VLPIX vs. VOOG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VLPIX (Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund) and VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both funds - VLPIX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Virtus, while VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX returned 11.94%/yr vs 17.54%/yr for VOOG. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VLPIX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VOOG.

Performance

VLPIX vs. VOOG - 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 Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLPIX achieves a 25.37% return, which is significantly higher than VOOG's 10.97% return. Over the past 10 years, VLPIX has underperformed VOOG with an annualized return of 11.94%, while VOOG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.54% annualized return.

VLPIX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.94%
• 6M: 26.58%
• YTD: 25.37%
• 1Y: 31.02%
• 3Y*: 26.10%
• 5Y*: 22.59%
• 10Y*: 11.94%

VOOG

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 1.18%
• 6M: 9.32%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 1Y: 23.89%
• 3Y*: 25.02%
• 5Y*: 13.53%
• 10Y*: 17.54%

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

VLPIX vs. VOOG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	25.37%	3.49%	41.45%	11.99%	30.81%	44.75%	-18.60%	9.59%	-17.20%	-1.13%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	10.97%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VLPIX and VOOG is -0.17, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 11, 2015	0.39

The correlation between VLPIX and VOOG shifts across timeframes, from -0.17 (1 year) to 0.39 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VLPIX vs. VOOG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLPIX

VLPIX Risk / Return Rank: 84
VLPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VLPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VLPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VLPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VLPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 48
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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. VOOG - 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 Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG). 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	VOOG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.39	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	1.95	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.25	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.73	1.75	+2.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.04	6.71	+5.33

VLPIX vs. VOOG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLPIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is higher than the VOOG Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLPIX and VOOG, 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. VOOG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLPIX drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, which is greater than VOOG's maximum drawdown of -32.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLPIX and VOOG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLPIX	VOOG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-32.73%	-31.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.65%	-13.71%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-22.18%	+4.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.26%	-32.73%	+11.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.56%	-32.73%	-31.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	-3.52%	+1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.59%	-4.96%	-5.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	3.57%	-0.96%

Volatility

VLPIX vs. VOOG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund (VLPIX) is 5.26%, while Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that VLPIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLPIX	VOOG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.26%	6.38%	-1.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	14.21%	-3.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.33%	17.26%	-2.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.12%	21.43%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	20.81%	+3.77%

VLPIX vs. VOOG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLPIX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VOOG's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLPIX vs. VOOG - Dividend Comparison

VLPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.81%, more than VOOG's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLPIX Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund	7.81%	9.63%	2.61%	3.32%	3.01%	3.66%	5.40%	4.28%	4.04%	2.81%	2.50%	0.92%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLPIX and VOOG in my portfolio?

VLPIX and VOOG have a correlation of -0.17, 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 VOOG?

VOOG has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to VLPIX (5.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLPIX dropped -64.56% vs VOOG's -32.73%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLPIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.39), 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.