RAYS vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both Alternative Energy Equities funds - RAYS tracks the Solactive Solar Index while NLR tracks the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. RAYS charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

RAYS vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

RAYS vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-7.66%

RAYS vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	NLR
Technology	66.9%	1.5%
Industrials	21.4%	15.1%
Utilities	6.8%	37.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	46.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RAYS vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

RAYS vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RAYS	NLR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.18	—

Drawdowns

RAYS vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-65.05%	+65.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-25.80%	—
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	0.00%	-19.80%	+19.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-35.72%	+35.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	12.61%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	13.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	32.83%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	42.32%	-42.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	29.24%	-29.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	24.02%	-24.02%

RAYS vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

RAYS has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

RAYS vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

RAYS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while NLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear 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%
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, RAYS or NLR?

On fees, RAYS is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYS or NLR?

RAYS is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 0.00% for RAYS.

What is the main difference between RAYS and NLR?

RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RAYS and 0.56% for NLR.