MLPX, one of this year’s top-performing energy ETFs, topped $100 million in asset under management in June and has since grown nearly 81%.
Active management also helps investors dodge the thorny tax issues sometimes associated with MLP ETFs. The actively managed First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEArca: EMLP), which has a 12-month distribution rate of 3.1%, is a $939.4 million ETF after less than two and a half years on the market. EMLP has added over $380 million in new assets this year.
The InfraCap MLP ETF (NYSEArca: AMZA), which debuted last month and is also actively managed, has hauled in $3.4 million in assets since coming to market. Due to its status as an actively managed ETF, AMZA can employ hedging via derivatives and even short MLPs during periods of increased market stress. Investors will also be treated to a single form 1099 come tax time, not a pesky, late-arriving K-1. The new ETF charges 1.05% per year. [Inside Look at a New MLP ETF]
Other new MLP ETFs have also made their presence felt. Direxion Zacks MLP High Income Shares (NYSEArca: ZMLP) debuted in January has hauled in $47.6 million since coming to market in January. ZMLP has an annualized distribution rate of almost 7.5%, helping explain why the new fund has quickly gained a following.
Direxion Zacks MLP High Income Shares
