MVAL vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MVAL (VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MVAL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Broad Value Wide Moat Focus Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MVAL returned 13.96% vs 36.84% for NLR. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MVAL charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

MVAL vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF (MVAL) 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, MVAL achieves a -2.29% return, which is significantly lower than NLR's 6.14% return.

MVAL

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -0.15%
• YTD: -2.29%
• 6M: -2.26%
• 1Y: 13.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NLR

• 1D: -4.59%
• 1M: -8.11%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 36.84%
• 3Y*: 35.11%
• 5Y*: 21.94%
• 10Y*: 13.66%

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

MVAL vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MVAL VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF	-2.29%	14.17%	6.10%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	6.14%	56.50%	7.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MVAL 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2024	0.28

Return for Risk

MVAL vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MVAL

MVAL Risk / Return Rank: 26
MVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 26
MVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
MVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 23

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 25
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 24
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

MVAL vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF (MVAL) 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.

	MVAL	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	0.88	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	1.43	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.17	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	1.43	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.87	2.93	-0.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MVAL vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MVAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is comparable to the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MVAL 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

	MVAL	NLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.02	0.88	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.18	+0.35

Drawdowns

MVAL vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MVAL drawdown since its inception was -19.56%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MVAL and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MVAL	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.56%	-65.05%	+45.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.16%	-25.80%	+13.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.48%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.57%	-19.80%	+9.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-35.72%	+31.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.88%	12.61%	-7.73%

Volatility

MVAL vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF (MVAL) is 3.59%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.18%. This indicates that MVAL 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

	MVAL	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.59%	13.18%	-9.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	32.83%	-23.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	42.32%	-28.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.40%	29.24%	-13.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.40%	24.02%	-8.62%

MVAL vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MVAL has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

MVAL vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

MVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than NLR's 2.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MVAL VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat Value ETF	1.79%	1.75%	0.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.40%	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 MVAL and NLR in my portfolio?

MVAL 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, MVAL or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.18%) compared to MVAL (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MVAL dropped -19.56% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, MVAL or NLR?

On 1-year performance, NLR leads with 36.84% vs 13.96% for MVAL. On fees, MVAL is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, MVAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MVAL or NLR?

Over the 1-year period, NLR has performed better with a 36.84% return vs 13.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MVAL or NLR?

MVAL is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 1.79% for MVAL.

What is the main difference between MVAL and NLR?

MVAL is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while NLR is Alternative Energy Equities. MVAL tracks Morningstar US Broad Value Wide Moat Focus Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MVAL and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.02 vs 0.88), 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.