VAFAX vs. MLPTX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VAFAX (Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A) and MLPTX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund) are both mutual funds - VAFAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Invesco, while MLPTX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Invesco. Over the past 10 years, VAFAX returned 16.20%/yr vs 10.32%/yr for MLPTX. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VAFAX charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for MLPTX.

Performance

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) and Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund (MLPTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VAFAX achieves a 9.88% return, which is significantly lower than MLPTX's 20.44% return. Over the past 10 years, VAFAX has outperformed MLPTX with an annualized return of 16.20%, while MLPTX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.32% annualized return.

VAFAX

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 3.35%
• YTD: 9.88%
• 6M: 8.70%
• 1Y: 23.58%
• 3Y*: 22.28%
• 5Y*: 10.45%
• 10Y*: 16.20%

MLPTX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -6.19%
• YTD: 20.44%
• 6M: 21.31%
• 1Y: 23.50%
• 3Y*: 25.07%
• 5Y*: 21.03%
• 10Y*: 10.32%

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

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	9.88%	11.86%	34.78%	40.91%	-31.20%	11.13%	42.15%	36.55%	-3.99%	27.11%
MLPTX Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund	20.44%	8.57%	30.35%	22.78%	22.02%	40.06%	-25.31%	7.10%	-9.46%	-3.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VAFAX and MLPTX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2010	0.41

Over the past year, the correlation between VAFAX and MLPTX has dropped to 0.02 - well below their long-term average of 0.41, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VAFAX vs. MLPTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAFAX

VAFAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
VAFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VAFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VAFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VAFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VAFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

MLPTX

MLPTX Risk / Return Rank: 53
MLPTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
MLPTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
MLPTX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
MLPTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
MLPTX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) and Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund (MLPTX). 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.

	VAFAX	MLPTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.90	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	2.61	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.32	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	3.27	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.55	10.18	-6.63

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the MLPTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAFAX and MLPTX, 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

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAFAX drawdown since its inception was -48.48%, smaller than the maximum MLPTX drawdown of -75.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAFAX and MLPTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAFAX	MLPTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.48%	-75.66%	+27.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.27%	-7.36%	-11.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.24%	-14.53%	-12.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.86%	-18.85%	-20.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.86%	-71.95%	+33.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.87%	+6.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.12%	-12.66%	+4.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.40%	2.36%	+4.04%

Volatility

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Volatility Comparison

Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) has a higher volatility of 8.30% compared to Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund (MLPTX) at 4.73%. This indicates that VAFAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MLPTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VAFAX	MLPTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.30%	4.73%	+3.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.29%	9.55%	+6.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.57%	12.71%	+7.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.28%	17.73%	+5.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.42%	25.01%	-2.59%

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VAFAX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than MLPTX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

VAFAX vs. MLPTX - Dividend Comparison

VAFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.83%, more than MLPTX's 4.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPTX Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 Fund	4.95%	5.63%	4.91%	6.11%	6.90%	7.84%	12.75%	10.02%	9.76%	8.11%	7.24%	7.69%
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	12.83%	14.09%	3.74%	0.00%	8.32%	26.50%	8.78%	6.85%	10.42%	5.37%	4.08%	4.90%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VAFAX and MLPTX in my portfolio?

VAFAX and MLPTX 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, VAFAX or MLPTX?

VAFAX has higher volatility (8.30%) compared to MLPTX (4.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAFAX dropped -48.48% vs MLPTX's -75.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.11), 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.