VLPIX vs. MERFX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) and MERFX (The Merger Fund) are both mutual funds - VLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Virtus, while MERFX is a Event Driven fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX returned 11.89%/yr vs 3.89%/yr for MERFX. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VLPIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for MERFX.

Performance

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) and The Merger Fund (MERFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLPIX achieves a 19.99% return, which is significantly higher than MERFX's 0.99% return. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX has outperformed MERFX with an annualized return of 11.89%, while MERFX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.89% annualized return.

VLPIX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -3.54%
• YTD: 19.99%
• 6M: 20.31%
• 1Y: 23.87%
• 3Y*: 26.44%
• 5Y*: 21.97%
• 10Y*: 11.89%

MERFX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.99%
• 6M: 1.31%
• 1Y: 4.72%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 2.88%
• 10Y*: 3.89%

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

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	19.99%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%
MERFX The Merger Fund	0.99%	8.11%	3.27%	4.17%	0.71%	-0.19%	4.87%	5.96%	7.68%	2.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VLPIX and MERFX is 0.06, 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	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2015	0.31

Over the past year, the correlation between VLPIX and MERFX has dropped to 0.06 - well below their long-term average of 0.31, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VLPIX vs. MERFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

MERFX

MERFX Risk / Return Rank: 97
MERFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
MERFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
MERFX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
MERFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
MERFX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) and The Merger Fund (MERFX). 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.

	VLPIX	MERFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	3.39	-1.56
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	6.31	-3.74
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.80	-0.49
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	9.44	-5.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.95	43.72	-32.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the MERFX Sharpe Ratio of 3.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLPIX and MERFX, 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

	VLPIX	MERFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	3.39	-1.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.09	0.84	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	1.04	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.68	-0.27

Drawdowns

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLPIX drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, which is greater than MERFX's maximum drawdown of -20.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLPIX and MERFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLPIX	MERFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-20.82%	-43.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-0.52%	-6.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-3.36%	-14.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.26%	-5.95%	-15.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.56%	-9.35%	-55.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.65%	-0.11%	-6.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.66%	-2.67%	-7.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	0.11%	+2.26%

Volatility

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a higher volatility of 5.49% compared to The Merger Fund (MERFX) at 0.38%. This indicates that VLPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MERFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLPIX	MERFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.49%	0.38%	+5.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.72%	0.92%	+9.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.03%	1.43%	+12.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.21%	3.44%	+16.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.64%	3.75%	+20.89%

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLPIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is lower than MERFX's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLPIX vs. MERFX - Dividend Comparison

VLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.16%, more than MERFX's 7.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MERFX The Merger Fund	7.34%	7.42%	3.24%	2.59%	3.50%	0.27%	3.31%	1.34%	4.52%	0.59%	0.32%	1.25%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	8.16%	9.63%	2.61%	3.32%	3.01%	3.66%	5.40%	4.28%	4.04%	2.81%	2.50%	0.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLPIX and MERFX in my portfolio?

VLPIX and MERFX have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLPIX or MERFX?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.49%) compared to MERFX (0.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLPIX dropped -64.56% vs MERFX's -20.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MERFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.39 vs 1.83), 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.