MLPX vs SPY
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. MLPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.90% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.72% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.05% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.34% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 6, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MLPX vs SPY Performance
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MLPX returned +26.72% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, MLPX is up 22.90% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, MLPX compounded at +25.05% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +22.34% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 -77.5% for MLPX and -56.5% for SPY. 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
MLPX charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPX currently yields 4.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MLPX and SPY share 4 holdings out of 527 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, MLPX or SPY?
MLPX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLPX or SPY?
Over the past year MLPX returned +26.72% vs +22.91% for SPY, so MLPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MLPX annualized +6.10% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLPX or SPY?
MLPX has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MLPX -77.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MLPX and SPY?
MLPX and SPY 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 MLPX and SPY?
MLPX and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPX or SPY?
MLPX yields 4.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MLPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.