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%.
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.
The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure ETF (EMLP) blends midstream and utility stocks, offering diversification but a lower 2.76% yield versus pure midstream peers. EMLP's 43% utility allocation reduces drawdown risk during midstream sell-offs but may limit upside if midstream growth outpaces utilities amid the data center boom. Both utilities and midstream holdings benefit from secular growth drivers—utilities via $1.4T capex for data centers, midstream via rising gas demand and LNG exports.
The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP) just paid investors $0.2993 per share for the first quarter of 2026, continuing a string of distributions that have run between roughly 29 and 31 cents for the past two years.
Energy infrastructure income has rewarded patient holders in 2026, and two funds dominate the conversation: First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP) and the Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (NYSEARCA:ENFR).
You're only going to get hurt if you try to predict whiplashing oil prices and fragile ceasefires.
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP - Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 262,403 shares, an increase of 50.5% from the February 12th total of 174,354 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares
The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure ETF offers diversified exposure to energy infrastructure equities, blending midstream companies and utilities. EMLP's active management has outperformed major energy infrastructure indices since inception, though its yield (2.76%) trails pure midstream ETFs due to utility exposure. Recent Middle East hostilities have driven oil prices higher, boosting EMLP's share price by 16.77% and total return by 19.59% since the last review.
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund offers diversified exposure to energy infrastructure, focusing on midstream operators and utilities with a 3.06% yield. EMLP provides access to MLPs without K-1 tax forms, making it suitable for both taxable and tax-advantaged accounts. The fund's active management and top-heavy portfolio have delivered strong long-term performance, benefiting from sector growth and the AI-driven power demand surge.
EMLP offers diversified, actively managed exposure to North American energy infrastructure, appealing to hands-off investors and retirees seeking sector access without individual stock selection. The fund's yield (3.13%) and five-year total return lag peers, mainly due to significant utility exposure, which dampens income but adds portfolio stability. Utility allocation provides downside protection during energy crises but reduces pure-play midstream upside; investors seeking midstream growth may prefer higher-yielding alternatives.
Many investors have recently looked to VettaFi's Head-To-Head ETF Comparison Tool to compare energy infrastructure ETFs: the Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) and the First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP). While both funds offer exposure to the energy infrastructure space and boast similar tickers, the funds are very different.