A head-to-head comparison of Alerian MLP ETF and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated August 19, 2026
Best for
AMLPInvestors who want broad equity exposure.
MLPDInvestors who want to maximize current income — roughly 11.88%, generated by selling options premium.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
AMLP has outpaced MLPD over the trailing twelve months, posting a 23.73% total return against 14.78%. Measured from May 2024 — when the younger fund began trading — AMLP has compounded at 15.82% a year versus 13.28% for MLPD. MLPD has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 8.0% against 12.7% for AMLP. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of August 19, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since May 2024” measures every fund from May 8, 2024 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the past year. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the past year) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Side-by-side snapshot
Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric;
each column is one fund.
Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF
Issuer
ALPS
Global X
Last Close
$55.31 as of August 19, 2026
$25.36 as of August 19, 2026
Distribution yield
7.45%
11.88%
Distribution Safety Score™
98
95
Expense ratio
1.01%
0.60%
AUM
$13.3B
$31.6M
Distribution frequency
Quarterly
Monthly
Underlying index
Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index
Master Limited Partnerships
Objective
Seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, providing exposure to energy infrastructure master limited partnerships.
Seeks monthly income and energy infrastructure exposure by investing at least 80% of net assets in the constituents of an index of master limited partnerships and energy infrastructure companies.
Asset class
Equity
Equity
Inception date
08/25/2010
04/07/2010
Beta
0.26
—
Last dividend
$1.0300
$0.2510
Ex-dividend date
08/12/2026
07/20/2026
Bottom lineChoose AMLP if you want broad equity exposure. Choose MLPD if you want to maximize current income — roughly 11.88%, generated by selling options premium.
How the risk works
Read this before the income numbers below: the strategy mechanics on this page shape what those payouts can cost you.
Capped upside and premium dependence. MLPD generates income by selling options, which trades away part of a strong rally in exchange for premium. Distributions can include return of capital, and a payout the underlying assets cannot sustain shows up as NAV erosion over time — the big yield number is not free.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
ALPS is known for offering specialized ETFs that focus on alternative income strategies and thematic investing across multiple asset classes. Their lineup of six funds spans income-generating strategies including dividends and master limited partnerships, along with sector-specific and niche opportunities such as renewable energy and real estate. The issuer's portfolio includes notable tickers like AMLP (a flagship MLP fund), REIT (real estate focused), and ENFR (energy infrastructure), positioning them as a provider of alternative income and infrastructure-themed ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on AMLP.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Global X is known for developing thematic and alternative investment ETFs with a strong emphasis on income-generating strategies. Their 37-fund lineup spans diverse categories including covered call funds, SuperDividend income products, digital assets, commodities, and sector-specific investments, alongside traditional bond and risk-managed income options. Notable tickers like DIV, MLPA, and BCCC reflect their specialization in high-yield and alternative income strategies, positioning them as a provider focused on investors seeking yield-oriented and thematically-driven exposure.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on MLPD.
AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) and MLPD (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
MLPD offers the higher yield at 11.88% vs 7.45% for AMLP. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
MLPD is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.60% compared to 1.01%.
They track different benchmarks: AMLP is linked to Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index while MLPD tracks Master Limited Partnerships, which means their performance drivers differ.
AMLP is the larger fund by assets ($13.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
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On a $10,000 investment, AMLP would generate roughly $62.08/month, while MLPD would produce $99.00/month, at current distribution rates.
AMLP yield7.45%
MLPD yield11.88%
Monthly diff on $10K$36.92
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, AMLP would cost approximately $1,010 in fees vs $600 for MLPD (simplified, not compounded). The $410.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
AMLP ER1.01%
MLPD ER0.60%
Strategy & risk
AMLP tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index with an energy approach, while MLPD tracks Master Limited Partnerships.
AMLP beta0.26
MLPD beta—
Fund details
AMLP is managed by ALPS (launched 08/25/2010) with $13.3B in assets. MLPD is managed by Global X (launched 04/07/2010) with $31.6M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the current distribution yield for AMLP and MLPD?
AMLP currently distributes 7.45% and MLPD 11.88%, based on fund data updated August 2026. Distribution yield moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.
Is AMLP or MLPD better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. MLPD currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between AMLP and MLPD?
AMLP (Alerian MLP ETF) tracks Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index with an energy approach, while MLPD (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure Covered Call ETF) tracks Master Limited Partnerships. They are issued by ALPS and Global X respectively.
Can I hold both AMLP and MLPD?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Is AMLP or MLPD safer?
By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — AMLP scores 98, MLPD scores 95, so AMLP's payout currently looks the more resilient of the two. No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee, and the leverage, options-income, or crypto caveats flagged on this page apply regardless of score.
Which has lower fees, AMLP or MLPD?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while MLPD charges 0.60%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in AMLP vs MLPD generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in AMLP would generate roughly $62.08 per month ($745.00 annually). The same in MLPD would produce about $99.00 per month ($1,188.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, AMLP or MLPD?
AMLP has outpaced MLPD over the trailing twelve months, posting a 23.73% total return against 14.78%. Measured from May 2024 — when the younger fund began trading — AMLP has compounded at 15.82% a year versus 13.28% for MLPD. MLPD has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 8.0% against 12.7% for AMLP. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Explore related screeners
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