ARKQ vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ARKQ is a Robotics fund actively managed by ARK, while NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. ARKQ is actively managed, while NLR is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ARKQ returned 21.93%/yr vs 12.72%/yr for NLR. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ARKQ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

ARKQ vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ARKQ achieves a 14.84% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -0.79% return. Over the past 10 years, ARKQ has outperformed NLR with an annualized return of 21.93%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively lower 12.72% annualized return.

ARKQ

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -2.37%
• YTD: 14.84%
• 6M: 15.09%
• 1Y: 63.19%
• 3Y*: 35.12%
• 5Y*: 10.33%
• 10Y*: 21.93%

NLR

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: -12.54%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -6.08%
• 1Y: 26.72%
• 3Y*: 31.16%
• 5Y*: 20.16%
• 10Y*: 12.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ARKQ vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	14.84%	48.81%	33.88%	40.70%	-46.75%	1.74%	107.20%	25.94%	-7.89%	52.26%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-0.79%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between ARKQ and NLR is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2014	0.47

Over the past year, ARKQ and NLR have become more correlated (0.74) than their long-term average of 0.47, meaning their price movements have been converging.

ARKQ vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ARKQ	NLR
Industrials	40.2%	15.1%
Technology	33.1%	1.5%
Consumer Cyclical	14.1%	-
Communication Services	8.7%	-
Energy	1.6%	46.0%
Healthcare	1.1%	-
Utilities	1.1%	37.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ARKQ vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 60
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 54
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 58

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 22
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 21
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 19

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ARKQ vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	ARKQ	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	0.63	+1.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	1.13	+1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.13	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	1.04	+2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.27	2.08	+7.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ARKQ vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ARKQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ARKQ and NLR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ARKQ	NLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	0.63	+1.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	0.69	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.53	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.16	+0.48

Drawdowns

ARKQ vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ARKQ drawdown since its inception was -59.89%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ARKQ and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ARKQ	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.89%	-65.05%	+5.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.58%	-25.80%	+5.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.76%	-30.48%	-0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.71%	-30.48%	-25.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.89%	-34.35%	-25.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.44%	-25.03%	+16.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.23%	-35.71%	+18.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.83%	12.87%	-6.04%

Volatility

ARKQ vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is 11.77%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.36%. This indicates that ARKQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ARKQ	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.77%	13.36%	-1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.39%	33.24%	-7.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.13%	42.96%	-9.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.39%	29.43%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.93%	24.14%	+5.79%

ARKQ vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ARKQ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

ARKQ vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

ARKQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, less than NLR's 2.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	0.23%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.80%	0.86%	0.00%	2.86%	1.54%	0.00%	0.98%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.57%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ARKQ and NLR in my portfolio?

ARKQ and NLR have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ARKQ or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.36%) compared to ARKQ (11.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ARKQ dropped -59.89% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, ARKQ or NLR?

On 10-year performance, ARKQ leads with 21.93% vs 12.72% for NLR. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, ARKQ has been the lower-risk option at 11.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ARKQ or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, ARKQ has performed better with a 21.93% return vs 12.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ARKQ or NLR?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ARKQ or NLR?

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.57%, compared with 0.23% for ARKQ.

What is the main difference between ARKQ and NLR?

ARKQ is categorized as Robotics, while NLR is Alternative Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: ARK and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for ARKQ and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 0.63), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.