MLPX vs. TYG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and TYG (Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund) are both MLPs funds. MLPX is passively managed, while TYG is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPX returned 12.41%/yr vs -1.19%/yr for TYG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 2.90%/yr for TYG.

Performance

MLPX vs. TYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund (TYG). 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 TYG's 12.81% return. Over the past 10 years, MLPX has outperformed TYG with an annualized return of 12.41%, while TYG has yielded a comparatively lower -1.19% 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%

TYG

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: -11.67%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 6M: 7.85%
• 1Y: 18.81%
• 3Y*: 28.24%
• 5Y*: 19.47%
• 10Y*: -1.19%

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

MLPX vs. TYG - 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%
TYG Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund	12.81%	8.46%	60.18%	-0.37%	24.20%	46.86%	-70.31%	1.79%	-24.74%	3.17%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPX and TYG is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2013	0.75

Over the past year, the correlation between MLPX and TYG has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.75, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MLPX vs. TYG — 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

TYG

TYG Risk / Return Rank: 15
TYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
TYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
TYG Omega Ratio Rank: 14
TYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
TYG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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. TYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund (TYG). 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	TYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.97	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.37	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.19	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	1.62	+1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	5.20	+2.07
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. TYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the TYG Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPX and TYG, 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	TYG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	0.97	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	0.81	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	-0.02	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.09	+0.26

Drawdowns

MLPX vs. TYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, smaller than the maximum TYG drawdown of -95.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and TYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPX	TYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.67%	-95.34%	+24.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-11.67%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	-25.08%	+8.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-25.08%	+5.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.70%	-94.98%	+30.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.68%	-35.65%	+29.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.63%	-29.42%	+12.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.63%	-0.46%

Volatility

MLPX vs. TYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is 6.41%, while Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund (TYG) has a volatility of 7.20%. This indicates that MLPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPX	TYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	7.20%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.84%	17.34%	-5.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	19.45%	-4.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.08%	24.06%	-3.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.50%	51.16%	-24.66%

MLPX vs. TYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than TYG's 2.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPX vs. TYG - Dividend Comparison

MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, less than TYG's 12.95% 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%
TYG Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Closed Fund	12.95%	11.25%	7.96%	9.87%	8.94%	5.27%	10.85%	14.61%	13.17%	9.01%	8.54%	13.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPX and TYG in my portfolio?

MLPX and TYG have a correlation of 0.45, 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 TYG?

TYG has higher volatility (7.20%) compared to MLPX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs TYG's -95.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.97), 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.