NUKZ vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NUKZ returned 28.77% vs 22.32% for IAU. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUKZ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

NUKZ vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUKZ achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return.

NUKZ

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: -4.67%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 28.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

NUKZ vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	7.57%	56.57%	60.11%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	28.97%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKZ and IAU is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.29

NUKZ vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUKZ	IAU
Industrials	45.9%	-
Utilities	35.8%	-
Energy	12.9%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	-
Technology	1.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

NUKZ vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 31
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

NUKZ vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). 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.

	NUKZ	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	0.89	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.25	+0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.19	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	0.99	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	2.83	+1.28

NUKZ vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUKZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUKZ and IAU, 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

NUKZ vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKZ drawdown since its inception was -33.03%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKZ and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKZ	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.03%	-45.14%	+12.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-24.40%	+7.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.40%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.39%	-22.03%	+11.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-15.97%	+9.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.80%	8.47%	-1.67%

Volatility

NUKZ vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) has a higher volatility of 11.24% compared to iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 7.70%. This indicates that NUKZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUKZ	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.24%	7.70%	+3.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.34%	23.94%	-0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.46%	27.17%	+3.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.94%	18.16%	+14.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.94%	16.02%	+16.92%

NUKZ vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKZ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKZ vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

NUKZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.85%	0.91%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUKZ and IAU in my portfolio?

NUKZ and IAU have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUKZ or IAU?

NUKZ has higher volatility (11.24%) compared to IAU (7.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUKZ dropped -33.03% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, NUKZ or IAU?

On 1-year performance, NUKZ leads with 28.77% vs 22.32% for IAU. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 7.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUKZ or IAU?

Over the 1-year period, NUKZ has performed better with a 28.77% return vs 22.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKZ or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for NUKZ.

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

NUKZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between NUKZ and IAU?

NUKZ is categorized as Energy Equities, while IAU is Gold. NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for NUKZ and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUKZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 vs 0.89), 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.