VLPIX vs. MLPOX

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) and MLPOX (Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund) are both Energy Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX returned 12.39%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for MLPOX. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VLPIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for MLPOX.

Performance

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - 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 Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund (MLPOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLPIX achieves a 24.52% return, which is significantly higher than MLPOX's 21.85% return. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX has outperformed MLPOX with an annualized return of 12.39%, while MLPOX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.35% annualized return.

VLPIX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 1.05%
• 6M: 16.18%
• YTD: 24.52%
• 1Y: 28.63%
• 3Y*: 24.12%
• 5Y*: 23.52%
• 10Y*: 12.39%
• ALL TIME*: 10.76%

MLPOX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 3.43%
• 6M: 14.95%
• YTD: 21.85%
• 1Y: 23.45%
• 3Y*: 23.81%
• 5Y*: 23.74%
• 10Y*: 9.35%
• ALL TIME*: 7.62%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
MLPOX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	24.52%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%
MLPOX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund	21.85%	4.47%	40.63%	20.44%	29.45%	39.81%	-30.40%	6.71%	-14.77%	-6.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VLPIX and MLPOX is 0.91, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2015	0.94

The correlation between VLPIX and MLPOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLPIX vs. MLPOX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

MLPOX

MLPOX Risk / Return Rank: 81
MLPOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
MLPOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
MLPOX Omega Ratio Rank: 75
MLPOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
MLPOX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - 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 Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund (MLPOX). 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.

	VLPIX	MLPOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	1.97	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	2.73	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.42	3.90	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.13	9.38	+1.75

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is comparable to the MLPOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLPIX and MLPOX, 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

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLPIX drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, smaller than the maximum MLPOX drawdown of -76.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLPIX and MLPOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLPIX	MLPOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-76.99%	+12.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-5.93%	-0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-15.18%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.26%	-21.17%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.56%	-72.41%	+7.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.51%	-1.47%	-2.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.54%	-16.29%	+5.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.46%	+0.18%

Volatility

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a higher volatility of 5.30% compared to Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund (MLPOX) at 3.90%. This indicates that VLPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MLPOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLPIX	MLPOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	3.90%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.56%	9.22%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	11.73%	+2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.00%	19.05%	+0.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	25.96%	-1.38%

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLPIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPOX's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLPIX vs. MLPOX - Dividend Comparison

VLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.87%, more than MLPOX's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPOX Invesco SteelPath MLP Alpha Fund	4.75%	5.31%	4.26%	5.55%	6.19%	7.52%	13.39%	10.42%	10.08%	8.00%	7.18%	7.85%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	7.87%	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 MLPOX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VLPIX and MLPOX 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, VLPIX or MLPOX?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.30%) compared to MLPOX (3.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLPIX dropped -64.56% vs MLPOX's -76.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.97), 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.