NLR vs. HODL

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and HODL (VanEck Bitcoin Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while HODL is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NLR returned 2.30% vs -46.18% for HODL. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for HODL.

Performance

NLR vs. HODL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NLR achieves a -10.33% return, which is significantly higher than HODL's -26.16% return.

NLR

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -8.68%
• 6M: -20.92%
• YTD: -10.33%
• 1Y: 2.30%
• 3Y*: 25.92%
• 5Y*: 18.96%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

HODL

• 1D: 3.81%
• 1M: 1.61%
• 6M: -31.66%
• YTD: -26.16%
• 1Y: -46.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NLR vs. HODL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-10.33%	56.50%	10.04%
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	-26.16%	-6.42%	91.50%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and HODL is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.35

Return for Risk

NLR vs. HODL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 11
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 11
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 10

HODL

HODL Risk / Return Rank: 2
HODL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
HODL Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
HODL Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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. HODL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL). 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	HODL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	-1.05	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	-1.58	+1.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	0.83	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.07	-0.87	+0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.15	-1.41	+1.56

NLR vs. HODL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is higher than the HODL Sharpe Ratio of -1.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and HODL, 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. HODL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than HODL's maximum drawdown of -53.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and HODL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	HODL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-53.20%	-11.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.39%	-53.20%	+19.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.24%	-48.55%	+16.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.67%	-17.54%	-18.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.56%	32.76%	-17.20%

Volatility

NLR vs. HODL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) is 9.50%, while VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) has a volatility of 11.76%. This indicates that NLR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HODL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	HODL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.50%	11.76%	-2.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.51%	34.96%	-2.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.06%	44.31%	-1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.82%	49.66%	-19.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.38%	49.66%	-25.28%

NLR vs. HODL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than HODL's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. HODL - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, while HODL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HODL VanEck Bitcoin Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.84%	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 HODL in my portfolio?

NLR and HODL have a correlation of 0.42, 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 HODL?

HODL has higher volatility (11.76%) compared to NLR (9.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs HODL's -53.20%.

Which ETF is better, NLR or HODL?

On 1-year performance, NLR leads with 2.30% vs -46.18% for HODL. On fees, HODL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, NLR has been the lower-risk option at 9.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NLR or HODL?

Over the 1-year period, NLR has performed better with a 2.30% return vs -46.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NLR or HODL?

HODL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 0.00% for HODL.

What is the main difference between NLR and HODL?

NLR is categorized as Uranium, while HODL is Cryptocurrency. NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while HODL tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for NLR and 0.25% for HODL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NLR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.05 vs -1.05), 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.