USAI vs. MLPX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USAI (Pacer American Energy Independence ETF) and MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USAI is a Energy Equities fund tracking the American Energy Independence Index, while MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USAI returned 18.33%/yr vs 20.92%/yr for MLPX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for MLPX.

Performance

USAI vs. MLPX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USAI achieves a 22.18% return, which is significantly lower than MLPX's 23.59% return.

USAI

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -3.14%
• YTD: 22.18%
• 6M: 21.52%
• 1Y: 19.24%
• 3Y*: 25.97%
• 5Y*: 18.33%
• 10Y*: —

MLPX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 23.51%
• 1Y: 22.94%
• 3Y*: 28.13%
• 5Y*: 20.92%
• 10Y*: 12.41%

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

USAI vs. MLPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	22.18%	0.69%	43.99%	14.21%	19.82%	37.10%	-15.10%	21.63%	-17.31%	3.69%
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	23.59%	4.96%	42.90%	15.77%	21.54%	39.63%	-20.32%	19.04%	-15.64%	2.94%

Correlation

The correlation between USAI and MLPX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2017	0.94

The correlation between USAI and MLPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

USAI vs. MLPX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USAI	MLPX
Energy	97.8%	99.5%
Utilities	2.1%	0.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

USAI vs. MLPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USAI

USAI Risk / Return Rank: 34
USAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
USAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
USAI Omega Ratio Rank: 31
USAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
USAI Martin Ratio Rank: 32

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 44
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. MLPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX). 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.

	USAI	MLPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.50	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	2.09	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.26	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	2.82	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.85	7.27	-2.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USAI vs. MLPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the MLPX Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USAI and MLPX, 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

	USAI	MLPX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.23	1.50	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90	1.05	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.35	+0.15

Drawdowns

USAI vs. MLPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USAI drawdown since its inception was -65.25%, smaller than the maximum MLPX drawdown of -70.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USAI and MLPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USAI	MLPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.25%	-70.67%	+5.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	-8.18%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.22%	-16.77%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.68%	-19.72%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-64.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.98%	-5.68%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-16.63%	+7.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.98%	3.17%	+0.81%

Volatility

USAI vs. MLPX - Volatility Comparison

Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) have volatilities of 6.52% and 6.41%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USAI	MLPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	6.41%	+0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.29%	11.84%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.80%	15.38%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	20.08%	+0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.31%	26.50%	+0.81%

USAI vs. MLPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

USAI vs. MLPX - Dividend Comparison

USAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, which matches MLPX's 4.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.15%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	4.19%	5.03%	3.62%	4.99%	5.41%	6.15%	7.67%	6.50%	5.56%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USAI and MLPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, USAI and MLPX 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 is riskier, USAI or MLPX?

USAI has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to MLPX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USAI dropped -65.25% vs MLPX's -70.67%.

Which ETF is better, USAI or MLPX?

On 5-year performance, MLPX leads with 20.92% vs 18.33% for USAI. On fees, MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MLPX has been the lower-risk option at 6.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USAI or MLPX?

Over the 5-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 20.92% return vs 18.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USAI or MLPX?

MLPX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for USAI.

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

USAI has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 4.15% for MLPX.

What is the main difference between USAI and MLPX?

USAI is categorized as Energy Equities, while MLPX is MLPs. USAI tracks American Energy Independence Index, while MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for USAI and 0.45% for MLPX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.23), 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.