MLPX vs. AIQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MLPX returned 20.92%/yr vs 19.07%/yr for AIQ. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for AIQ.

Performance

MLPX vs. AIQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MLPX achieves a 23.59% return, which is significantly lower than AIQ's 35.98% return.

MLPX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 23.51%
• 1Y: 22.94%
• 3Y*: 28.13%
• 5Y*: 20.92%
• 10Y*: 12.41%

AIQ

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 21.10%
• YTD: 35.98%
• 6M: 36.15%
• 1Y: 69.19%
• 3Y*: 37.50%
• 5Y*: 19.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

MLPX vs. AIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	23.59%	4.96%	42.90%	15.77%	21.54%	39.63%	-20.32%	19.04%	-13.57%
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	35.98%	31.89%	24.11%	55.39%	-36.44%	17.09%	52.88%	39.94%	-14.03%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPX and AIQ is -0.10, 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	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 2018	0.35

The correlation between MLPX and AIQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.35 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MLPX vs. AIQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPX	AIQ
Energy	99.5%	-
Utilities	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	13.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.4%
Healthcare	-	0.4%
Industrials	-	4.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	73.3%

Return for Risk

MLPX vs. AIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 44
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 81
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ 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.

MLPX vs. AIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ). 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.

	MLPX	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	3.02	-1.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	3.70	-1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.49	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	4.22	-1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	14.59	-7.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPX vs. AIQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the AIQ Sharpe Ratio of 3.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPX and AIQ, 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

	MLPX	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	3.02	-1.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	0.76	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.84	-0.49

Drawdowns

MLPX vs. AIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, which is greater than AIQ's maximum drawdown of -44.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and AIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPX	AIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.67%	-44.66%	-26.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-16.47%	+8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	-26.35%	+9.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-44.66%	+24.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.68%	-1.40%	-4.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.63%	-9.80%	-6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	4.76%	-1.59%

Volatility

MLPX vs. AIQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is 6.41%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a volatility of 8.60%. This indicates that MLPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPX	AIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	8.60%	-2.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.84%	18.46%	-6.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	23.04%	-7.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.08%	25.33%	-5.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.50%	25.50%	+1.00%

MLPX vs. AIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than AIQ's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPX vs. AIQ - Dividend Comparison

MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than AIQ's 0.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.14%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.15%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPX and AIQ in my portfolio?

MLPX and AIQ have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPX or AIQ?

AIQ has higher volatility (8.60%) compared to MLPX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs AIQ's -44.66%.

Which ETF is better, MLPX or AIQ?

On 5-year performance, MLPX leads with 20.92% vs 19.07% for AIQ. On fees, MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MLPX has been the lower-risk option at 6.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPX or AIQ?

Over the 5-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 20.92% return vs 19.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPX or AIQ?

MLPX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for AIQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MLPX or AIQ?

MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.15%, compared with 0.14% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between MLPX and AIQ?

MLPX is categorized as MLPs, while AIQ is Technology Equities. MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for MLPX and 0.68% for AIQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 1.50), 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.