MLPX vs VXUS
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MLPX or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MLPX led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPX | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $3.8B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 31 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +23.75%Best | +14.49% |
| 1Y Return | +25.72%Best | +21.52% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.78%Best | +20.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.74%Best | +9.57% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -77.5% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $27,857Best | $15,793 |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 6, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 7, 2013 to Sep 21, 2026 (13.1 years).
MLPX vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.1 years both funds cover.
MLPX vs VXUS Performance
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLPX returned +25.72% while VXUS returned +21.52%. Year to date, MLPX is up 23.75% versus a gain of 14.49% for VXUS.
Over three years, MLPX compounded at +25.78% per year against +20.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +22.74% and +9.57% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, MLPX has the edge at +6.10% annualized vs +5.99%.
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 14.5% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPX charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPX currently yields 4.03% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 17.1% of MLPX's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
MLPX and VXUS share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in MLPX and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 31 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MLPX and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MLPX or VXUS?
MLPX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MLPX or VXUS?
Over the past year MLPX returned +25.72% vs +21.52% for VXUS, so MLPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MLPX annualized +6.10% vs +5.99% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MLPX or VXUS?
MLPX has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 14.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MLPX -77.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MLPX and VXUS?
MLPX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between MLPX and VXUS?
At least 17.1% of MLPX's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in MLPX and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPX or VXUS?
MLPX yields 4.03% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so MLPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MLPX?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MLPX led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.