MLPR vs. GLDI
MLPR (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN) and GLDI (UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPR is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index (150%), while GLDI is a Gold fund tracking the Credit Suisse NASDAQ Gold FLOWS 103 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MLPR returned 25.58%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for GLDI. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for GLDI.
Performance
MLPR vs. GLDI - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MLPR achieves a 24.85% return, which is significantly higher than GLDI's -4.45% return.
MLPR
- 1D
- 2.97%
- 1M
- -9.79%
- YTD
- 24.85%
- 6M
- 24.33%
- 1Y
- 28.25%
- 3Y*
- 31.47%
- 5Y*
- 25.58%
- 10Y*
- —
GLDI
- 1D
- -1.62%
- 1M
- -7.19%
- YTD
- -4.45%
- 6M
- -5.42%
- 1Y
- 11.67%
- 3Y*
- 17.47%
- 5Y*
- 10.96%
- 10Y*
- 7.83%
MLPR vs. GLDI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN | 24.85% | 9.83% | 31.57% | 35.87% | 41.04% | 57.33% | -7.10% |
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 | -4.45% | 34.25% | 17.76% | 8.93% | -1.11% | -3.42% | 8.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between MLPR and GLDI is -0.06, 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 | -0.06 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.07 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.13 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 3, 2020 | 0.14 |
The correlation between MLPR and GLDI shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.14 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
MLPR vs. GLDI — Risk / Return Rank
MLPR
GLDI
MLPR vs. GLDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR) and UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI). 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.
| MLPR | GLDI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.61 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.83 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 1.16 | +0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.03 | 0.83 | +1.20 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.88 | 2.73 | +3.15 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MLPR vs. GLDI - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MLPR drawdown since its inception was -48.98%, which is greater than GLDI's maximum drawdown of -32.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPR and GLDI.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MLPR | GLDI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -48.98% | -32.26% | -16.72% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.97% | -14.14% | +0.17% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.45% | -14.14% | -10.31% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.66% | -14.14% | -14.52% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -14.94% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -10.62% | -13.28% | +2.66% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.94% | -13.99% | +5.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.82% | 4.30% | +0.52% |
Volatility
MLPR vs. GLDI - Volatility Comparison
ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR) has a higher volatility of 8.29% compared to UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI) at 7.18%. This indicates that MLPR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MLPR | GLDI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.29% | 7.18% | +1.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.56% | 14.58% | +0.98% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.11% | 15.99% | +5.12% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 29.40% | 11.58% | +17.82% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 33.71% | 11.52% | +22.19% |
MLPR vs. GLDI - Expense Ratio Comparison
MLPR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than GLDI's 0.65% expense ratio.
Dividends
MLPR vs. GLDI - Dividend Comparison
MLPR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.36%, less than GLDI's 26.67% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 | 26.67% | 16.15% | 10.45% | 10.02% | 13.73% | 10.65% | 14.25% | 7.25% | 5.33% | 7.77% | 17.26% | 10.07% |
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN | 9.36% | 10.85% | 9.57% | 10.08% | 7.49% | 10.69% | 4.21% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MLPR and GLDI have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MLPR has higher volatility (8.29%) compared to GLDI (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPR dropped -48.98% vs GLDI's -32.26%.
On 5-year performance, MLPR leads with 25.58% vs 10.96% for GLDI. On fees, GLDI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, GLDI has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, MLPR has performed better with a 25.58% return vs 10.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GLDI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for MLPR.
GLDI has the higher dividend yield at 26.67%, compared with 9.36% for MLPR.
MLPR is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while GLDI is Gold. MLPR tracks Alerian MLP Index (150%), while GLDI tracks Credit Suisse NASDAQ Gold FLOWS 103 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for MLPR and 0.65% for GLDI.
MLPR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 0.73), 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.
Find the right allocation for MLPR and GLDI
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer