MLPI vs VOO
NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $813M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.49% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.73% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.20% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 111.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | NEOS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MLPI vs VOO Performance
NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) is a ETF from NEOS and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLPI returned +6.20% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MLPI is up 4.73% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 111.3% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -81.4% for MLPI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPI charges 0.68% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPI currently yields 8.49% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MLPI and VOO share 4 holdings out of 525 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, MLPI or VOO?
MLPI has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLPI or VOO?
Over the past year MLPI returned +6.20% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MLPI annualized +8.30% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLPI or VOO?
MLPI has been the more volatile fund at 111.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MLPI -81.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MLPI and VOO?
MLPI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLPI and VOO?
MLPI and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPI or VOO?
MLPI yields 8.49% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MLPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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