UFO vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

UFO (Procure Space ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UFO is a Global Equities fund tracking the S-Network Space Index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, UFO returned 13.50%/yr vs 19.78%/yr for NLR. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UFO charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

UFO vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Procure Space ETF (UFO) 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, UFO achieves a 36.92% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -1.81% return.

UFO

• 1D: -6.99%
• 1M: -5.92%
• YTD: 36.92%
• 6M: 37.68%
• 1Y: 105.58%
• 3Y*: 41.51%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: —

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)

UFO vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
UFO Procure Space ETF	36.92%	67.36%	27.22%	-2.34%	-25.85%	7.17%	-2.15%	5.66%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-1.81%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	-3.55%

Correlation

The correlation between UFO and NLR is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2019	0.56

The correlation between UFO and NLR shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (3 years) to 0.66 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

UFO vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UFO	NLR
Industrials	45.8%	15.1%
Technology	27.8%	1.6%
Communication Services	24.5%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	45.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	38.1%

Return for Risk

UFO vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

UFO

UFO Risk / Return Rank: 83
UFO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
UFO Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
UFO Omega Ratio Rank: 73
UFO Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
UFO Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

UFO vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Procure Space ETF (UFO) 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.

	UFO	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	0.44	+2.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	0.90	+2.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.10	+0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.58	0.63	+3.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.05	1.41	+12.64

UFO vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UFO Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UFO 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

UFO vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UFO drawdown since its inception was -50.33%, smaller than the maximum NLR drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UFO and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	UFO	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.33%	-65.05%	+14.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.94%	-29.72%	+6.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-30.48%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.33%	-30.48%	-19.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.95%	-25.81%	+3.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.80%	-35.70%	+13.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.46%	13.33%	-5.87%

Volatility

UFO vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

Procure Space ETF (UFO) has a higher volatility of 20.43% compared to VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) at 13.73%. This indicates that UFO'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

	UFO	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.43%	13.73%	+6.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.11%	33.75%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.69%	42.85%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.59%	29.56%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.16%	24.22%	+6.94%

UFO vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

UFO vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

UFO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, 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%
UFO Procure Space ETF	0.31%	0.46%	1.98%	1.90%	3.19%	1.00%	1.07%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UFO and NLR in my portfolio?

UFO and NLR have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UFO or NLR?

UFO has higher volatility (20.43%) compared to NLR (13.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UFO dropped -50.33% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, UFO or NLR?

On 5-year performance, NLR leads with 19.78% vs 13.50% for UFO. On fees, NLR is cheaper at 0.56% per year. On volatility, NLR has been the lower-risk option at 13.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UFO or NLR?

Over the 5-year period, NLR has performed better with a 19.78% return vs 13.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UFO or NLR?

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

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

NLR has the higher dividend yield at 2.60%, compared with 0.31% for UFO.

What is the main difference between UFO and NLR?

UFO is categorized as Global Equities, while NLR is Uranium. UFO tracks S-Network Space Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: ProcureAM and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for UFO and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UFO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 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.