MLPX vs. MLPB
MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and MLPB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B) are both MLPs funds - MLPX tracks the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index while MLPB tracks the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPX returned 12.30%/yr vs 7.75%/yr for MLPB. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for MLPB.
Performance
MLPX vs. MLPB - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MLPX achieves a 23.61% return, which is significantly higher than MLPB's 13.96% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPX has outperformed MLPB with an annualized return of 12.30%, while MLPB has yielded a comparatively lower 7.75% annualized return.
MLPX
- 1D
- -1.39%
- 1M
- -5.31%
- YTD
- 23.61%
- 6M
- 23.85%
- 1Y
- 23.77%
- 3Y*
- 28.96%
- 5Y*
- 20.92%
- 10Y*
- 12.30%
MLPB
- 1D
- -2.60%
- 1M
- -8.57%
- YTD
- 13.96%
- 6M
- 13.62%
- 1Y
- 15.35%
- 3Y*
- 20.87%
- 5Y*
- 18.12%
- 10Y*
- 7.75%
MLPX vs. MLPB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 23.61% | 4.96% | 42.90% | 15.77% | 21.54% | 39.63% | -20.32% | 19.04% | -15.64% | -4.53% |
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B | 13.96% | 7.40% | 25.53% | 22.01% | 30.22% | 39.42% | -30.80% | 5.69% | -8.79% | -9.71% |
Correlation
The correlation between MLPX and MLPB is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.83 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.84 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.88 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.75 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2015 | 0.70 |
The correlation between MLPX and MLPB shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (all time) to 0.88 (5 years), 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
MLPX vs. MLPB — Risk / Return Rank
MLPX
MLPB
MLPX vs. MLPB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB). 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.
| MLPX | MLPB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.45 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.59 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.19 | +0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.92 | 1.59 | +1.33 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.98 | 4.41 | +2.57 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
MLPX vs. MLPB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, roughly equal to the maximum MLPB drawdown of -71.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and MLPB.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| MLPX | MLPB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -70.67% | -71.93% | +1.26% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.18% | -9.68% | +1.50% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -16.77% | -16.49% | -0.28% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -19.72% | -20.41% | +0.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -64.70% | -71.93% | +7.23% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.67% | -9.28% | +3.61% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.58% | -14.78% | -1.80% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.42% | 3.49% | -0.07% |
Volatility
MLPX vs. MLPB - Volatility Comparison
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) have volatilities of 5.79% and 5.74%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| MLPX | MLPB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.79% | 5.74% | +0.05% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.89% | 10.66% | +1.23% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.42% | 13.94% | +1.48% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.00% | 19.94% | +0.06% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 26.47% | 27.16% | -0.69% |
MLPX vs. MLPB - Expense Ratio Comparison
MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPB's 0.85% expense ratio.
Dividends
MLPX vs. MLPB - Dividend Comparison
MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, less than MLPB's 6.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B | 6.15% | 6.51% | 5.95% | 6.37% | 6.00% | 6.98% | 11.93% | 7.98% | 8.11% | 7.23% | 6.85% | 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
MLPX and MLPB have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MLPX has higher volatility (5.79%) compared to MLPB (5.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs MLPB's -71.93%.
On 10-year performance, MLPX leads with 12.30% vs 7.75% for MLPB. On fees, MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 12.30% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
MLPX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MLPB.
MLPB has the higher dividend yield at 6.15%, compared with 4.15% for MLPX.
MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while MLPB tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and UBS. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for MLPX and 0.85% for MLPB.
MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 1.11), 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 MLPX and MLPB
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