Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTSara Appino, The Motley FoolSun, June 7, 2026 at 7:55 PM GMT+2 4 min readGlobal X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (NYSEMKT:MLPX) offers a lower-cost, high-yield path to energy infrastructure, while First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEMKT:EMLP) provides an actively managed, diversified utility-heavy alternative.Investors looking for exposure to the North American energy infrastructure sector generally weigh the merits of pure-play pipeline funds against more diversified portfolios. While both ETFs target companies that move and store fuel, their underlying investment strategies result in notably different risk-return profiles. This comparison evaluates how a passive, low-cost index tracker measures up against a more broadly diversified, actively managed fund that incorporates utility companies.Snapshot (cost & size)MetricMLPXEMLPIssuerGlobal XFirst TrustExpense ratio0.45%0.95%1-yr return (as of June 3, 2026)22.90%18.80%Dividend yield4.20%2.80%Beta0.580.56AUM~$3.5 billion~$4.0 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.The Global X fund is the more affordable choice, sporting an expense ratio of 0.45% compared to 0.95% for the First Trust fund. This cost advantage is paired with a higher distribution yield, as the Global X fund provided a 4.20% yield versus the 2.80% offered by its competitor as of June 3, 2026. For income-focused investors, this spread may represent a significant difference in annual cash flow.Performance & risk comparisonMetricMLPXEMLPMax drawdown (5 yr)(19.70%)(14.60%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$2,583.00$2,053.00What's insideThe First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEMKT:EMLP) is an actively managed fund with 65 holdings that incorporates an ESG screen into its selection process. Its sector allocation is split between energy at 48% and utilities at 47%, with a 4% weighting in industrials. Its largest positions include Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) at 7.51%, Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD) at 7.24%, and MPLX LP (NYSE:MPLX) at 4.14%. It was launched in 2012 and has paid $1.20 per share over the trailing 12 months.The Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (NYSEMKT:MLPX) tracks the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index and holds 29 securities. This fund is heavily concentrated in energy at 99%, with negligible exposure to utilities. Its top holdings include Enbridge (NYSE:ENB) at 9.29%, TC Energy Corp (NYSE:TRP) at 9.26%, and The Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) at 8.51%. It was launched in 2013 and has a trailing-12-month dividend of $3.04 per share, though it does not utilize an ESG screen.Terms and Privacy PolicyPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info