NIKL vs. MGNR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NIKL (Sprott Nickel Miners ETF) and MGNR (American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. NIKL is passively managed, while MGNR is actively managed. Over the past year, NIKL returned 27.58% vs 74.30% for MGNR. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.75% expense ratio.

Performance

NIKL vs. MGNR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NIKL achieves a -7.50% return, which is significantly lower than MGNR's 25.87% return.

NIKL

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -13.19%
• YTD: -7.50%
• 6M: 4.95%
• 1Y: 27.58%
• 3Y*: -3.02%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MGNR

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 2.81%
• YTD: 25.87%
• 6M: 27.66%
• 1Y: 74.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NIKL vs. MGNR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	-7.50%	52.05%	-13.24%
MGNR American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF	25.87%	50.57%	22.78%

Correlation

The correlation between NIKL and MGNR is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2024	0.57

The correlation between NIKL and MGNR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NIKL vs. MGNR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NIKL

NIKL Risk / Return Rank: 21
NIKL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
NIKL Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
NIKL Omega Ratio Rank: 22
NIKL Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
NIKL Martin Ratio Rank: 20

MGNR

MGNR Risk / Return Rank: 90
MGNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
MGNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
MGNR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
MGNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
MGNR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

NIKL vs. MGNR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	NIKL	MGNR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	3.25	-2.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	3.78	-2.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.53	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	6.03	-5.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.23	24.40	-22.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NIKL vs. MGNR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NIKL Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is lower than the MGNR Sharpe Ratio of 3.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NIKL and MGNR, 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

	NIKL	MGNR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66	3.25	-2.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.10	1.76	-1.87

Drawdowns

NIKL vs. MGNR - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	NIKL	MGNR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.23%	-22.06%	-38.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.87%	-12.38%	-17.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.33%	-1.77%	-27.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.58%	-3.86%	-22.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.42%	3.05%	+9.37%

Volatility

NIKL vs. MGNR - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) has a higher volatility of 15.35% compared to American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF (MGNR) at 6.57%. This indicates that NIKL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MGNR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NIKL	MGNR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.35%	6.57%	+8.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.55%	17.65%	+17.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.12%	23.01%	+19.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.60%	25.01%	+7.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.60%	25.01%	+7.59%

NIKL vs. MGNR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NIKL vs. MGNR - Dividend Comparison

NIKL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.73%, more than MGNR's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MGNR American Beacon GLG Natural Resources ETF	1.07%	1.17%	0.79%	0.00%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	2.73%	2.53%	3.49%	19.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NIKL and MGNR in my portfolio?

NIKL and MGNR have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NIKL or MGNR?

NIKL has higher volatility (15.35%) compared to MGNR (6.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NIKL dropped -60.23% vs MGNR's -22.06%.

Which ETF is better, NIKL or MGNR?

On 1-year performance, MGNR leads with 74.30% vs 27.58% for NIKL. Both ETFs have the same 0.75% expense ratio. On volatility, MGNR has been the lower-risk option at 6.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NIKL or MGNR?

Over the 1-year period, MGNR has performed better with a 74.30% return vs 27.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NIKL or MGNR?

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

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

NIKL has the higher dividend yield at 2.73%, compared with 1.07% for MGNR.

What is the main difference between NIKL and MGNR?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MGNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs 0.66), 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.