VTHRX vs. MLPA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VTHRX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund) and MLPA (Global X MLP ETF) are both funds - VTHRX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard, while MLPA is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP Infrastructure Index. Over the past 10 years, VTHRX returned 8.89%/yr vs 6.37%/yr for MLPA. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTHRX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for MLPA.

Performance

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTHRX achieves a 6.52% return, which is significantly lower than MLPA's 14.72% return. Over the past 10 years, VTHRX has outperformed MLPA with an annualized return of 8.89%, while MLPA has yielded a comparatively lower 6.37% annualized return.

VTHRX

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 6.52%
• 6M: 7.17%
• 1Y: 16.51%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 8.89%

MLPA

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: -2.03%
• YTD: 14.72%
• 6M: 13.78%
• 1Y: 13.46%
• 3Y*: 16.87%
• 5Y*: 13.94%
• 10Y*: 6.37%

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

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTHRX Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund	6.52%	16.25%	10.43%	16.24%	-16.28%	11.37%	14.11%	21.08%	-5.85%	15.24%
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	14.72%	5.73%	20.35%	15.93%	27.03%	39.64%	-33.97%	11.91%	-15.71%	-8.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VTHRX and MLPA 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	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2012	0.45

Over the past year, the correlation between VTHRX and MLPA has dropped to 0.01 - well below their long-term average of 0.45, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTHRX	MLPA
Technology	27.4%	-
Financial Services	16.0%	-
Industrials	12.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	-
Healthcare	8.3%	-
Communication Services	8.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Energy	4.3%	96.9%
Basic Materials	4.2%	-
Utilities	2.7%	3.1%
Real Estate	2.5%	-

Return for Risk

VTHRX vs. MLPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTHRX

VTHRX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTHRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTHRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VTHRX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTHRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VTHRX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

MLPA

MLPA Risk / Return Rank: 35
MLPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
MLPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MLPA Omega Ratio Rank: 32
MLPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
MLPA Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA). 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.

	VTHRX	MLPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.13	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	1.65	+1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.19	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	1.62	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.15	4.85	+6.30

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTHRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is higher than the MLPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTHRX and MLPA, 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

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTHRX drawdown since its inception was -49.57%, smaller than the maximum MLPA drawdown of -78.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTHRX and MLPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTHRX	MLPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.57%	-78.75%	+29.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.56%	-8.33%	+1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.64%	-14.20%	+4.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.75%	-18.75%	-4.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.86%	-74.05%	+49.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-4.96%	+3.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.18%	-20.24%	+14.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.53%	2.80%	-1.27%

Volatility

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) is 3.52%, while Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) has a volatility of 4.39%. This indicates that VTHRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MLPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTHRX	MLPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.52%	4.39%	-0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.09%	8.56%	-1.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.53%	11.93%	-3.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.43%	18.19%	-7.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.28%	27.45%	-16.17%

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTHRX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPA's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTHRX vs. MLPA - Dividend Comparison

VTHRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.78%, less than MLPA's 7.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPA Global X MLP ETF	7.36%	7.82%	7.25%	7.49%	7.30%	8.72%	13.84%	9.09%	10.00%	8.05%	7.15%	9.29%
VTHRX Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund	3.78%	4.03%	3.63%	2.59%	2.53%	17.56%	2.56%	2.38%	2.71%	0.06%	2.38%	3.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTHRX and MLPA in my portfolio?

VTHRX and MLPA 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, VTHRX or MLPA?

MLPA has higher volatility (4.39%) compared to VTHRX (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTHRX dropped -49.57% vs MLPA's -78.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTHRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.13), 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.