MLPX vs. VCRM
MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and VCRM (Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPX is a Infrastructure Equities fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while VCRM is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MLPX returned 26.87% vs 5.74% for VCRM. Their -0.09 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VCRM.
Performance
MLPX vs. VCRM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, MLPX achieves a 26.75% return, which is significantly higher than VCRM's 1.09% return.
MLPX
- 1D
- 0.31%
- 1M
- 2.91%
- 6M
- 17.40%
- YTD
- 26.75%
- 1Y
- 26.87%
- 3Y*
- 26.63%
- 5Y*
- 22.92%
- 10Y*
- 12.35%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.35%
VCRM
- 1D
- -0.02%
- 1M
- -1.65%
- 6M
- 0.34%
- YTD
- 1.09%
- 1Y
- 5.74%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 3.26%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36.85M | $35.99M | $31.05M | |
| $17.32M | $17.04M | $19.24M |
MLPX vs. VCRM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 26.75% | 4.96% | -3.25% |
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF | 1.09% | 4.91% | -0.45% |
Correlation
The correlation between MLPX and VCRM is -0.23, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | -0.23 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 21, 2024 | -0.09 |
The correlation between MLPX and VCRM shifts across timeframes, from -0.23 (1 year) to -0.09 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
MLPX vs. VCRM — Risk / Return Rank
MLPX
VCRM
MLPX vs. VCRM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). 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 | VCRM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.45 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.68 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.29 | 1.47 | -0.18 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.27 | 2.43 | +0.83 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.63 | 8.53 | -0.90 |
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Drawdowns
MLPX vs. VCRM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, which is greater than VCRM's maximum drawdown of -4.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and VCRM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| MLPX | VCRM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -70.67% | -4.12% | -66.55% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.18% | -2.72% | -5.46% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -16.77% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -19.72% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -64.70% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.27% | -1.65% | -1.62% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.47% | -1.07% | -15.40% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.49% | 0.78% | +2.71% |
Volatility
MLPX vs. VCRM - Volatility Comparison
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) has a higher volatility of 5.46% compared to Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) at 1.04%. This indicates that MLPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| MLPX | VCRM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.46% | 1.04% | +4.42% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.52% | 2.39% | +10.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.68% | 3.08% | +12.60% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 19.90% | 3.81% | +16.09% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 26.14% | 3.81% | +22.33% |
MLPX vs. VCRM - Expense Ratio Comparison
MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VCRM's 0.12% expense ratio.
Dividends
MLPX vs. VCRM - Dividend Comparison
MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.05%, more than VCRM's 3.69% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 4.05% | 4.88% | 4.30% | 5.22% | 5.23% | 5.98% | 8.32% | 5.78% | 5.77% | 4.36% | 5.50% | 4.81% |
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF | 3.41% | 3.42% | 0.40% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
MLPX and VCRM have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
MLPX has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to VCRM (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs VCRM's -4.12%.
On 1-year performance, MLPX leads with 26.87% vs 5.74% for VCRM. On fees, VCRM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VCRM has been the lower-risk option at 1.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 26.87% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VCRM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for MLPX.
MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 3.41% for VCRM.
MLPX is categorized as Infrastructure Equities, while VCRM is Municipal Bonds. MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while VCRM tracks S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for MLPX and 0.12% for VCRM.
VCRM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.71), 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.
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