MLPX Beats EMLP on Cost, Yield and Recent Returns

Overview

• MLPX is a passive, lower-cost fund while EMLP is actively managed, creating a basic tradeoff between index tracking and stock selection.
• MLPX charges a 0.45% expense ratio versus EMLP's 0.95% and offers a higher trailing distribution yield of about 4.20% compared with 2.80% for EMLP.
• Recent performance shows MLPX outpacing EMLP on total returns, with a one-year return near 22.9% versus 18.8% and larger five-year growth of $1,000 into roughly $2,583 versus $2,053 for EMLP.
• The funds differ in holdings and sector mix: MLPX holds about 29 names and is nearly all energy while EMLP holds about 65 names split roughly half energy and half utilities, and EMLP applies an ESG screen that MLPX does not.
• Risk profiles differ despite similar low betas; MLPX has shown a deeper five-year max drawdown of about 19.7% versus EMLP's 14.6%, so income seekers face higher past declines while diversified investors gain broader exposure and ESG screening.