Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF

MLPX

Market cap $2.62B

It's earnings season, and I clicked through lots of earnings calls, press releases, and media reports last week. I kept seeing articles with investing tips that are actually traps to avoid.

High-yielding stocks get a lot of attention. But a lot of them have underperformed over the long run. Which are better? High yielders or dividend growth stocks?

Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) earns a strong buy rating, outperforming Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) in diversification and risk-adjusted returns. MLPX offers superior long-term growth potential, better risk management, and a strong focus on natural gas, aligning with key industry trends. AMLP remains a buy for income-focused investors due to its higher yield, but its concentrated portfolio increases company-specific risk.

AI-driven tech stocks dominate 2025 returns, leaving dividend and high-yield ETFs lagging due to limited AI exposure. REITs face mixed fortunes: ARE and DOC struggle with life science oversupply, while IVT, AMT, ADC, and VICI offer attractive dividend growth and value. My current buy list focuses on undervalued REITs and ETFs with strong dividend growth.

The stock market is historically expensive. Even as a recession is more and more plausible in the near future. Fortunately, many defensive dividend payers remain opportunistic.

My last highest conviction buy - Gold, gold miners, and silver - has delivered phenomenal returns for me in recent months and years. I detail why midstream is now my highest conviction buy after the strong bull market in precious metals. I also share some of the best ways investors can gain exposure to midstream today.

Dividend growth investing offers attractive opportunities amid speculative market fervor, with a focus on steady income over chasing AI-driven gains. US macroeconomic headwinds—demographics, tariffs, and low housing affordability—are likely to constrain GDP and earnings growth outside of AI-related sectors. My current buy list features five dividend compounders, each offering solid yields and projected dividend growth.

I experienced the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Sunday night and Monday morning. Oh sorry, excuse me, the Exxon Mobile Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Given heightened economic uncertainty, I am leaning more defensive and sticking with my dividend growth investing strategy, emphasizing diversification and income stability. The frozen housing market, soft labor conditions, and stagnating consumer spending signal potential economic weakness, despite optimism in select sectors like tech. My ETF portfolio review shows shifting leadership, with midstream energy outperforming previously, but preferreds and tech-focused ETFs now leading as trends evolve.

Midstream energy ETFs like AMLP and MLPX are strong macro plays, benefiting from long-term trends in U.S. natural gas and oil flows. MLPX offers broader diversification, lower fees, and a sturdier balance sheet profile than AMLP, making it attractive for long-term investors. AMLP provides higher yield but comes with higher concentration and leverage, appealing more to income-focused investors seeking immediate returns.