MLPLX vs. VSCAX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MLPLX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A) and VSCAX (Invesco Small Cap Value Fund) are both mutual funds - MLPLX is a MLPs fund actively managed by Invesco, while VSCAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Invesco. Over the past 10 years, MLPLX returned 8.59%/yr vs 17.47%/yr for VSCAX. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPLX charges 17.25%/yr vs 1.12%/yr for VSCAX.

Performance

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A (MLPLX) and Invesco Small Cap Value Fund (VSCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MLPLX having a 27.48% return and VSCAX slightly higher at 27.70%. Over the past 10 years, MLPLX has underperformed VSCAX with an annualized return of 8.59%, while VSCAX has yielded a comparatively higher 17.47% annualized return.

MLPLX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 1.15%
• 6M: 26.00%
• YTD: 27.48%
• 1Y: 30.04%
• 3Y*: 29.81%
• 5Y*: 27.03%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

VSCAX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -2.03%
• 6M: 20.19%
• YTD: 27.70%
• 1Y: 46.93%
• 3Y*: 28.19%
• 5Y*: 20.05%
• 10Y*: 17.47%

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

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPLX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A	27.48%	4.36%	47.10%	25.02%	38.31%	55.18%	-46.03%	8.79%	-21.09%	-11.18%
VSCAX Invesco Small Cap Value Fund	27.70%	17.70%	24.54%	22.84%	4.31%	36.34%	10.81%	32.02%	-25.64%	18.17%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPLX and VSCAX is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2011	0.55

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPLX and VSCAX has dropped to 0.15 - well below their long-term average of 0.55, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPLX vs. VSCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPLX

MLPLX Risk / Return Rank: 66
MLPLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
MLPLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
MLPLX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
MLPLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
MLPLX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VSCAX

VSCAX Risk / Return Rank: 79
VSCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VSCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VSCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VSCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VSCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A (MLPLX) and Invesco Small Cap Value Fund (VSCAX). 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.

	MLPLX	VSCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	2.03	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	2.61	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	4.02	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.52	13.47	-4.94

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the VSCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPLX and VSCAX, 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

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPLX drawdown since its inception was -88.76%, which is greater than VSCAX's maximum drawdown of -57.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPLX and VSCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPLX	VSCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.76%	-57.77%	-30.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.86%	-11.43%	+2.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.55%	-25.29%	+5.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.21%	-25.29%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-85.02%	-57.77%	-27.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.96%	-5.19%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.81%	-8.87%	-19.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.59%	3.41%	+0.18%

Volatility

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A (MLPLX) is 6.11%, while Invesco Small Cap Value Fund (VSCAX) has a volatility of 8.89%. This indicates that MLPLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPLX	VSCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.11%	8.89%	-2.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.70%	17.90%	-5.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.76%	22.67%	-5.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.98%	23.40%	+1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.46%	26.68%	+8.78%

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPLX has a 17.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VSCAX's 1.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPLX vs. VSCAX - Dividend Comparison

MLPLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.96%, less than VSCAX's 7.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPLX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Plus Fund Class A	4.96%	5.70%	4.42%	5.92%	6.79%	8.75%	22.54%	14.33%	13.67%	9.68%	7.88%	9.20%
VSCAX Invesco Small Cap Value Fund	7.22%	9.22%	7.90%	4.93%	10.12%	16.90%	0.30%	2.53%	28.45%	16.65%	1.71%	11.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPLX and VSCAX in my portfolio?

MLPLX and VSCAX have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPLX or VSCAX?

VSCAX has higher volatility (8.89%) compared to MLPLX (6.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPLX dropped -88.76% vs VSCAX's -57.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.84), 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.