CIBR vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CIBR returned 17.87%/yr vs 12.59%/yr for NLR. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

CIBR vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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, CIBR achieves a 19.83% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -2.62% return. Over the past 10 years, CIBR has outperformed NLR with an annualized return of 17.87%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively lower 12.59% annualized return.

CIBR

• 1D: 2.67%
• 1M: 14.20%
• YTD: 19.83%
• 6M: 13.32%
• 1Y: 18.11%
• 3Y*: 24.84%
• 5Y*: 13.62%
• 10Y*: 17.87%

NLR

• 1D: 4.69%
• 1M: -13.55%
• YTD: -2.62%
• 6M: -10.27%
• 1Y: 17.88%
• 3Y*: 29.43%
• 5Y*: 19.58%
• 10Y*: 12.59%

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

CIBR vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	19.83%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	28.52%	1.47%	18.61%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-2.62%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and NLR is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2015	0.40

The correlation between CIBR and NLR shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (1 year) to 0.44 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CIBR vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	NLR
Technology	94.0%	1.5%
Industrials	3.5%	15.1%
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	46.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	37.4%

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 23
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 20

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 18
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

CIBR vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CIBR	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.72	0.42	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	0.87	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.10	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.83	0.60	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.94	1.36	+0.58

CIBR vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 0.72, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR 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.

Drawdowns

CIBR vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-65.05%	+31.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-29.72%	+7.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-30.48%	+8.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-30.48%	-3.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	-34.35%	+0.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.38%	-26.42%	+17.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.66%	-35.70%	+27.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.36%	13.23%	-3.87%

Volatility

CIBR vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) is 12.35%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.79%. This indicates that CIBR 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

	CIBR	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.35%	13.79%	-1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.72%	33.75%	-12.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.16%	43.23%	-18.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.05%	29.57%	-4.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.65%	24.22%	-0.57%

CIBR vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than NLR's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.48%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.62%	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 CIBR and NLR in my portfolio?

CIBR and NLR have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.79%) compared to CIBR (12.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or NLR?

On 10-year performance, CIBR leads with 17.87% vs 12.59% for NLR. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, CIBR has been the lower-risk option at 12.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, CIBR has performed better with a 17.87% return vs 12.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or NLR?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 0.48% for CIBR.

What is the main difference between CIBR and NLR?

CIBR is categorized as Cybersecurity, while NLR is Alternative Energy Equities. CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CIBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.72 vs 0.42), 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.