VGVT vs. MLPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGVT is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index. VGVT is actively managed, while MLPX is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for MLPX.

Performance

VGVT vs. MLPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) 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, VGVT achieves a 0.29% return, which is significantly lower than MLPX's 25.35% return.

VGVT

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.29%
• 6M: 0.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MLPX

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: -3.98%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 25.51%
• 1Y: 27.11%
• 3Y*: 29.56%
• 5Y*: 21.27%
• 10Y*: 12.45%

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

VGVT vs. MLPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.29%	3.56%
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	25.35%	1.60%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and MLPX is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	-0.11

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. MLPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGVT

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

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 55
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

VGVT vs. MLPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) 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.

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.

	VGVT	MLPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.77	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.46	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.33	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.00	—

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. MLPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, smaller than the maximum MLPX drawdown of -70.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and MLPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	MLPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-70.67%	+67.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.77%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-64.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-4.34%	+2.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.73%	-16.58%	+15.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.40%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	MLPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.80%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.78%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.24%	15.43%	-12.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.24%	19.99%	-16.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.24%	26.47%	-23.23%

VGVT vs. MLPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGVT vs. MLPX - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.98%, less than MLPX's 4.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.09%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.98%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and MLPX in my portfolio?

VGVT and MLPX have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or MLPX?

On fees, VGVT is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or MLPX?

VGVT is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for MLPX.

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

MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 3.98% for VGVT.

What is the main difference between VGVT and MLPX?

VGVT is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while MLPX is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.45% for MLPX.