MLPI vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MLPI (NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPI is a MLPs fund actively managed by NEOS, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. MLPI is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

MLPI vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPI achieves a 19.61% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 23.55% return.

MLPI

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -2.18%
• YTD: 19.61%
• 6M: 18.17%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -7.94%
• YTD: 23.55%
• 6M: 24.06%
• 1Y: 31.01%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

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

MLPI vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	19.61%	0.36%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	23.55%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPI and VDE is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

MLPI vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 43
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

MLPI vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

	MLPI	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.51	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.04	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.19	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.75	—

Drawdowns

MLPI vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPI drawdown since its inception was -5.38%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPI and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPI	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.38%	-74.20%	+68.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.20%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-12.59%	+10.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.49%	-19.94%	+18.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.61%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MLPI	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.61%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	20.80%	-7.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.05%	26.37%	-13.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.05%	29.94%	-16.89%

MLPI vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPI vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

MLPI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.19%, more than VDE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	7.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.54%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPI and VDE in my portfolio?

MLPI and VDE have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MLPI or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPI or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for MLPI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLPI or VDE?

MLPI has the higher dividend yield at 7.19%, compared with 2.54% for VDE.

What is the main difference between MLPI and VDE?

MLPI is categorized as MLPs, while VDE is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: NEOS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for MLPI and 0.09% for VDE.