XLE vs. MLPI

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) and MLPI (NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index, while MLPI is a MLPs fund actively managed by NEOS. XLE is passively managed, while MLPI is actively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLE charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for MLPI.

Performance

XLE vs. MLPI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLE achieves a 21.47% return, which is significantly higher than MLPI's 18.83% return.

XLE

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: -9.30%
• YTD: 21.47%
• 6M: 22.40%
• 1Y: 30.11%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 18.36%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

MLPI

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -2.81%
• YTD: 18.83%
• 6M: 18.86%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLE vs. MLPI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	21.47%	0.69%
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	18.83%	0.36%

Correlation

The correlation between XLE and MLPI is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2025	0.68

Return for Risk

XLE vs. MLPI — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 44
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

MLPI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

XLE vs. MLPI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI). 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.

	XLE	MLPI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.33	—	—

Drawdowns

XLE vs. MLPI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLE drawdown since its inception was -71.26%, which is greater than MLPI's maximum drawdown of -5.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLE and MLPI.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLE	MLPI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.26%	-5.38%	-65.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.05%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.75%	-2.81%	-10.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.96%	-1.50%	-16.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLE	MLPI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.92%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.83%	13.05%	+7.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.99%	13.05%	+12.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.60%	13.05%	+16.55%

XLE vs. MLPI - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLE has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLE vs. MLPI - Dividend Comparison

XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, less than MLPI's 7.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	7.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.83%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLE and MLPI in my portfolio?

XLE and MLPI have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLE or MLPI?

On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLE or MLPI?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for MLPI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLE or MLPI?

MLPI has the higher dividend yield at 7.24%, compared with 2.83% for XLE.

What is the main difference between XLE and MLPI?

XLE is categorized as Energy Equities, while MLPI is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: State Street and NEOS. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLE and 0.68% for MLPI.