Dividend comparison
MLPA vs MLPX: Which Is Better for Income?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Global X - MLP ETF and Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
MLPA vs MLPX: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% a year versus 0.77% for MLPA. On $10,000 that is $32 a year less in fees.
- Income. MLPA pays more income, yielding 7.44% over the last twelve months versus 4.20% for MLPX. That is about $323 more a year on $10,000. Both pay quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, MLPX returned 132.5% versus 98.7% for MLPA, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $23,245 in MLPX and $19,868 in MLPA.
- Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -18.8% for MLPA and -19.7% for MLPX from peak to trough.
- Diversification. MLPX holds 29 positions and MLPA holds 20. The ten largest positions make up 98.6% of MLPA and 69.3% of MLPX.
- Overlap. 24% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 13 shared holdings.
- Dividend growth. MLPX grew its yearly payout 8.8% a year over the last 4 years, versus 5.5% for MLPA.
Bottom line: MLPA fits better if you care most about more income today. MLPX fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 5-year returns and faster dividend growth.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | MLPA Global X - MLP ETF | MLPX Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 7.44% | 4.20% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $4.02 | $3.07 |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $1.0200 on Aug 13, 2026 | $0.7570 on Aug 13, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Aug 10, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 5.5% over 4 yrs | 8.8% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $54.06 | $72.92 |
| Dividend growth streak | 3 years | 1 year |
| Beta | 0.25 | 0.28 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -18.8% | -19.7% |
| Market cap | $2.32B | $3.60B |
| Exchange | AMEX | AMEX |
| Expense ratio | 0.77% | 0.45% |
| Assets under management | $2.36B | $3.58B |
| Number of holdings | 20 | 29 |
| Top 10 concentration | 98.6% | 69.3% |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
MLPA
$61.97/mo
$744 /yr at 7.44% yield
MLPX
$35.03/mo
$420 /yr at 4.20% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. MLPA pays quarterly; MLPX pays quarterly.
| Year | MLPA | MLPX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3.7850 | $2.9234 |
| 2024 | $3.5800 | $2.5520 |
| 2023 | $3.3200 | $2.3300 |
| 2022 | $3.0150 | $2.1537 |
| 2021 | $3.0500 | $2.0880 |
Strategy: Alternative income
Income vehicles outside ordinary stocks and bonds: real estate investment trusts, preferred shares, business development companies that lend to private firms, and energy pipeline partnerships. Each is structured to pass most of its earnings through to shareholders, which is why yields are high. Their payouts depend on rents, loan books or pipeline volumes rather than on corporate dividend policy.
These income streams are sensitive to interest rates and credit conditions, and much of the income is taxed as ordinary income rather than qualified dividends.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $19,868 in MLPA and $23,245 in MLPX.
| Period | MLPA | MLPX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -4.30% | -1.55% |
| 3 months | -1.26% | -3.56% |
| Year to date | 18.16% | 24.39% |
| 1 year | 22.53% | 28.95% |
| 3 years | 47.79% | 94.14% |
| 5 years | 98.68% | 132.45% |
- MLPA
- MLPX
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- MLPA
- MLPX
MLPA vs MLPX holdings overlap
24% overlap by weight, with 13 holdings in common. Overlap adds up the smaller of the two weights for every stock both funds own, so 100% would mean identical portfolios.
| Largest shared holdings | MLPA weight | MLPX weight |
|---|---|---|
| MPLXMPLX LP | 12.54% | 4.48% |
| ETENERGY TRANSFER LP | 15.50% | 4.46% |
| EPDENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS | 13.19% | 4.37% |
| PAAPLAINS ALL AMER PIPELINE LP | 11.86% | 3.80% |
| WESWESTERN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L | 10.31% | 3.49% |
| HESMHESS MIDSTREAM LP - CLASS A | 7.74% | 1.25% |
| CQPCHENIERE ENERGY PARTNERS LP | 7.40% | 0.86% |
| USACUSA COMPRESSION PARTNERS LP | 5.86% | 0.74% |
| GELGENESIS ENERGY L.P. | 4.53% | 0.53% |
| DKLDELEK LOGISTICS PARTNERS LP | 3.13% | 0.38% |
Top 10 holdings
Largest positions by portfolio weight.
MLPA20 holdings total
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| ETENERGY TRANSFER LP | 15.50% |
| EPDENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS | 13.19% |
| MPLXMPLX LP | 12.54% |
| PAAPLAINS ALL AMER PIPELINE LP | 11.86% |
| WESWESTERN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L | 10.31% |
| SUNSUNOCO LP | 9.65% |
| HESMHESS MIDSTREAM LP - CLASS A | 7.74% |
| CQPCHENIERE ENERGY PARTNERS LP | 7.40% |
| USACUSA COMPRESSION PARTNERS LP | 5.86% |
| GELGENESIS ENERGY L.P. | 4.53% |
Quick verdict
MLPA fits better if you care most about more income today. MLPX fits better if you care most about lower fees, stronger 5-year returns and faster dividend growth. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how MLPA vs MLPX fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is MLPA or MLPX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MLPA currently yields 7.44% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while MLPX yields 4.20%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between MLPA and MLPX?
Global X - MLP ETF (MLPA) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, MLPA or MLPX?
MLPX has the lower expense ratio. MLPA charges 0.77% a year and MLPX charges 0.45%, a difference of $32 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, MLPA or MLPX?
Over the last 5 years, MLPX has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: MLPA returned 98.7% and MLPX returned 132.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, MLPA or MLPX?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, MLPX has been riskier: MLPA fell as much as 18.8% and MLPX as much as 19.7%. Their betas are 0.25 and 0.28.
How much do MLPA and MLPX overlap?
About 24% of the two portfolios overlap by weight, across 13 shared holdings. The largest shared positions are MPLX, ET, EPD. Holding both still adds meaningful diversification.
How often do MLPA and MLPX pay dividends?
Both pay quarterly. The most recent payments were $1.0200 for MLPA and $0.7570 for MLPX.
How much income does $10,000 in MLPA vs MLPX generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in MLPA would generate roughly $61.97 per month ($744 annually). The same amount in MLPX would produce about $35.03 per month ($420 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both MLPA and MLPX?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare MLPA vs MLPX with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how MLPA and MLPX fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.