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EIPX vs XLE
Which ETF would AI Choose? FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX) vs. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE)
Key Takeaways
- Different strategies: EIPX is an actively managed, income-oriented energy fund, while XLE is a passive, market-cap-weighted index fund tracking large-cap US energy stocks.
- Exposure profiles diverge sharply: XLE is essentially 100% energy, concentrated in integrated oil majors; EIPX blends energy (~73%) with utilities (~23%) and a meaningful midstream and master limited partnership (MLP) tilt.
- Cost gap is wide: XLE charges 0.08% annually versus EIPX's 0.95%, a structural cost advantage for long-term, buy-and-hold investors.
- Concentration versus breadth: XLE holds roughly 24–25 names with its top 10 near three-quarters of assets, while EIPX holds about 90 securities with lower single-stock concentration.
- Risk profiles differ: EIPX has historically shown lower market sensitivity (beta), reflecting its income and utilities exposure, whereas XLE offers more direct, higher-octane commodity-linked beta.
Introduction
Energy is one of the few sectors where two funds with the same broad label can deliver very different outcomes. The EIPX and XLE exchange-traded funds (ETFs) both give investors access to energy equities, but they are not direct substitutes. One is an active, income-focused strategy that reaches into utilities and pipeline partnerships; the other is a low-cost, passive benchmark proxy for the S&P 500's energy names. Comparing them side by side clarifies how structure, sector exposure, and cost shape fund performance and relative positioning in today's market environment.
FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX) Overview
EIPX is an actively managed ETF launched in November 2022 and sponsored by First Trust, with Energy Income Partners serving as sub-adviser. Its objective is risk-adjusted total return through a portfolio of equity securities across the broader energy market. The fund is non-diversified and typically holds around 90 securities.
The portfolio leans toward income-producing infrastructure. Its largest positions include Enterprise Products Partners (EPD), Energy Transfer (ET), MPLX (MPLX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), National Fuel Gas (NFG), Kinder Morgan (KMI), and ONEOK (OKE). By sector, energy represents roughly 73% of assets, with utilities at about 23% and a small industrials sleeve. This mix of pipelines, MLPs, and regulated utilities distinguishes EIPX from a pure oil-and-gas index. Its expense ratio is 0.95%.
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) Overview
XLE is a passively managed fund launched in December 1998 by State Street Global Advisors. It seeks to track the Energy Select Sector Index, a market-cap-weighted basket of energy companies drawn from the S&P 500 using the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). The fund typically holds around 24–25 stocks and is concentrated at the top, with the ten largest positions accounting for roughly three-quarters of assets.
Top holdings include Exxon Mobil (XOM) at roughly 24%, Chevron (CVX) near 18%, and ConocoPhillips (COP) around 7%, followed by EOG Resources (EOG), SLB (SLB), Williams Companies (WMB), Valero Energy (VLO), and Phillips 66 (PSX). Sector allocation is effectively 100% energy, split between oil, gas and consumable fuels (~91%) and energy equipment and services (~9%). The expense ratio is 0.08%.
Industry and Thematic Backdrop
Both funds operate within an energy complex shaped by crude oil and natural gas pricing, global supply-demand balances, OPEC+ production decisions, and capital-discipline programs across the integrated majors. In recent market cycles, energy equities have benefited from resilient cash flows, shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends, and constrained upstream investment. Rising geopolitical risk and supply disruptions have periodically supported commodity prices, while recession concerns and demand softness have acted as offsets.
Beyond the commodity itself, two longer-term themes matter here. First, the buildout of natural gas, LNG (liquefied natural gas), and electricity infrastructure favors the midstream and utility names that EIPX emphasizes. Second, the energy transition and data-center-driven power demand have blurred the line between traditional energy and utilities. XLE captures the upstream and refining exposure more directly, while EIPX tilts toward the infrastructure and income layer of the value chain.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent weeks and over recent market cycles, XLE has demonstrated stronger raw momentum when energy prices rise, reflecting its concentrated exposure to integrated majors and refiners. Its performance tends to track crude oil and refined-product margins closely, and it carries a higher-volatility, higher-beta profile relative to broader equity markets.
EIPX, by contrast, has exhibited a lower beta and a more defensive return pattern, cushioned by its utilities sleeve and steady-fee midstream holdings. This positioning historically reduces drawdowns during commodity pullbacks but can lag in sharp energy rallies. In short, XLE offers purer upside capture tied to energy prices, while EIPX offers a smoother, income-weighted ride with less direct commodity sensitivity. Relative positioning ultimately hinges on whether an investor prioritizes momentum or stability.
AI Screener
Tickeron's AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market using technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs with customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener is designed to surface trade ideas, trending names, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Explore the AI Screener to refine your own energy sector watchlist.
Tickeron AI Verdict
On a risk-adjusted, income-weighted basis, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward EIPX for investors seeking diversified energy income with lower volatility, given its utilities diversification and midstream cash-flow profile. However, on momentum, cost efficiency, and liquidity, XLE screens more favorably in the current environment. The AI's preference ultimately depends on the objective: XLE for cost-conscious investors pursuing direct commodity-linked upside and trend consistency, EIPX for those prioritizing yield stability and smoother positioning within the broader energy complex.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is EIPX is a StrongBuy and XLE is a Hold.
EIPX's Stochastic Oscillator is remaining in oversold zone for 4 days
The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an uptrend is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
EIPX moved above its 50-day moving average on November 11, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for EIPX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Following a +1.29% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where EIPX advanced for three days, in 270 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
EIPX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 212 of 255 cases where EIPX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for EIPX moved out of overbought territory on November 02, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 23 of the 28 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 82%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on EIPX as a result. In 47 of 66 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for EIPX turned negative on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 69%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where EIPX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
XLE in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026
XLE moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 45 of 52 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on XLE as a result. In 67 of 81 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for XLE turned negative on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 53 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 44 of the 53 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 83%.
The 10-day moving average for XLE crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 11, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 16 of 22 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where XLE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where XLE's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 17 of 17 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +2.31% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where XLE advanced for three days, in 356 of 387 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
XLE may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 316 of 350 cases where XLE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
| EIPX | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 83% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 83% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 85% | 2 days ago 80% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 85% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 69% | 7 days ago 80% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 90% |
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EIPX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, EIPX has been closely correlated with OKE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if EIPX jumps, then OKE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To EIPX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIPX | 100% | +0.85% | ||
| OKE - EIPX | 73% Closely correlated | +0.92% | ||
| TRGP - EIPX | 73% Closely correlated | +3.72% | ||
| KMI - EIPX | 73% Closely correlated | +1.28% | ||
| WMB - EIPX | 70% Closely correlated | +2.16% | ||
| EOG - EIPX | 68% Closely correlated | +1.49% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| XXV | 21.25 | 0.84 | +4.11% |
| Simplify Ancorato Target 25 Distribution ETF (XXV) | |||
| GASZ | 20.10 | 0.34 | +1.73% |
| Corgi Natural Gas Power & Turbines ETF (GASZ) | |||
| LGH | 64.70 | 0.64 | +1.00% |
| HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) | |||
| GNR | 73.69 | 0.33 | +0.45% |
| State Street SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) | |||
| XTRE | 48.06 | -0.06 | -0.12% |
| BondBloxx Bloomberg Three Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTRE) | |||