MLPR vs. WEEI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPR (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN) and WEEI (Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPR is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index (150%), while WEEI is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Westwood. MLPR is passively managed, while WEEI is actively managed. Over the past year, MLPR returned 32.42% vs 34.24% for WEEI. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for WEEI.

Performance

MLPR vs. WEEI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPR achieves a 29.81% return, which is significantly higher than WEEI's 18.85% return.

MLPR

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 29.81%
• 6M: 26.95%
• 1Y: 32.42%
• 3Y*: 32.14%
• 5Y*: 26.89%
• 10Y*: —

WEEI

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 18.85%
• 6M: 18.31%
• 1Y: 34.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MLPR vs. WEEI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN	29.81%	9.83%	14.13%
WEEI Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF	18.85%	11.28%	-3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPR and WEEI is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 2, 2024	0.62

The correlation between MLPR and WEEI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MLPR vs. WEEI — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPR

MLPR Risk / Return Rank: 44
MLPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
MLPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MLPR Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MLPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
MLPR Martin Ratio Rank: 45

WEEI

WEEI Risk / Return Rank: 74
WEEI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
WEEI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
WEEI Omega Ratio Rank: 70
WEEI Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
WEEI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

MLPR vs. WEEI - 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 Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI). 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.

	MLPR	WEEI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.46	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.15	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.42	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	4.48	-2.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.53	14.29	-6.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPR vs. WEEI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPR Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the WEEI Sharpe Ratio of 2.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPR and WEEI, 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

	MLPR	WEEI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	2.46	-0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.70	+0.24

Drawdowns

MLPR vs. WEEI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPR drawdown since its inception was -48.98%, which is greater than WEEI's maximum drawdown of -18.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPR and WEEI.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPR	WEEI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.98%	-18.78%	-30.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.97%	-7.67%	-6.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.45%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.07%	-2.75%	-4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.94%	-4.17%	-4.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	2.41%	+1.91%

Volatility

MLPR vs. WEEI - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN (MLPR) has a higher volatility of 8.12% compared to Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI) at 6.21%. This indicates that MLPR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than WEEI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPR	WEEI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.12%	6.21%	+1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	10.73%	+4.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.64%	13.97%	+6.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.52%	18.30%	+11.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.75%	18.30%	+15.45%

MLPR vs. WEEI - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than WEEI's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPR vs. WEEI - Dividend Comparison

MLPR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.00%, less than WEEI's 11.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MLPR ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5x Leveraged Alerian MLP Index ETN	9.00%	10.85%	9.57%	10.08%	7.49%	10.69%	4.21%
WEEI Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF	11.22%	12.59%	7.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPR and WEEI in my portfolio?

MLPR and WEEI have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPR or WEEI?

MLPR has higher volatility (8.12%) compared to WEEI (6.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPR dropped -48.98% vs WEEI's -18.78%.

Which ETF is better, MLPR or WEEI?

On 1-year performance, WEEI leads with 34.24% vs 32.42% for MLPR. On fees, WEEI is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, WEEI has been the lower-risk option at 6.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPR or WEEI?

Over the 1-year period, WEEI has performed better with a 34.24% return vs 32.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPR or WEEI?

WEEI is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for MLPR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLPR or WEEI?

WEEI has the higher dividend yield at 11.22%, compared with 9.00% for MLPR.

What is the main difference between MLPR and WEEI?

MLPR is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while WEEI is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for MLPR and 0.85% for WEEI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WEEI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.59), 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.