VLPIX vs. MMTM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) and MMTM (SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF) are both funds - VLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Virtus, while MMTM is a Momentum fund tracking the S&P 1500 Positive Momentum Tilt Index. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX returned 12.12%/yr vs 15.09%/yr for MMTM. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VLPIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for MMTM.

Performance

VLPIX vs. MMTM - 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 SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLPIX achieves a 21.09% return, which is significantly higher than MMTM's 7.75% return. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX has underperformed MMTM with an annualized return of 12.12%, while MMTM has yielded a comparatively higher 15.09% annualized return.

VLPIX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: -5.70%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: 22.50%
• 1Y: 25.55%
• 3Y*: 26.16%
• 5Y*: 22.22%
• 10Y*: 12.12%

MMTM

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: 7.75%
• 6M: 7.09%
• 1Y: 23.38%
• 3Y*: 21.27%
• 5Y*: 13.21%
• 10Y*: 15.09%

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

VLPIX vs. MMTM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	21.09%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%
MMTM SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF	7.75%	13.26%	29.94%	22.49%	-16.12%	26.33%	19.27%	29.98%	-4.62%	24.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VLPIX and MMTM is -0.01, 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	-0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2015	0.41

The correlation between VLPIX and MMTM shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (1 year) to 0.45 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VLPIX vs. MMTM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

MMTM

MMTM Risk / Return Rank: 51
MMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
MMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
MMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. MMTM - 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 SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM). 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	MMTM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.63	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	2.27	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.29	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	2.37	+1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.11	10.47	-0.35

VLPIX vs. MMTM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the MMTM Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLPIX and MMTM, 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. MMTM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLPIX drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, which is greater than MMTM's maximum drawdown of -33.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLPIX and MMTM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLPIX	MMTM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-33.85%	-30.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-9.89%	+3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-22.08%	+4.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.26%	-23.72%	+2.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.56%	-33.85%	-30.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.80%	-2.74%	-3.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.63%	-4.19%	-6.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.24%	+0.35%

Volatility

VLPIX vs. MMTM - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) has a higher volatility of 5.06% compared to SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF (MMTM) at 3.47%. This indicates that VLPIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MMTM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLPIX	MMTM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.06%	3.47%	+1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.70%	10.77%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.03%	14.40%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	18.23%	+1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.63%	18.68%	+5.95%

VLPIX vs. MMTM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLPIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than MMTM's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLPIX vs. MMTM - Dividend Comparison

VLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.09%, more than MMTM's 1.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MMTM SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF	1.08%	0.86%	0.83%	1.16%	1.67%	0.95%	1.14%	1.55%	1.64%	1.52%	1.98%	1.68%
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	8.09%	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 MMTM in my portfolio?

VLPIX and MMTM have a correlation of -0.01, 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 MMTM?

VLPIX has higher volatility (5.06%) compared to MMTM (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLPIX dropped -64.56% vs MMTM's -33.85%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.63), 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.