NLR vs. XLB

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NLR returned 10.66%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for XLB. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NLR charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

NLR vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NLR achieves a -15.40% return, which is significantly lower than XLB's 11.23% return. Over the past 10 years, NLR has outperformed XLB with an annualized return of 10.66%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively lower 9.64% annualized return.

NLR

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -17.23%
• 6M: -29.26%
• YTD: -15.40%
• 1Y: -8.06%
• 3Y*: 23.46%
• 5Y*: 17.81%
• 10Y*: 10.66%
• ALL TIME*: 3.20%

XLB

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -3.07%
• 6M: 3.62%
• YTD: 11.23%
• 1Y: 12.93%
• 3Y*: 8.17%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: 9.64%
• ALL TIME*: 8.27%

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

NLR vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-15.40%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	11.23%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between NLR and XLB is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2007	0.57

The correlation between NLR and XLB shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NLR vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NLR	XLB
Energy	48.2%	-
Utilities	26.2%	-
Industrials	21.8%	1.5%
Basic Materials	2.3%	84.6%
Technology	1.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	15.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NLR vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

NLR

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

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 25
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
XLB 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. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.19	0.74	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	1.15	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.14	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.22	1.05	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.50	3.08	-3.58

NLR vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NLR Sharpe Ratio is -0.19, which is lower than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NLR and XLB, 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. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NLR drawdown since its inception was -65.05%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NLR and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	NLR	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.05%	-59.83%	-5.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.61%	-12.38%	-24.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.61%	-23.17%	-13.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.61%	-24.72%	-11.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.61%	-37.27%	+0.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.08%	-5.93%	-30.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.67%	-10.81%	-24.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.20%	4.20%	+12.00%

Volatility

NLR vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a higher volatility of 9.51% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 4.95%. This indicates that NLR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NLR	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.51%	4.95%	+4.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.62%	13.74%	+18.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.18%	17.58%	+25.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.88%	19.03%	+10.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.43%	20.64%	+3.79%

NLR vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

NLR has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

NLR vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, more than XLB's 1.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	3.01%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.70%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NLR and XLB in my portfolio?

NLR and XLB have a correlation of 0.38, 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 XLB?

NLR has higher volatility (9.51%) compared to XLB (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NLR dropped -65.05% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, NLR or XLB?

On 10-year performance, NLR leads with 10.66% vs 9.64% for XLB. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NLR or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, NLR has performed better with a 10.66% return vs 9.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NLR or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 3.01%, compared with 1.70% for XLB.

What is the main difference between NLR and XLB?

NLR is categorized as Uranium, while XLB is Materials. NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for NLR and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 vs -0.19), 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.