	7.84%
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	12.98%	14.09%	3.74%	0.00%	8.32%	26.50%	8.78%	6.85%	10.42%	5.37%	4.08%	4.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPFX and VAFAX in my portfolio?

MLPFX and VAFAX have a correlation of 0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPFX or VAFAX?

MLPFX has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to VAFAX (4.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPFX dropped -76.01% vs VAFAX's -48.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.24), 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.