GENZ vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GENZ (VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GENZ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GENZ returned 3.48%/yr vs 12.97%/yr for NLR. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GENZ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

GENZ vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) 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, GENZ achieves a -11.90% return, which is significantly lower than NLR's -1.45% return. Over the past 10 years, GENZ has underperformed NLR with an annualized return of 3.48%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively higher 12.97% annualized return.

GENZ

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: -11.90%
• 6M: -12.18%
• 1Y: -9.76%
• 3Y*: -3.89%
• 5Y*: -6.16%
• 10Y*: 3.48%

NLR

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: -6.46%
• YTD: -1.45%
• 6M: -4.74%
• 1Y: 15.99%
• 3Y*: 31.54%
• 5Y*: 21.03%
• 10Y*: 12.97%

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

GENZ vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	-11.90%	4.15%	-1.39%	11.52%	-12.83%	-4.30%	12.72%	30.17%	-26.79%	41.11%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-1.45%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between GENZ and NLR is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2008	0.47

Over the past year, the correlation between GENZ and NLR has dropped to 0.25 - well below their long-term average of 0.47, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GENZ vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GENZ	NLR
Financial Services	29.8%	-
Communication Services	29.3%	-
Technology	20.4%	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	19.6%	-
Industrials	0.8%	15.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	45.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	38.1%

Return for Risk

GENZ vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

GENZ

GENZ Risk / Return Rank: 5
GENZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
GENZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
GENZ Omega Ratio Rank: 5
GENZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
GENZ Martin Ratio Rank: 6

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 15
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 15
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

GENZ vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) 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.

	GENZ	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.52	0.38	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.63	0.82	-1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.09	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.37	0.54	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.65	1.16	-1.81

GENZ vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GENZ Sharpe Ratio is -0.52, which is lower than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GENZ 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

GENZ vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GENZ drawdown since its inception was -71.12%, which is greater than NLR's maximum drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GENZ and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	GENZ	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.12%	-65.05%	-6.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.40%	-29.72%	+3.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.40%	-30.48%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.58%	-30.48%	-10.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.43%	-34.35%	-22.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.83%	-25.53%	-5.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.56%	-35.68%	+11.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.06%	13.83%	+1.23%

Volatility

GENZ vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is 7.67%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.59%. This indicates that GENZ 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

	GENZ	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.67%	13.59%	-5.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.01%	32.95%	-16.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.13%	42.81%	-23.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.57%	29.63%	-5.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.08%	24.26%	+0.82%

GENZ vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

GENZ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

GENZ vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

GENZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.79%, more than NLR's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	3.79%	3.34%	2.88%	1.68%	0.44%	0.79%	0.47%	2.95%	3.43%	2.31%	3.15%	4.09%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.59%	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 GENZ and NLR in my portfolio?

GENZ and NLR have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GENZ or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.59%) compared to GENZ (7.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GENZ dropped -71.12% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, GENZ or NLR?

On 10-year performance, NLR leads with 12.97% vs 3.48% for GENZ. On fees, GENZ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, GENZ has been the lower-risk option at 7.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GENZ or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, NLR has performed better with a 12.97% return vs 3.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GENZ or NLR?

GENZ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

GENZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.79%, compared with 2.59% for NLR.

What is the main difference between GENZ and NLR?

GENZ is categorized as Technology Equities, while NLR is Uranium. GENZ tracks MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GENZ and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NLR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.38 vs -0.52), 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.