PIPE vs. AAA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PIPE (Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and AAA (AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIPE is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Invesco, while AAA is a CLO fund actively managed by Alternative Access Funds LLC. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PIPE returned 27.43% vs 5.39% for AAA. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. PIPE charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for AAA.

Performance

PIPE vs. AAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) and AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF (AAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIPE achieves a 25.83% return, which is significantly higher than AAA's 1.86% return.

PIPE

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 25.83%
• 6M: 25.88%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAA

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 1.86%
• 6M: 2.19%
• 1Y: 5.39%
• 3Y*: 6.50%
• 5Y*: 4.64%
• 10Y*: —

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

PIPE vs. AAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	25.83%	0.14%
AAA AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF	1.86%	4.12%

Correlation

The correlation between PIPE and AAA is -0.10, 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	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2025	-0.03

Return for Risk

PIPE vs. AAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIPE

PIPE Risk / Return Rank: 60
PIPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PIPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PIPE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PIPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
PIPE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

AAA

AAA Risk / Return Rank: 85
AAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
AAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AAA Omega Ratio Rank: 77
AAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
AAA Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

PIPE vs. AAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) and AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF (AAA). 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.

	PIPE	AAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.36	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	4.06	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.47	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.76	8.98	-5.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	27.78	-17.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PIPE vs. AAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PIPE Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the AAA Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PIPE and AAA, 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

	PIPE	AAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	2.36	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	2.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.06	1.93	-0.87

Drawdowns

PIPE vs. AAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIPE drawdown since its inception was -15.69%, which is greater than AAA's maximum drawdown of -2.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIPE and AAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIPE	AAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.69%	-2.63%	-13.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.33%	-0.60%	-6.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-2.40%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-2.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.20%	-0.22%	-4.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-0.30%	-3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	0.19%	+2.54%

Volatility

PIPE vs. AAA - Volatility Comparison

Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) has a higher volatility of 6.11% compared to AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF (AAA) at 0.74%. This indicates that PIPE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AAA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PIPE	AAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.11%	0.74%	+5.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.19%	1.76%	+9.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	2.30%	+12.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.77%	2.28%	+16.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.77%	2.15%	+16.62%

PIPE vs. AAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIPE has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than AAA's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIPE vs. AAA - Dividend Comparison

PIPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.73%, less than AAA's 4.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AAA AAF First Priority CLO Bond ETF	4.90%	5.11%	6.17%	6.11%	2.78%	1.06%	0.32%
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	3.73%	3.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIPE and AAA in my portfolio?

PIPE and AAA have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PIPE or AAA?

PIPE has higher volatility (6.11%) compared to AAA (0.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PIPE dropped -15.69% vs AAA's -2.63%.

Which ETF is better, PIPE or AAA?

On 1-year performance, PIPE leads with 27.43% vs 5.39% for AAA. On fees, AAA is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, AAA has been the lower-risk option at 0.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PIPE or AAA?

Over the 1-year period, PIPE has performed better with a 27.43% return vs 5.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIPE or AAA?

AAA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PIPE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIPE or AAA?

AAA has the higher dividend yield at 4.90%, compared with 3.73% for PIPE.

What is the main difference between PIPE and AAA?

PIPE is categorized as Energy Equities, while AAA is CLO. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Alternative Access Funds LLC. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PIPE and 0.25% for AAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.92), 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.