PUI vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PUI (Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF) and NLR (VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PUI is a Momentum fund tracking the DWA Utilities Technical Leaders Index, while NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the DAXglobal Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PUI returned 8.33%/yr vs 13.66%/yr for NLR. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PUI vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF (PUI) and VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (NLR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with PUI having a 6.30% return and NLR slightly lower at 6.14%. Over the past 10 years, PUI has underperformed NLR with an annualized return of 8.33%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively higher 13.66% annualized return.

PUI

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -4.33%
• YTD: 6.30%
• 6M: 3.12%
• 1Y: 11.74%
• 3Y*: 15.24%
• 5Y*: 8.55%
• 10Y*: 8.33%

NLR

• 1D: -4.59%
• 1M: -8.11%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 6M: 1.51%
• 1Y: 36.84%
• 3Y*: 35.11%
• 5Y*: 21.94%
• 10Y*: 13.66%

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

PUI vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PUI Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF	6.30%	15.25%	23.91%	-4.47%	-2.17%	15.02%	-5.05%	20.95%	6.12%	11.85%
NLR VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF	6.14%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between PUI and NLR is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 16, 2007	0.57

The correlation between PUI and NLR shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (3 years) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PUI vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PUI	NLR
Utilities	77.6%	37.4%
Energy	10.5%	46.0%
Industrials	9.8%	15.1%
Communication Services	2.1%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

PUI vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PUI

PUI Risk / Return Rank: 22
PUI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
PUI Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
PUI Omega Ratio Rank: 21
PUI Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
PUI Martin Ratio Rank: 21

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 25
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 24
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

PUI vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF (PUI) and VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy 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.

	PUI	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	0.88	-0.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	1.43	-0.28
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.17	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.07	1.43	-0.37
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.48	2.93	-0.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PUI vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PUI Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is comparable to the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PUI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PUI	NLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79	0.88	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	0.75	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44	0.57	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.18	+0.27

Drawdowns

PUI vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PUI drawdown since its inception was -43.20%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PUI and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PUI	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.20%	-65.05%	+21.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.07%	-25.80%	+14.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.28%	-30.48%	+15.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.47%	-30.48%	+7.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-34.35%	-1.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.33%	-19.80%	+14.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.46%	-35.72%	+27.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.76%	12.61%	-7.85%

Volatility

PUI vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF (PUI) is 5.31%, while VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.18%. This indicates that PUI 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

	PUI	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.31%	13.18%	-7.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	32.83%	-21.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	42.32%	-27.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.67%	29.24%	-12.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.07%	24.02%	-4.95%

PUI vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PUI and NLR have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PUI vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

PUI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, less than NLR's 2.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF	2.40%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
PUI Invesco DWA Utilities Momentum ETF	2.11%	2.22%	2.06%	2.36%	2.16%	2.03%	2.42%	2.02%	1.87%	2.98%	3.35%	2.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PUI and NLR in my portfolio?

PUI and NLR have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PUI or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.18%) compared to PUI (5.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PUI dropped -43.20% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, PUI or NLR?

On 10-year performance, NLR leads with 13.66% vs 8.33% for PUI. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, PUI has been the lower-risk option at 5.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PUI or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, NLR has performed better with a 13.66% return vs 8.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PUI or NLR?

PUI and NLR have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 2.11% for PUI.

What is the main difference between PUI and NLR?

PUI is categorized as Momentum, while NLR is Alternative Energy Equities. PUI tracks DWA Utilities Technical Leaders Index, while NLR tracks DAXglobal Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NLR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.79), 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.