MGNR vs. NIKL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MGNR (American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF) and NIKL (Sprott Nickel Miners ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. MGNR is actively managed, while NIKL is passively managed. Over the past year, MGNR returned 52.10% vs 23.02% for NIKL. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

MGNR vs. NIKL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF (MGNR) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGNR achieves a 11.05% return, which is significantly higher than NIKL's -17.80% return.

MGNR

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: -9.79%
• YTD: 11.05%
• 6M: 9.85%
• 1Y: 52.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NIKL

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -16.79%
• YTD: -17.80%
• 6M: -16.85%
• 1Y: 23.02%
• 3Y*: -8.44%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MGNR vs. NIKL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MGNR American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF	11.05%	50.57%	22.90%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	-17.80%	52.05%	-12.90%

Correlation

The correlation between MGNR and NIKL is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2024	0.58

The correlation between MGNR and NIKL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MGNR vs. NIKL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGNR

MGNR Risk / Return Rank: 74
MGNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
MGNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
MGNR Omega Ratio Rank: 69
MGNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
MGNR Martin Ratio Rank: 80

NIKL

NIKL Risk / Return Rank: 18
NIKL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NIKL Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
NIKL Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NIKL Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
NIKL 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.

MGNR vs. NIKL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF (MGNR) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL). 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.

	MGNR	NIKL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	0.54	+1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	1.02	+1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.12	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	0.62	+3.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.79	1.58	+12.21

MGNR vs. NIKL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGNR Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the NIKL Sharpe Ratio of 0.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGNR and NIKL, 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

MGNR vs. NIKL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGNR drawdown since its inception was -22.06%, smaller than the maximum NIKL drawdown of -60.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGNR and NIKL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGNR	NIKL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.06%	-60.23%	+38.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.90%	-37.20%	+23.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-60.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.35%	-37.20%	+23.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-26.67%	+22.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.79%	14.60%	-10.81%

Volatility

MGNR vs. NIKL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF (MGNR) is 9.32%, while Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) has a volatility of 15.42%. This indicates that MGNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NIKL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGNR	NIKL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.32%	15.42%	-6.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.36%	36.74%	-17.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.60%	43.02%	-18.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.34%	32.98%	-7.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.34%	32.98%	-7.64%

MGNR vs. NIKL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both MGNR and NIKL have an expense ratio of 0.75%.

Dividends

MGNR vs. NIKL - Dividend Comparison

MGNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than NIKL's 3.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MGNR American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF	1.21%	1.17%	0.79%	0.00%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	3.07%	2.53%	3.49%	19.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGNR and NIKL in my portfolio?

MGNR and NIKL have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGNR or NIKL?

NIKL has higher volatility (15.42%) compared to MGNR (9.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGNR dropped -22.06% vs NIKL's -60.23%.

Which ETF is better, MGNR or NIKL?

On 1-year performance, MGNR leads with 52.10% vs 23.02% for NIKL. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, MGNR has been the lower-risk option at 9.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MGNR or NIKL?

Over the 1-year period, MGNR has performed better with a 52.10% return vs 23.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MGNR or NIKL?

MGNR and NIKL have the same expense ratio: 0.75% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MGNR or NIKL?

NIKL has the higher dividend yield at 3.07%, compared with 1.21% for MGNR.

What is the main difference between MGNR and NIKL?

They also come from different issuers: American Beacon and Sprott.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 0.54), 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.