NUKX vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

NUKX (Nicholas Nuclear Income ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKX is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Nicholas Wealth, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.14, they often move in opposite directions. NUKX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

NUKX vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Nuclear Income ETF (NUKX) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NUKX

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: -7.62%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: -6.59%
• YTD: 17.40%
• 6M: 17.10%
• 1Y: 28.26%
• 3Y*: 10.03%
• 5Y*: 7.50%
• 10Y*: 4.54%

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

NUKX vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NUKX Nicholas Nuclear Income ETF	-13.35%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	1.62%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKX and FAAR is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2026	-0.14

Return for Risk

NUKX vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUKX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 77
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

NUKX vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Nuclear Income ETF (NUKX) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	NUKX	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.15	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.71	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.66	—

Drawdowns

NUKX vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKX drawdown since its inception was -26.54%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKX and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKX	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.54%	-18.03%	-8.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.66%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.30%	-7.66%	-12.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.12%	-7.82%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.93%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NUKX	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.82%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.80%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	52.18%	13.30%	+38.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	52.18%	12.97%	+39.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	52.18%	11.55%	+40.63%

NUKX vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKX vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

NUKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.95%, less than FAAR's 9.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.80%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
NUKX Nicholas Nuclear Income ETF	4.95%	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 NUKX and FAAR in my portfolio?

NUKX and FAAR have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NUKX or FAAR?

On fees, FAAR is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKX or FAAR?

FAAR is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for NUKX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUKX or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.80%, compared with 4.95% for NUKX.

What is the main difference between NUKX and FAAR?

NUKX is categorized as Derivative Income, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Nicholas Wealth and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for NUKX and 0.95% for FAAR.