IVV vs MLPX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MLPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MLPX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $3.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.13% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +22.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +26.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +25.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +22.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 24.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -77.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 6, 2013 |
IVV vs MLPX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while MLPX returned +26.72%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 22.90% for MLPX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +25.05% for MLPX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +22.34% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -77.5% for MLPX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MLPX charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.13% for MLPX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MLPX share 4 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MLPX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MLPX charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MLPX?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +26.72% for MLPX, so MLPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +6.10% for MLPX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MLPX?
MLPX has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MLPX -77.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and MLPX?
IVV and MLPX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MLPX?
IVV and MLPX share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MLPX?
IVV yields 1.09% while MLPX yields 4.13%, so MLPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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