MLPX vs. NML

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and NML (Neuberger Berman MLP) are both MLPs funds. MLPX is passively managed, while NML is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPX returned 12.41%/yr vs 10.28%/yr for NML. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for NML.

Performance

MLPX vs. NML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). 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 higher than NML's 21.99% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPX has outperformed NML with an annualized return of 12.41%, while NML has yielded a comparatively lower 10.28% annualized 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%

NML

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -2.90%
• YTD: 21.99%
• 6M: 19.87%
• 1Y: 24.28%
• 3Y*: 26.24%
• 5Y*: 23.53%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

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

MLPX vs. NML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	23.59%	4.96%	42.90%	15.77%	21.54%	39.63%	-20.32%	19.04%	-15.64%	-4.53%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	21.99%	4.36%	40.55%	14.61%	32.75%	61.76%	-45.84%	10.60%	-23.02%	7.07%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPX and NML is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2013	0.75

The correlation between MLPX and NML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MLPX vs. NML — 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

NML

NML Risk / Return Rank: 29
NML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
NML Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
NML Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NML Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
NML Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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. NML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML). 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	NML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.45	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.99	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	2.52	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	7.21	+0.06
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. NML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the NML Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPX and NML, 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	NML	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.45	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	0.99	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.29	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.07	+0.28

Drawdowns

MLPX vs. NML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, smaller than the maximum NML drawdown of -90.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and NML.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPX	NML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.67%	-90.48%	+19.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-9.67%	+1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	-16.92%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-21.40%	+1.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.70%	-84.84%	+20.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.68%	-5.10%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.63%	-37.09%	+20.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.38%	-0.21%

Volatility

MLPX vs. NML - Volatility Comparison

Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Neuberger Berman MLP (NML) have volatilities of 6.41% and 6.64%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	MLPX	NML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	6.64%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.84%	13.50%	-1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	17.00%	-1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.08%	23.94%	-3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.50%	35.15%	-8.65%

MLPX vs. NML - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than NML's 2.72% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPX vs. NML - Dividend Comparison

MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, less than NML's 7.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
NML Neuberger Berman MLP	7.21%	8.24%	7.94%	10.19%	4.26%	3.54%	8.33%	9.76%	9.87%	7.04%	8.63%	15.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPX and NML in my portfolio?

MLPX and NML have a correlation of 0.74, 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 NML?

NML has higher volatility (6.64%) compared to MLPX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs NML's -90.48%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.45), 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.