MLPX vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MLPX returned 12.27%/yr vs 9.29%/yr for XLE. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

MLPX vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with MLPX having a 23.27% return and XLE slightly lower at 22.58%. Over the past 10 years, MLPX has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 12.27%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.29% annualized return.

MLPX

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: -5.57%
• YTD: 23.27%
• 6M: 24.71%
• 1Y: 23.19%
• 3Y*: 28.84%
• 5Y*: 20.93%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

XLE

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: -8.47%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 23.97%
• 1Y: 26.32%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 18.90%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

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

MLPX vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	23.27%	4.96%	42.90%	15.77%	21.54%	39.63%	-20.32%	19.04%	-15.64%	-4.53%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	22.58%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPX and XLE is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 7, 2013	0.78

The correlation between MLPX and XLE shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.79 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MLPX vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPX	XLE
Energy	99.5%	100.0%
Utilities	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

MLPX vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 46
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 36
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 32
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.26	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	1.75	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.21	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	1.88	+0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	5.70	+1.17

MLPX vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPX and XLE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MLPX vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, roughly equal to the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPX	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.67%	-71.26%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-14.05%	+5.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	-20.14%	+3.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-26.04%	+6.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.70%	-66.81%	+2.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.93%	-12.96%	+7.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.59%	-17.97%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	4.66%	-1.27%

Volatility

MLPX vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is 5.48%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.06%. This indicates that MLPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MLPX	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	7.06%	-1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.71%	16.89%	-5.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	20.96%	-5.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.98%	25.98%	-6.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.49%	29.62%	-3.13%

MLPX vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPX vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.16%, more than XLE's 3.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.16%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.47%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPX and XLE in my portfolio?

MLPX and XLE have a correlation of 0.64, 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 XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.06%) compared to MLPX (5.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, MLPX or XLE?

On 10-year performance, MLPX leads with 12.27% vs 9.29% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, MLPX has been the lower-risk option at 5.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPX or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 12.27% return vs 9.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPX or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for MLPX.

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

MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.16%, compared with 3.47% for XLE.

What is the main difference between MLPX and XLE?

MLPX is categorized as MLPs, while XLE is Energy Equities. MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for MLPX and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.26), 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.