NLR vs. URNJ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and URNJ (Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF) are both Uranium funds - NLR tracks the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index while URNJ tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, NLR returned 30.47%/yr vs 18.72%/yr for URNJ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for URNJ.

Performance

NLR vs. URNJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NLR achieves a -3.82% return, which is significantly higher than URNJ's -5.32% return.

NLR

• 1D: -2.41%
• 1M: -8.71%
• YTD: -3.82%
• 6M: -7.14%
• 1Y: 10.28%
• 3Y*: 30.47%
• 5Y*: 20.31%
• 10Y*: 12.70%

URNJ

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: -11.33%
• YTD: -5.32%
• 6M: -8.62%
• 1Y: 24.73%
• 3Y*: 18.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NLR vs. URNJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-3.82%	56.50%	14.26%	27.35%
URNJ Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF	-5.32%	45.35%	-18.34%	18.66%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and URNJ 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2023	0.88

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

NLR vs. URNJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NLR	URNJ
Energy	45.3%	95.3%
Utilities	38.1%	-
Industrials	15.1%	-
Technology	1.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	4.7%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NLR vs. URNJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 13
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 13
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 12

URNJ

URNJ Risk / Return Rank: 17
URNJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
URNJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
URNJ Omega Ratio Rank: 18
URNJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
URNJ Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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. URNJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ). 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	URNJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	0.40	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.64	0.99	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.11	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	0.57	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.74	1.26	-0.52

NLR vs. URNJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the URNJ Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and URNJ, 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. URNJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than URNJ's maximum drawdown of -59.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and URNJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	URNJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-59.21%	-5.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.72%	-43.66%	+13.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.48%	-59.21%	+28.73%
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	-27.33%	-40.98%	+13.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.68%	-21.57%	-14.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.94%	19.64%	-5.70%

Volatility

NLR vs. URNJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) is 13.71%, while Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) has a volatility of 19.88%. This indicates that NLR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than URNJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	URNJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.71%	19.88%	-6.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.79%	46.49%	-13.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.87%	61.90%	-19.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.65%	53.67%	-24.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.27%	53.67%	-29.40%

NLR vs. URNJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is lower than URNJ's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. URNJ - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.65%, less than URNJ's 6.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.65%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
URNJ Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF	6.95%	6.58%	4.33%	4.03%	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 URNJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NLR and URNJ 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 URNJ?

URNJ has higher volatility (19.88%) compared to NLR (13.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs URNJ's -59.21%.

Which ETF is better, NLR or URNJ?

On 3-year performance, NLR leads with 30.47% vs 18.72% for URNJ. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, NLR has been the lower-risk option at 13.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NLR or URNJ?

Over the 3-year period, NLR has performed better with a 30.47% return vs 18.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NLR or URNJ?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for URNJ.

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

URNJ has the higher dividend yield at 6.95%, compared with 2.65% for NLR.

What is the main difference between NLR and URNJ?

NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while URNJ tracks Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for NLR and 0.80% for URNJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

URNJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 vs 0.24), 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.