XYLD vs. AMLP

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XYLD (Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF) and AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XYLD is a Derivative Income fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index, while AMLP is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XYLD returned 8.35%/yr vs 6.92%/yr for AMLP. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XYLD charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for AMLP.

Performance

XYLD vs. AMLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XYLD achieves a 4.83% return, which is significantly lower than AMLP's 15.29% return. Over the past 10 years, XYLD has outperformed AMLP with an annualized return of 8.35%, while AMLP has yielded a comparatively lower 6.92% annualized return.

XYLD

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 17.00%
• 3Y*: 11.00%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 8.35%

AMLP

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -3.55%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 14.35%
• 1Y: 15.02%
• 3Y*: 20.22%
• 5Y*: 15.26%
• 10Y*: 6.92%

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

XYLD vs. AMLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	4.83%	8.02%	19.49%	11.10%	-12.05%	19.59%	-0.56%	21.41%	-6.09%	16.49%
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	15.29%	5.78%	22.76%	21.40%	25.47%	39.09%	-32.26%	5.99%	-12.67%	-7.89%

Correlation

The correlation between XYLD and AMLP is 0.00, 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	0.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2013	0.38

Over the past year, the correlation between XYLD and AMLP has dropped to 0.00 - well below their long-term average of 0.38, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XYLD vs. AMLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XYLD	AMLP
Technology	39.0%	-
Financial Services	11.1%	-
Communication Services	10.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	-
Healthcare	8.3%	-
Industrials	7.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	-
Energy	3.2%	97.7%
Utilities	2.1%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

XYLD vs. AMLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

XYLD

XYLD Risk / Return Rank: 85
XYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
XYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
XYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
XYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 88

AMLP

AMLP Risk / Return Rank: 38
AMLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
AMLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
AMLP Omega Ratio Rank: 37
AMLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AMLP Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

XYLD vs. AMLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP). 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.

	XYLD	AMLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	1.25	+1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	1.79	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.22	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	1.66	+1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.57	5.35	+11.21

XYLD vs. AMLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XYLD Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the AMLP Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XYLD and AMLP, 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

XYLD vs. AMLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XYLD drawdown since its inception was -33.46%, smaller than the maximum AMLP drawdown of -77.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XYLD and AMLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	XYLD	AMLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.46%	-77.19%	+43.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.29%	-8.94%	+3.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.53%	-14.27%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.66%	-20.92%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.46%	-72.62%	+39.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-4.94%	+4.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-17.37%	+13.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	2.77%	-1.76%

Volatility

XYLD vs. AMLP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is 2.17%, while Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) has a volatility of 4.71%. This indicates that XYLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AMLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XYLD	AMLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.17%	4.71%	-2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.71%	8.77%	-3.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.79%	11.84%	-5.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.25%	19.95%	-8.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.22%	27.67%	-13.45%

XYLD vs. AMLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

XYLD has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than AMLP's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

XYLD vs. AMLP - Dividend Comparison

XYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.53%, more than AMLP's 7.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMLP Alerian MLP ETF	7.71%	8.36%	7.70%	7.86%	7.70%	8.55%	12.31%	9.12%	9.29%	7.97%	8.09%	9.84%
XYLD Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF	10.53%	10.51%	11.54%	10.51%	13.43%	9.07%	7.93%	5.76%	7.12%	5.18%	3.23%	4.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XYLD and AMLP in my portfolio?

XYLD and AMLP have a correlation of 0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XYLD or AMLP?

AMLP has higher volatility (4.71%) compared to XYLD (2.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XYLD dropped -33.46% vs AMLP's -77.19%.

Which ETF is better, XYLD or AMLP?

On 10-year performance, XYLD leads with 8.35% vs 6.92% for AMLP. On fees, XYLD is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, XYLD has been the lower-risk option at 2.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XYLD or AMLP?

Over the 10-year period, XYLD has performed better with a 8.35% return vs 6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XYLD or AMLP?

XYLD is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AMLP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XYLD or AMLP?

XYLD has the higher dividend yield at 10.53%, compared with 7.71% for AMLP.

What is the main difference between XYLD and AMLP?

XYLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while AMLP is MLPs. XYLD tracks Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index, while AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for XYLD and 0.90% for AMLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XYLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.25), 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.