NLR vs. ARKQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while ARKQ is a Robotics fund actively managed by ARK. NLR is passively managed, while ARKQ is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, NLR returned 12.80%/yr vs 21.73%/yr for ARKQ. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKQ.

Performance

NLR vs. ARKQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NLR achieves a -1.81% return, which is significantly lower than ARKQ's 12.86% return. Over the past 10 years, NLR has underperformed ARKQ with an annualized return of 12.80%, while ARKQ has yielded a comparatively higher 21.73% annualized return.

NLR

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -10.59%
• YTD: -1.81%
• 6M: -3.70%
• 1Y: 18.72%
• 3Y*: 29.88%
• 5Y*: 19.78%
• 10Y*: 12.80%

ARKQ

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -5.27%
• YTD: 12.86%
• 6M: 13.25%
• 1Y: 55.23%
• 3Y*: 32.57%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 21.73%

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

NLR vs. ARKQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-1.81%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	12.86%	48.81%	33.88%	40.70%	-46.75%	1.74%	107.20%	25.94%	-7.89%	52.26%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and ARKQ is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2014	0.47

Over the past year, NLR and ARKQ have become more correlated (0.75) than their long-term average of 0.47, meaning their price movements have been converging.

NLR vs. ARKQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NLR	ARKQ
Energy	46.0%	1.6%
Utilities	37.4%	1.1%
Industrials	15.1%	40.2%
Technology	1.5%	33.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	8.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	1.1%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NLR vs. ARKQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NLR

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

ARKQ

ARKQ Risk / Return Rank: 54
ARKQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
ARKQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
ARKQ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
ARKQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
ARKQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

NLR vs. ARKQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). 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.

	NLR	ARKQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	1.66	-1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	2.18	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.27	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.63	2.70	-2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.41	7.95	-6.54

NLR vs. ARKQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the ARKQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and ARKQ, 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

NLR vs. ARKQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than ARKQ's maximum drawdown of -59.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and ARKQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	ARKQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-59.89%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.72%	-20.58%	-9.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.48%	-30.76%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.48%	-55.71%	+25.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.35%	-59.89%	+25.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.81%	-10.02%	-15.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.70%	-17.22%	-18.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.33%	6.97%	+6.36%

Volatility

NLR vs. ARKQ - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a higher volatility of 13.73% compared to ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) at 12.70%. This indicates that NLR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ARKQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	ARKQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.73%	12.70%	+1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.75%	26.15%	+7.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.85%	33.54%	+9.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.56%	32.50%	-2.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.22%	29.98%	-5.76%

NLR vs. ARKQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKQ's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. ARKQ - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, more than ARKQ's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ARKQ ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.80%	0.86%	0.00%	2.86%	1.54%	0.00%	0.98%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.60%	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 NLR and ARKQ in my portfolio?

NLR and ARKQ have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NLR or ARKQ?

NLR has higher volatility (13.73%) compared to ARKQ (12.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs ARKQ's -59.89%.

Which ETF is better, NLR or ARKQ?

On 10-year performance, ARKQ leads with 21.73% vs 12.80% for NLR. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, ARKQ has been the lower-risk option at 12.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NLR or ARKQ?

Over the 10-year period, ARKQ has performed better with a 21.73% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NLR or ARKQ?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKQ.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 0.24% for ARKQ.

What is the main difference between NLR and ARKQ?

NLR is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while ARKQ is Robotics. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for NLR and 0.75% for ARKQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARKQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 0.44), 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.