USAI vs. MLPI

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

USAI (Pacer American Energy Independence ETF) and MLPI (NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USAI is a Energy Equities fund tracking the American Energy Independence Index, while MLPI is a MLPs fund actively managed by NEOS. USAI is passively managed, while MLPI is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for MLPI.

Performance

USAI vs. MLPI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USAI achieves a 22.85% return, which is significantly higher than MLPI's 19.93% return.

USAI

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: -2.02%
• YTD: 22.85%
• 6M: 23.14%
• 1Y: 21.57%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 18.72%
• 10Y*: —

MLPI

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 19.95%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USAI vs. MLPI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	22.85%	1.87%
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	19.93%	0.36%

Correlation

The correlation between USAI and MLPI is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

USAI vs. MLPI — Risk / Return Rank

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

USAI

USAI Risk / Return Rank: 43
USAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
USAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
USAI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
USAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
USAI Martin Ratio Rank: 37

MLPI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

USAI vs. MLPI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI). 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.

	USAI	MLPI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.05	—	—

Drawdowns

USAI vs. MLPI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USAI drawdown since its inception was -65.25%, which is greater than MLPI's maximum drawdown of -5.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USAI and MLPI.

Drawdown Indicators

	USAI	MLPI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.25%	-5.38%	-59.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.46%	-1.91%	-3.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.34%	-1.50%	-7.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.28%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USAI	MLPI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.63%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.54%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.07%	13.04%	+3.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.49%	13.04%	+7.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.25%	13.04%	+14.21%

USAI vs. MLPI - Expense Ratio Comparison

USAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

USAI vs. MLPI - Dividend Comparison

USAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, less than MLPI's 7.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	7.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	4.53%	5.03%	3.62%	4.99%	5.41%	6.15%	7.67%	6.50%	5.56%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USAI and MLPI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, USAI and MLPI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, USAI or MLPI?

On fees, MLPI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USAI or MLPI?

MLPI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for USAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USAI or MLPI?

MLPI has the higher dividend yield at 7.17%, compared with 4.53% for USAI.

What is the main difference between USAI and MLPI?

USAI is categorized as Energy Equities, while MLPI is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and NEOS. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for USAI and 0.68% for MLPI.