MMTM vs. VLPIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MMTM (SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF) and VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) are both funds - MMTM is a Momentum fund tracking the S&P 1500 Positive Momentum Tilt Index, while VLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, MMTM returned 15.00%/yr vs 12.10%/yr for VLPIX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MMTM charges 0.12%/yr vs 1.17%/yr for VLPIX.

Performance

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMTM achieves a 9.16% return, which is significantly lower than VLPIX's 22.26% return. Over the past 10 years, MMTM has outperformed VLPIX with an annualized return of 15.00%, while VLPIX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.10% annualized return.

MMTM

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: 2.46%
• YTD: 9.16%
• 6M: 9.58%
• 1Y: 24.27%
• 3Y*: 22.46%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

VLPIX

• 1D: 1.89%
• 1M: -2.13%
• YTD: 22.26%
• 6M: 21.41%
• 1Y: 25.30%
• 3Y*: 27.23%
• 5Y*: 22.37%
• 10Y*: 12.10%

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

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MMTM SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF	9.16%	13.26%	29.94%	22.49%	-16.12%	26.33%	19.27%	29.98%	-4.62%	24.41%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	22.26%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%

Correlation

The correlation between MMTM and VLPIX is -0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2015	0.42

The correlation between MMTM and VLPIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (1 year) to 0.46 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MMTM vs. VLPIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMTM

MMTM Risk / Return Rank: 51
MMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
MMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
MMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 51
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX). 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.

	MMTM	VLPIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.87	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.62	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	3.96	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.15	11.00	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMTM Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the VLPIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMTM and VLPIX, 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

	MMTM	VLPIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.72	1.87	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	1.11	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.49	+0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.42	+0.43

Drawdowns

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMTM drawdown since its inception was -33.85%, smaller than the maximum VLPIX drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMTM and VLPIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMTM	VLPIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.85%	-64.56%	+30.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.89%	-6.65%	-3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.08%	-17.54%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.72%	-21.26%	-2.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.85%	-64.56%	+30.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-4.89%	+3.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.20%	-10.66%	+6.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.18%	2.39%	-0.21%

Volatility

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM) is 2.35%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a volatility of 5.82%. This indicates that MMTM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VLPIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MMTM	VLPIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.35%	5.82%	-3.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	10.79%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.19%	14.12%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.20%	20.22%	-2.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.65%	24.65%	-6.00%

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMTM has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than VLPIX's 1.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

MMTM vs. VLPIX - Dividend Comparison

MMTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, less than VLPIX's 8.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MMTM SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF	0.78%	0.86%	0.83%	1.16%	1.67%	0.95%	1.14%	1.55%	1.64%	1.52%	1.98%	1.68%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	8.01%	9.63%	2.61%	3.32%	3.01%	3.66%	5.40%	4.28%	4.04%	2.81%	2.50%	0.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MMTM and VLPIX in my portfolio?

MMTM and VLPIX have a correlation of -0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MMTM or VLPIX?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.82%) compared to MMTM (2.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMTM dropped -33.85% vs VLPIX's -64.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.72), 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.