SOXQ vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXQ is a Semiconductors fund tracking the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while NLR is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXQ returned 33.82%/yr vs 19.58%/yr for NLR. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SOXQ charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

SOXQ vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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, SOXQ achieves a 86.16% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -2.62% return.

SOXQ

• 1D: 7.93%
• 1M: 12.42%
• YTD: 86.16%
• 6M: 77.88%
• 1Y: 153.11%
• 3Y*: 54.47%
• 5Y*: 33.82%
• 10Y*: —

NLR

• 1D: 4.69%
• 1M: -13.55%
• YTD: -2.62%
• 6M: -10.27%
• 1Y: 17.88%
• 3Y*: 29.43%
• 5Y*: 19.58%
• 10Y*: 12.59%

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

SOXQ vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	86.16%	43.11%	20.16%	66.74%	-35.59%	25.19%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-2.62%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXQ and NLR is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.48

The correlation between SOXQ and NLR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXQ vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXQ	NLR
Technology	100.0%	1.5%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	46.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	15.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	37.4%

Return for Risk

SOXQ vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXQ

SOXQ Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 97

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 18
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 19
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
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.

SOXQ vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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.

	SOXQ	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.19	0.42	+3.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.20	0.87	+3.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.10	+0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.88	0.60	+9.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.94	1.36	+34.58

SOXQ vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXQ Sharpe Ratio is 4.19, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXQ 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

SOXQ vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXQ drawdown since its inception was -46.01%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXQ and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXQ	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.01%	-65.05%	+19.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.59%	-29.72%	+14.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.36%	-30.48%	-8.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.01%	-30.48%	-15.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.37%	-26.42%	+21.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.92%	-35.70%	+22.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.28%	13.23%	-8.95%

Volatility

SOXQ vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) has a higher volatility of 18.87% compared to VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) at 13.79%. This indicates that SOXQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NLR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXQ	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.87%	13.79%	+5.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.66%	33.75%	-3.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.78%	43.23%	-6.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.90%	29.57%	+7.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.88%	24.22%	+12.66%

SOXQ vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXQ has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXQ vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

SOXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than NLR's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.62%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	0.27%	0.50%	0.68%	0.87%	1.36%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXQ and NLR in my portfolio?

SOXQ and NLR have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXQ or NLR?

SOXQ has higher volatility (18.87%) compared to NLR (13.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXQ dropped -46.01% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, SOXQ or NLR?

On 5-year performance, SOXQ leads with 33.82% vs 19.58% for NLR. On fees, SOXQ is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, NLR has been the lower-risk option at 13.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXQ or NLR?

Over the 5-year period, SOXQ has performed better with a 33.82% return vs 19.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXQ or NLR?

SOXQ is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 0.27% for SOXQ.

What is the main difference between SOXQ and NLR?

SOXQ is categorized as Semiconductors, while NLR is Alternative Energy Equities. SOXQ tracks PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for SOXQ and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.19 vs 0.42), 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.