XLEI vs. MLPI

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and MLPI (NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLEI is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Energy Select Sector, while MLPI is a MLPs fund actively managed by NEOS. XLEI is passively managed, while MLPI is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLEI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for MLPI.

Performance

XLEI vs. MLPI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) 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, XLEI achieves a 16.48% return, which is significantly lower than MLPI's 19.13% return.

XLEI

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -2.48%
• 6M: 13.81%
• YTD: 16.48%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MLPI

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -0.03%
• 6M: 20.58%
• YTD: 19.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLEI vs. MLPI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	16.48%	1.21%
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	19.13%	0.36%

Correlation

The correlation between XLEI and MLPI is 0.69, 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	0.69

Return for Risk

XLEI vs. MLPI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) 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.

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

Drawdowns

XLEI vs. MLPI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLEI drawdown since its inception was -8.19%, which is greater than MLPI's maximum drawdown of -5.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLEI and MLPI.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLEI	MLPI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.19%	-5.38%	-2.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.21%	-2.56%	-1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.90%	-1.59%	-0.31%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLEI	MLPI	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	13.31%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.04%	13.31%	+0.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.04%	13.31%	+0.73%

XLEI vs. MLPI - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLEI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MLPI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLEI vs. MLPI - Dividend Comparison

XLEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.64%, more than MLPI's 7.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MLPI NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF	7.22%	0.00%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	19.64%	10.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLEI and MLPI in my portfolio?

XLEI and MLPI have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLEI or MLPI?

On fees, XLEI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLEI or MLPI?

XLEI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for MLPI.

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

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 19.64%, compared with 7.22% for MLPI.

What is the main difference between XLEI and MLPI?

XLEI is categorized as Energy Equities, while MLPI is MLPs. They also come from different issuers: State Street and NEOS. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLEI and 0.68% for MLPI.