PICK vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

PICK (iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PICK is a Materials fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PICK returned 17.70%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for NLR. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PICK charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

PICK vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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, PICK achieves a 26.76% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -1.81% return. Over the past 10 years, PICK has outperformed NLR with an annualized return of 17.70%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively lower 12.80% annualized return.

PICK

• 1D: 2.04%
• 1M: 3.45%
• YTD: 26.76%
• 6M: 32.91%
• 1Y: 79.94%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 11.31%
• 10Y*: 17.70%

NLR

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -5.96%
• YTD: -1.81%
• 6M: -3.70%
• 1Y: 19.00%
• 3Y*: 29.88%
• 5Y*: 19.78%
• 10Y*: 12.80%

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

PICK vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PICK iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF	26.76%	51.89%	-16.37%	9.69%	2.54%	22.61%	27.46%	16.47%	-18.65%	38.42%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-1.81%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between PICK and NLR is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.47

The correlation between PICK and NLR shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (all time) to 0.58 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PICK vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PICK	NLR
Basic Materials	96.0%	-
Industrials	3.1%	15.1%
Technology	0.9%	1.6%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Energy	0.0%	45.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	38.1%

Return for Risk

PICK vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PICK

PICK Risk / Return Rank: 85
PICK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PICK Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
PICK Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PICK Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PICK Martin Ratio Rank: 85

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 18
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 18
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

PICK vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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.

	PICK	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	0.44	+2.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	0.90	+2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.10	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.00	0.63	+3.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.40	1.41	+13.99

PICK vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PICK Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PICK 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

PICK vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PICK drawdown since its inception was -68.87%, which is greater than NLR's maximum drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PICK and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PICK	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.87%	-65.05%	-3.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.54%	-29.72%	+10.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.52%	-30.48%	-2.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.37%	-30.48%	-5.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.72%	-34.35%	-18.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.59%	-25.81%	+20.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.08%	-35.70%	+11.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.07%	13.33%	-8.26%

Volatility

PICK vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) and VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) have volatilities of 13.70% and 13.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PICK	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.70%	13.73%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.93%	33.75%	-7.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.74%	42.85%	-13.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.11%	29.56%	-1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.46%	24.22%	+4.24%

PICK vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PICK has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

PICK vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

PICK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than NLR's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.60%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
PICK iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF	2.27%	2.88%	3.26%	4.19%	6.93%	5.89%	2.27%	5.51%	4.77%	2.41%	1.15%	15.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PICK and NLR in my portfolio?

PICK and NLR have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PICK or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.73%) compared to PICK (13.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PICK dropped -68.87% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, PICK or NLR?

On 10-year performance, PICK leads with 17.70% vs 12.80% for NLR. On fees, PICK is cheaper at 0.39% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PICK or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, PICK has performed better with a 17.70% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PICK or NLR?

PICK is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 2.27% for PICK.

What is the main difference between PICK and NLR?

PICK is categorized as Materials, while NLR is Uranium. PICK tracks MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for PICK and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PICK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 0.44), 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.