UPAR vs. AMLP

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UPAR (UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF) and AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UPAR is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the NONE, while AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, UPAR returned 9.14%/yr vs 20.10%/yr for AMLP. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UPAR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for AMLP.

Performance

UPAR vs. AMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) and Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UPAR achieves a 6.27% return, which is significantly lower than AMLP's 14.23% return.

UPAR

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -1.15%
• YTD: 6.27%
• 6M: 5.99%
• 1Y: 21.58%
• 3Y*: 9.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AMLP

• 1D: 1.95%
• 1M: -5.26%
• YTD: 14.23%
• 6M: 13.82%
• 1Y: 15.28%
• 3Y*: 20.10%
• 5Y*: 15.96%
• 10Y*: 6.53%

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

UPAR vs. AMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
UPAR UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF	6.27%	23.87%	-2.26%	5.73%	-30.99%
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	14.23%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	21.97%

Correlation

The correlation between UPAR and AMLP is 0.04, 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	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2022	0.28

Over the past year, the correlation between UPAR and AMLP has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.28, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

UPAR vs. AMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPAR

UPAR Risk / Return Rank: 43
UPAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
UPAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
UPAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
UPAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
UPAR Martin Ratio Rank: 40

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 35
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 34
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

UPAR vs. AMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) and Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP). 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.

	UPAR	AMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	1.27	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.81	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.22	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	1.72	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.94	5.16	+0.78

UPAR vs. AMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is comparable to the AMLP Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPAR and AMLP, 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

UPAR vs. AMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPAR drawdown since its inception was -39.54%, smaller than the maximum AMLP drawdown of -77.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPAR and AMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPAR	AMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.54%	-77.19%	+37.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.13%	-8.94%	-2.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.73%	-14.27%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.92%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-72.62%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.23%	-5.82%	-1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.24%	-17.36%	-4.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.64%	2.97%	+0.67%

Volatility

UPAR vs. AMLP - Volatility Comparison

UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) has a higher volatility of 5.61% compared to Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) at 5.02%. This indicates that UPAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AMLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UPAR	AMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	5.02%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.33%	9.02%	+3.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.33%	12.11%	+2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.10%	19.77%	-1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	27.68%	-9.58%

UPAR vs. AMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPAR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than AMLP's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPAR vs. AMLP - Dividend Comparison

UPAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, less than AMLP's 7.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.78%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
UPAR UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF	2.72%	3.28%	3.32%	3.04%	4.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPAR and AMLP in my portfolio?

UPAR and AMLP have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPAR or AMLP?

UPAR has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to AMLP (5.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPAR dropped -39.54% vs AMLP's -77.19%.

Which ETF is better, UPAR or AMLP?

On 3-year performance, AMLP leads with 20.10% vs 9.14% for UPAR. On fees, UPAR is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, AMLP has been the lower-risk option at 5.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPAR or AMLP?

Over the 3-year period, AMLP has performed better with a 20.10% return vs 9.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPAR or AMLP?

UPAR is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UPAR or AMLP?

AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.78%, compared with 2.72% for UPAR.

What is the main difference between UPAR and AMLP?

UPAR is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while AMLP is MLPs. UPAR tracks NONE, while AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: RPAR and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for UPAR and 0.90% for AMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UPAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.27), 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.