UCIB vs. MLPB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

UCIB (ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B) and MLPB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B) are both exchange-traded funds - UCIB is a Commodities fund tracking the UBS Bloomberg CMCI Index, while MLPB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UCIB returned 9.74%/yr vs 7.75%/yr for MLPB. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UCIB charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for MLPB.

Performance

UCIB vs. MLPB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B (UCIB) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UCIB achieves a 14.77% return, which is significantly higher than MLPB's 13.96% return. Over the past 10 years, UCIB has outperformed MLPB with an annualized return of 9.74%, while MLPB has yielded a comparatively lower 7.75% annualized return.

UCIB

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: -8.09%
• YTD: 14.77%
• 6M: 14.60%
• 1Y: 22.15%
• 3Y*: 10.84%
• 5Y*: 11.17%
• 10Y*: 9.74%

MLPB

• 1D: -2.60%
• 1M: -8.57%
• YTD: 13.96%
• 6M: 13.62%
• 1Y: 15.35%
• 3Y*: 20.87%
• 5Y*: 18.12%
• 10Y*: 7.75%

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

UCIB vs. MLPB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UCIB ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B	14.77%	8.97%	6.58%	-2.26%	18.24%	37.34%	1.10%	10.86%	-9.48%	5.85%
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	13.96%	7.40%	25.53%	22.01%	30.22%	39.42%	-30.80%	5.69%	-8.79%	-9.71%

Correlation

The correlation between UCIB and MLPB is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2015	0.31

Return for Risk

UCIB vs. MLPB — Risk / Return Rank

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

UCIB

UCIB Risk / Return Rank: 27
UCIB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
UCIB Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
UCIB Omega Ratio Rank: 36
UCIB Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
UCIB Martin Ratio Rank: 29

MLPB

MLPB Risk / Return Rank: 33
MLPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
MLPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
MLPB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MLPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
MLPB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

UCIB vs. MLPB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B (UCIB) and ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB). 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.

	UCIB	MLPB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.69	1.11	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	1.59	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.19	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	1.59	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.77	4.41	-0.63

UCIB vs. MLPB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UCIB Sharpe Ratio is 0.69, which is lower than the MLPB Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UCIB and MLPB, 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

UCIB vs. MLPB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UCIB drawdown since its inception was -51.29%, smaller than the maximum MLPB drawdown of -71.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UCIB and MLPB.

Drawdown Indicators

	UCIB	MLPB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.29%	-71.93%	+20.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.66%	-9.68%	-9.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.66%	-16.49%	-3.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.95%	-20.41%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.94%	-71.93%	+34.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.66%	-9.28%	-10.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.03%	-14.78%	-6.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.88%	3.49%	+2.39%

Volatility

UCIB vs. MLPB - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B (UCIB) has a higher volatility of 7.72% compared to ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B (MLPB) at 5.74%. This indicates that UCIB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MLPB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UCIB	MLPB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.72%	5.74%	+1.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.80%	10.66%	+21.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.38%	13.94%	+18.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.88%	19.94%	+6.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.34%	27.16%	-3.82%

UCIB vs. MLPB - Expense Ratio Comparison

UCIB has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPB's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

UCIB vs. MLPB - Dividend Comparison

UCIB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MLPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.15%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MLPB ETRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index ETN Series B	6.15%	6.51%	5.95%	6.37%	6.00%	6.98%	11.93%	7.98%	8.11%	7.23%	6.85%
UCIB ETRACS CMCI Total Return ETN Series B	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UCIB and MLPB in my portfolio?

UCIB and MLPB have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UCIB or MLPB?

UCIB has higher volatility (7.72%) compared to MLPB (5.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UCIB dropped -51.29% vs MLPB's -71.93%.

Which ETF is better, UCIB or MLPB?

On 10-year performance, UCIB leads with 9.74% vs 7.75% for MLPB. On fees, UCIB is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, MLPB has been the lower-risk option at 5.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UCIB or MLPB?

Over the 10-year period, UCIB has performed better with a 9.74% return vs 7.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UCIB or MLPB?

UCIB is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for MLPB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UCIB or MLPB?

MLPB has the higher dividend yield at 6.15%, compared with 0.00% for UCIB.

What is the main difference between UCIB and MLPB?

UCIB is categorized as Commodities, while MLPB is MLPs. UCIB tracks UBS Bloomberg CMCI Index, while MLPB tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for UCIB and 0.85% for MLPB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.69), 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.