NLR vs. PKSFX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and PKSFX (Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund) are both funds - NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while PKSFX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Virtus. Over the past 10 years, NLR returned 12.80%/yr vs 15.02%/yr for PKSFX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for PKSFX.

Performance

NLR vs. PKSFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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 PKSFX's 5.24% return. Over the past 10 years, NLR has underperformed PKSFX with an annualized return of 12.80%, while PKSFX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.02% 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%

PKSFX

• 1D: 1.99%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: 6.22%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 15.02%

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

NLR vs. PKSFX - 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%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	5.24%	-2.58%	13.67%	32.32%	-10.77%	19.03%	21.38%	40.21%	-1.99%	34.98%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and PKSFX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2007	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between NLR and PKSFX has dropped to 0.26 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

NLR vs. PKSFX — 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

PKSFX

PKSFX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PKSFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PKSFX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PKSFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PKSFX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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. PKSFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX). 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	PKSFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	0.40	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	0.71	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.08	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.63	0.55	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.41	1.12	+0.29

NLR vs. PKSFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is comparable to the PKSFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and PKSFX, 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. PKSFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than PKSFX's maximum drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and PKSFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	PKSFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-54.46%	-10.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.72%	-11.19%	-18.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.48%	-21.82%	-8.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.48%	-22.02%	-8.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.35%	-33.45%	-0.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.81%	-6.12%	-19.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.70%	-7.17%	-28.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.33%	5.48%	+7.85%

Volatility

NLR vs. PKSFX - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a higher volatility of 13.73% compared to Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund (PKSFX) at 4.40%. This indicates that NLR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PKSFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	PKSFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.73%	4.40%	+9.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.75%	11.32%	+22.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.85%	15.57%	+27.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.56%	17.98%	+11.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.22%	18.83%	+5.39%

NLR vs. PKSFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than PKSFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. PKSFX - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, less than PKSFX's 13.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
PKSFX Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund	13.59%	14.30%	4.07%	4.12%	6.65%	12.05%	7.45%	4.03%	4.33%	0.17%	5.69%	19.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NLR and PKSFX in my portfolio?

NLR and PKSFX have a correlation of 0.26, 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 PKSFX?

NLR has higher volatility (13.73%) compared to PKSFX (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs PKSFX's -54.46%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NLR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs 0.40), 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.