PBD vs. NLR

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PBD (Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PBD is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PBD returned 7.40%/yr vs 11.16%/yr for NLR. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PBD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

PBD vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD) 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, PBD achieves a 13.98% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -11.85% return. Over the past 10 years, PBD has underperformed NLR with an annualized return of 7.40%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.16% annualized return.

PBD

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: -10.22%
• 6M: 7.07%
• YTD: 13.98%
• 1Y: 40.74%
• 3Y*: 0.01%
• 5Y*: -7.11%
• 10Y*: 7.40%

NLR

• 1D: -4.35%
• 1M: -10.23%
• 6M: -23.47%
• YTD: -11.85%
• 1Y: 3.73%
• 3Y*: 25.20%
• 5Y*: 18.61%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

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

PBD vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PBD Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF	13.98%	43.65%	-26.39%	-10.69%	-29.70%	-22.30%	145.46%	40.00%	-19.32%	28.72%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-11.85%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between PBD and NLR is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2007	0.58

The correlation between PBD and NLR shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (10 years) to 0.63 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PBD vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PBD	NLR
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	-
Energy	7.4%	48.0%
Industrials	6.2%	18.9%
Technology	3.6%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.3%
Financial Services	1.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	-
Utilities	0.9%	29.2%
Communication Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

PBD vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBD

PBD Risk / Return Rank: 57
PBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
PBD Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
PBD Martin Ratio Rank: 56

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 11
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 12
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

PBD vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD) 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.

	PBD	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	0.09	+1.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	0.43	+1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.05	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	0.11	+2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.68	0.24	+7.44

PBD vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBD Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBD 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

PBD vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBD drawdown since its inception was -78.60%, which is greater than NLR's maximum drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBD and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBD	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.60%	-65.05%	-13.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.47%	-33.39%	+14.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-52.45%	-33.39%	-19.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-69.15%	-33.39%	-35.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-75.40%	-34.35%	-41.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-49.81%	-33.39%	-16.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-53.34%	-35.67%	-17.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.32%	15.43%	-10.11%

Volatility

PBD vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF (PBD) is 9.24%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 10.55%. This indicates that PBD 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

	PBD	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.24%	10.55%	-1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.28%	32.50%	-12.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.48%	43.12%	-17.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.77%	29.81%	-1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.35%	24.37%	+2.98%

PBD vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBD vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

PBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, less than NLR's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.89%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
PBD Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF	1.67%	2.71%	1.81%	2.85%	2.98%	0.67%	0.48%	1.83%	1.86%	1.76%	2.04%	1.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBD and NLR in my portfolio?

PBD and NLR have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBD or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (10.55%) compared to PBD (9.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBD dropped -78.60% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, PBD or NLR?

On 10-year performance, NLR leads with 11.16% vs 7.40% for PBD. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, PBD has been the lower-risk option at 9.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBD or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, NLR has performed better with a 11.16% return vs 7.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBD or NLR?

NLR is cheaper with a 0.56% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PBD.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 1.67% for PBD.

What is the main difference between PBD and NLR?

PBD is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while NLR is Uranium. PBD tracks WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PBD and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 0.09), 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.