MLPIX vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MLPIX (ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both funds - MLPIX is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund managed by ProFunds, while MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. Over the past 10 years, MLPIX returned 8.53%/yr vs 6.22%/yr for MLPA. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPIX charges 1.78%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund (MLPIX) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPIX achieves a 7.45% return, which is significantly lower than MLPA's 16.07% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPIX has outperformed MLPA with an annualized return of 8.53%, while MLPA has yielded a comparatively lower 6.22% annualized return.

MLPIX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 7.45%
• 6M: 8.59%
• 1Y: 19.59%
• 3Y*: 11.62%
• 5Y*: 5.51%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

MLPA

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 16.07%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 17.12%
• 5Y*: 15.58%
• 10Y*: 6.22%

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

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPIX ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund	7.45%	5.48%	9.65%	13.32%	-8.61%	28.23%	1.85%	24.02%	-13.08%	10.45%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	16.07%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPIX and MLPA is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2012	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPIX and MLPA has dropped to 0.18 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPIX vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPIX

MLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 20
MLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
MLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
MLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
MLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 37
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 34
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund (MLPIX) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). 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.

	MLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.37	-0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.96	-0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.23	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	1.97	-0.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	5.99	-0.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPIX and MLPA, 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

	MLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	1.37	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.86	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40	0.23	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.16	+0.18

Drawdowns

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPIX drawdown since its inception was -60.11%, smaller than the maximum MLPA drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPIX and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.11%	-78.75%	+18.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-8.33%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.24%	-14.20%	-9.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.24%	-18.75%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.96%	-74.05%	+28.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.49%	-3.84%	+2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.37%	-20.27%	+10.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	2.73%	+0.43%

Volatility

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund (MLPIX) is 3.88%, while Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) has a volatility of 4.50%. This indicates that MLPIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MLPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPIX	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.88%	4.50%	-0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.43%	8.47%	+1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.10%	12.00%	+3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.49%	18.21%	+1.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.39%	27.47%	-6.08%

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPIX has a 1.78% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPA's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPIX vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

MLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than MLPA's 7.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.28%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%
MLPIX ProFunds Mid Cap Value Fund	0.44%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.89%	0.22%	0.40%	3.92%	10.95%	0.56%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPIX and MLPA in my portfolio?

MLPIX and MLPA have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPIX or MLPA?

MLPA has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to MLPIX (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPIX dropped -60.11% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.27), 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.