MLPX vs VOO
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MLPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.13% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.90% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.72% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.05% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.34% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 6, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MLPX vs VOO Performance
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLPX returned +26.72% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, MLPX is up 22.90% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, MLPX compounded at +25.05% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +22.34% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% 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 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 -77.5% for MLPX 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPX charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPX currently yields 4.13% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MLPX and VOO 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, MLPX or VOO?
MLPX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLPX or VOO?
Over the past year MLPX returned +26.72% vs +23.01% for VOO, so MLPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MLPX annualized +6.10% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLPX or VOO?
MLPX has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MLPX -77.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MLPX and VOO?
MLPX and VOO 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 VOO?
MLPX and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPX or VOO?
MLPX yields 4.13% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MLPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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