NUKZ vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NUKZ returned 33.52% vs 21.54% for NLR. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NUKZ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

NUKZ vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUKZ achieves a 12.52% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's 2.21% return.

NUKZ

• 1D: 2.00%
• 1M: 2.29%
• YTD: 12.52%
• 6M: 10.53%
• 1Y: 33.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NLR

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: -2.32%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 6M: -0.07%
• 1Y: 21.54%
• 3Y*: 31.29%
• 5Y*: 21.86%
• 10Y*: 13.27%

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

NUKZ vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	12.52%	56.57%	60.11%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.21%	56.50%	8.28%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKZ and NLR 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.88

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

NUKZ vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUKZ	NLR
Industrials	46.5%	15.1%
Utilities	35.4%	38.1%
Energy	11.8%	45.3%
Basic Materials	4.7%	-
Technology	1.6%	1.6%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NUKZ vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 33
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 33

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 16
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 16
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
NLR 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.

NUKZ vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR). 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	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	0.46	+0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	0.92	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.11	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	0.66	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.72	1.43	+3.29

NUKZ vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUKZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUKZ and NLR, 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. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKZ drawdown since its inception was -33.03%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKZ and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKZ	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.03%	-65.05%	+32.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-29.72%	+13.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.48%	—
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	-6.27%	-22.77%	+16.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.07%	-35.69%	+29.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.87%	13.65%	-6.78%

Volatility

NUKZ vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) is 10.89%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.68%. This indicates that NUKZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUKZ	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.89%	13.68%	-2.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.28%	33.16%	-9.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.50%	42.76%	-12.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.89%	29.60%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.89%	24.25%	+8.64%

NUKZ vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKZ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKZ vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

NUKZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.81%, less than NLR's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.49%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.81%	0.91%	0.09%	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 NUKZ and NLR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, NUKZ and NLR 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, NUKZ or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.68%) compared to NUKZ (10.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUKZ dropped -33.03% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, NUKZ or NLR?

On 1-year performance, NUKZ leads with 33.52% vs 21.54% for NLR. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, NUKZ has been the lower-risk option at 10.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUKZ or NLR?

Over the 1-year period, NUKZ has performed better with a 33.52% return vs 21.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKZ or NLR?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for NUKZ.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 0.81% for NUKZ.

What is the main difference between NUKZ and NLR?

NUKZ is categorized as Energy Equities, while NLR is Uranium. NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for NUKZ and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUKZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 0.46), 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.