NLR vs. NUKZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NLR returned 15.99% vs 28.33% for NUKZ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for NUKZ.

Performance

NLR vs. NUKZ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NLR achieves a -1.45% return, which is significantly lower than NUKZ's 9.01% return.

NLR

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: -6.46%
• YTD: -1.45%
• 6M: -4.74%
• 1Y: 15.99%
• 3Y*: 31.54%
• 5Y*: 21.03%
• 10Y*: 12.97%

NUKZ

• 1D: -2.63%
• 1M: -2.18%
• YTD: 9.01%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NLR vs. NUKZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-1.45%	56.50%	8.28%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	9.01%	56.57%	60.11%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and NUKZ is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.88

The correlation between NLR and NUKZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

NLR vs. NUKZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NLR	NUKZ
Energy	45.3%	11.8%
Utilities	38.1%	35.4%
Industrials	15.1%	46.5%
Technology	1.6%	1.6%
Basic Materials	-	4.7%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NLR vs. NUKZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 15
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 15
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 14

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 29
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 25
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. NUKZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ). 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	NUKZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.38	0.93	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	1.44	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.17	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.54	1.72	-1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.16	4.11	-2.95

NLR vs. NUKZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.38, which is lower than the NUKZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and NUKZ, 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. NUKZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than NUKZ's maximum drawdown of -33.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and NUKZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	NUKZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-33.03%	-32.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.72%	-16.51%	-13.21%
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	-25.53%	-9.20%	-16.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.68%	-6.08%	-29.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.83%	6.91%	+6.92%

Volatility

NLR vs. NUKZ - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a higher volatility of 13.59% compared to Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) at 10.93%. This indicates that NLR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NUKZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	NUKZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.59%	10.93%	+2.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.95%	23.18%	+9.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.81%	30.61%	+12.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.63%	32.89%	-3.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.26%	32.89%	-8.63%

NLR vs. NUKZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than NUKZ's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. NUKZ - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, more than NUKZ's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.59%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.84%	0.91%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NLR and NUKZ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NLR and NUKZ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NLR or NUKZ?

NLR has higher volatility (13.59%) compared to NUKZ (10.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs NUKZ's -33.03%.

Which ETF is better, NLR or NUKZ?

On 1-year performance, NUKZ leads with 28.33% vs 15.99% for NLR. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, NUKZ has been the lower-risk option at 10.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NLR or NUKZ?

Over the 1-year period, NUKZ has performed better with a 28.33% return vs 15.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NLR or NUKZ?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for NUKZ.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.84% for NUKZ.

What is the main difference between NLR and NUKZ?

NLR is categorized as Uranium, while NUKZ is Energy Equities. NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for NLR and 0.85% for NUKZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUKZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs 0.38), 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.