MLPX vs VYM
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MLPX or VYM?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MLPX led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 66.2%.
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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $3.8B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 31 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +23.75%Best | +11.47% |
| 1Y Return | +25.72%Best | +15.94% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.78%Best | +18.03% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.74%Best | +12.35% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -77.5% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $27,857Best | $17,901 |
| Top 10 Weight | 66.2% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 6, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 7, 2013 to Sep 21, 2026 (13.1 years).
MLPX vs VYM 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 VYM Performance
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLPX returned +25.72% while VYM returned +15.94%. Year to date, MLPX is up 23.75% versus a gain of 11.47% for VYM.
Over three years, MLPX compounded at +25.78% per year against +18.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +22.74% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.20% 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 13.4% for VYM. 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 -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPX charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPX currently yields 4.03% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
38.0% of MLPX's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.2% of VYM's money is in holdings MLPX also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
7 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in MLPX and 557 in VYM, against full books of 31 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 521 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for MLPX (95.9% of the fund), and 19 for MLPX that do not appear in VYM (43.3%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MLPX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMBWilliams Cos. Inc. | 8.61% | 0.35% | 8.26% |
| KMIKinder Morgan Inc./de | 7.60% | 0.25% | 7.35% |
| OKEOneok Inc. | 7.27% | 0.23% | 7.04% |
| TRGPTarga Resources Corp Preferred | 7.11% | 0.23% | 6.88% |
| DTMDT Midstream Inc | 3.78% | 0.06% | 3.72% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corporationam | 2.10% | 0.03% | 2.07% |
| AROCArchrock, Inc. | 1.55% | 0.02% | 1.53% |
38.0% of MLPX is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MLPX or VYM?
MLPX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $41 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MLPX or VYM?
Over the past year MLPX returned +25.72% vs +15.94% for VYM, so MLPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MLPX annualized +6.10% vs +9.20% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MLPX or VYM?
MLPX has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 13.4% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MLPX -77.5% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both MLPX and VYM?
MLPX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, 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 VYM?
38.0% of MLPX's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.2% of VYM's is in holdings MLPX also owns. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in MLPX and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPX or VYM?
MLPX yields 4.03% while VYM yields 2.22%, so MLPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MLPX?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MLPX led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 66.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.