

Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF carries a significantly lower expense ratio than First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund. First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund provides broader sector diversification, with roughly half the portfolio invested in utilities.

Energy infrastructure ETFs delivered varying returns for investors in the third quarter of 2026, driven largely by underlying exposure to the utilities sector. Utilities was the worst-performing S&P 500 sector in the third quarter, falling 12.4%.

Vanguard Energy ETF offers a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.95% for First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund. First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund provides a higher 3.0% dividend yield but has lagged on 1-year total returns.

First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP - Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totaling 822,644 shares, a growth of 53.3% from the August 31st total of 536,606 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 285,615 shares, the days-to-cover

EMLP is an actively managed ETF focused on North American energy infrastructure, with a 41% allocation to electric power and transmission. The fund is designed for risk-averse investors seeking stability during economic downturns, with low sensitivity to energy prices and broader market declines. EMLP's expense ratio is nearly double the ETF median, making custom blends of XLU and AMLP a potentially more cost-effective alternative.

Energy infrastructure and crude oil ETFs EMLP and SCO saw trading volumes well above average, putting both in focus.

EMLP delivered $2,139 on a $1,000 investment over five years with a max drawdown of just 14.6%, while ICLN's renewable focus saw a peak decline of 57.2%.

State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF offers a significantly lower expense ratio than First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund. First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund provides a higher dividend yield and includes heavy exposure to the utility sector.