SLNZ vs. MDST

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SLNZ (TCW Senior Loan ETF) and MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLNZ is a Bank Loan fund actively managed by TCW, while MDST is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Westwood. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SLNZ returned 4.71% vs 18.36% for MDST. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLNZ charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MDST.

Performance

SLNZ vs. MDST - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLNZ achieves a 1.90% return, which is significantly lower than MDST's 14.54% return.

SLNZ

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDST

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: -3.58%
• YTD: 14.54%
• 6M: 16.10%
• 1Y: 18.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SLNZ vs. MDST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	1.90%	5.21%	0.94%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	14.54%	7.09%	-0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between SLNZ and MDST is 0.02, 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	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2024	0.02

Return for Risk

SLNZ vs. MDST — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLNZ

SLNZ Risk / Return Rank: 33
SLNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
SLNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
SLNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 32
SLNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SLNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 38

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 46
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

SLNZ vs. MDST - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). 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.

	SLNZ	MDST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	1.49	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	2.15	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.27	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	2.74	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.74	7.40	-1.66

SLNZ vs. MDST - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLNZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is comparable to the MDST Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLNZ and MDST, 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

SLNZ vs. MDST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLNZ drawdown since its inception was -2.57%, smaller than the maximum MDST drawdown of -14.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLNZ and MDST.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLNZ	MDST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-14.19%	+11.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.57%	-6.74%	+4.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.86%	+3.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.44%	-2.20%	+1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	2.49%	-1.67%

Volatility

SLNZ vs. MDST - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) is 0.86%, while Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) has a volatility of 4.49%. This indicates that SLNZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MDST based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLNZ	MDST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.86%	4.49%	-3.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.90%	8.58%	-4.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.46%	12.37%	-7.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.25%	16.09%	-11.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.25%	16.09%	-11.84%

SLNZ vs. MDST - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLNZ has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than MDST's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLNZ vs. MDST - Dividend Comparison

SLNZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.52%, less than MDST's 9.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.36%	10.22%	6.60%
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	7.52%	7.39%	1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLNZ and MDST in my portfolio?

SLNZ and MDST have a correlation of 0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLNZ or MDST?

MDST has higher volatility (4.49%) compared to SLNZ (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLNZ dropped -2.57% vs MDST's -14.19%.

Which ETF is better, SLNZ or MDST?

On 1-year performance, MDST leads with 18.36% vs 4.71% for SLNZ. On fees, SLNZ is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, SLNZ has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLNZ or MDST?

Over the 1-year period, MDST has performed better with a 18.36% return vs 4.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLNZ or MDST?

SLNZ is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MDST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLNZ or MDST?

MDST has the higher dividend yield at 9.36%, compared with 7.52% for SLNZ.

What is the main difference between SLNZ and MDST?

SLNZ is categorized as Bank Loan, while MDST is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: TCW and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SLNZ and 0.80% for MDST.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.06), 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.