VEA vs. AMLP

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.53%/yr vs 6.85%/yr for AMLP. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for AMLP.

Performance

VEA vs. AMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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, VEA achieves a 14.35% return, which is significantly lower than AMLP's 15.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has outperformed AMLP with an annualized return of 10.53%, while AMLP has yielded a comparatively lower 6.85% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 3.63%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 14.35%
• 6M: 15.67%
• 1Y: 30.39%
• 3Y*: 19.28%
• 5Y*: 9.43%
• 10Y*: 10.53%

AMLP

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: 15.69%
• 6M: 14.93%
• 1Y: 15.89%
• 3Y*: 20.21%
• 5Y*: 15.34%
• 10Y*: 6.85%

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

VEA vs. AMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.35%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	15.69%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	25.47%	39.09%	-32.26%	5.99%	-12.67%	-7.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and AMLP 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	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2010	0.44

Over the past year, the correlation between VEA and AMLP has dropped to 0.02 - well below their long-term average of 0.44, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VEA vs. AMLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	AMLP
Financial Services	23.3%	-
Industrials	19.2%	-
Technology	13.8%	-
Healthcare	8.2%	-
Basic Materials	7.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	-
Energy	5.4%	97.7%
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Utilities	3.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.7%	-

Return for Risk

VEA vs. AMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 67

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 44
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 43
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

VEA vs. AMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	AMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.35	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	1.91	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.23	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	1.78	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.08	5.78	+4.30

VEA vs. AMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is higher than the AMLP Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA 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

VEA vs. AMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, smaller than the maximum AMLP drawdown of -77.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and AMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	AMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-77.19%	+16.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-8.94%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-14.27%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-20.92%	-8.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-72.62%	+36.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-4.61%	+3.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-17.38%	+4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	2.75%	+0.27%

Volatility

VEA vs. AMLP - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a higher volatility of 6.89% compared to Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) at 4.71%. This indicates that VEA'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

	VEA	AMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	4.71%	+2.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.42%	8.76%	+5.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	11.84%	+4.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	19.95%	-3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.41%	27.67%	-10.26%

VEA vs. AMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than AMLP's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEA vs. AMLP - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, less than AMLP's 7.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.68%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.63%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEA and AMLP in my portfolio?

VEA and AMLP 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, VEA or AMLP?

VEA has higher volatility (6.89%) compared to AMLP (4.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs AMLP's -77.19%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or AMLP?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.53% vs 6.85% for AMLP. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AMLP has been the lower-risk option at 4.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or AMLP?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.53% return vs 6.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or AMLP?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

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

AMLP has the higher dividend yield at 7.68%, compared with 2.63% for VEA.

What is the main difference between VEA and AMLP?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AMLP is MLPs. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.90% for AMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.35), 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.