QLVD vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLVD (FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QLVD is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Northern Trust Developed Markets ex US Quality Low Volatility Index, while MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QLVD returned 5.83%/yr vs 15.58%/yr for MLPA. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QLVD charges 0.32%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

QLVD vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLVD achieves a 2.66% return, which is significantly lower than MLPA's 16.07% return.

QLVD

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 4.87%
• 1Y: 7.04%
• 3Y*: 11.60%
• 5Y*: 5.83%
• 10Y*: —

MLPA

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 16.07%
• 6M: 14.82%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 17.12%
• 5Y*: 15.58%
• 10Y*: 6.22%

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

QLVD vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QLVD FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	2.66%	24.21%	4.67%	11.57%	-12.09%	9.04%	3.00%	6.35%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	16.07%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	-9.45%

Correlation

The correlation between QLVD and MLPA is 0.05, 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	0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2019	0.35

Over the past year, the correlation between QLVD and MLPA has dropped to 0.05 - well below their long-term average of 0.35, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QLVD vs. MLPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QLVD	MLPA
Financial Services	24.3%	-
Industrials	15.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	11.3%	-
Healthcare	10.6%	-
Utilities	7.9%	3.1%
Communication Services	6.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	-
Real Estate	5.3%	-
Technology	5.0%	-
Basic Materials	4.3%	-
Energy	3.9%	96.9%

Return for Risk

QLVD vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLVD

QLVD Risk / Return Rank: 20
QLVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
QLVD Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
QLVD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
QLVD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
QLVD Martin Ratio Rank: 21

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 37
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 34
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

QLVD vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). 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.

	QLVD	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.67	1.37	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	1.96	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.23	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	1.97	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.58	5.99	-3.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QLVD vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QLVD Sharpe Ratio is 0.67, which is lower than the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QLVD and MLPA, 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

	QLVD	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67	1.37	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.86	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.16	+0.32

Drawdowns

QLVD vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLVD drawdown since its inception was -28.20%, smaller than the maximum MLPA drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLVD and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLVD	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.20%	-78.75%	+50.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.15%	-8.33%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.24%	-14.20%	+4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.99%	-18.75%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-74.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.19%	-3.84%	-2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-20.27%	+15.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	2.73%	+0.01%

Volatility

QLVD vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is 3.02%, while Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) has a volatility of 4.50%. This indicates that QLVD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MLPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QLVD	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	4.50%	-1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	8.47%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.52%	12.00%	-1.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.73%	18.21%	-6.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.97%	27.47%	-13.50%

QLVD vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLVD has a 0.32% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPA's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLVD vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

QLVD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, less than MLPA's 7.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.28%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%
QLVD FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund	2.78%	2.87%	3.01%	3.33%	2.47%	3.06%	1.78%	1.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLVD and MLPA in my portfolio?

QLVD and MLPA have a correlation of 0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QLVD or MLPA?

MLPA has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to QLVD (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QLVD dropped -28.20% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which ETF is better, QLVD or MLPA?

On 5-year performance, MLPA leads with 15.58% vs 5.83% for QLVD. On fees, QLVD is cheaper at 0.32% per year. On volatility, QLVD has been the lower-risk option at 3.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QLVD or MLPA?

Over the 5-year period, MLPA has performed better with a 15.58% return vs 5.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLVD or MLPA?

QLVD is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for MLPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QLVD or MLPA?

MLPA has the higher dividend yield at 7.28%, compared with 2.78% for QLVD.

What is the main difference between QLVD and MLPA?

QLVD is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while MLPA is MLPs. QLVD tracks Northern Trust Developed Markets ex US Quality Low Volatility Index, while MLPA tracks Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.32% for QLVD and 0.46% for MLPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.67), 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.