VDE vs. NLR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) and NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, while NLR is a Uranium fund tracking the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VDE returned 9.17%/yr vs 12.50%/yr for NLR. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VDE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for NLR.

Performance

VDE vs. NLR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) 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, VDE achieves a 22.66% return, which is significantly higher than NLR's -5.48% return. Over the past 10 years, VDE has underperformed NLR with an annualized return of 9.17%, while NLR has yielded a comparatively higher 12.50% annualized return.

VDE

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: -6.20%
• YTD: 22.66%
• 6M: 23.59%
• 1Y: 32.24%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: 18.47%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

NLR

• 1D: -1.72%
• 1M: -12.79%
• YTD: -5.48%
• 6M: -8.75%
• 1Y: 10.82%
• 3Y*: 29.67%
• 5Y*: 19.89%
• 10Y*: 12.50%

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

VDE vs. NLR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	22.66%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	-5.48%	56.50%	14.26%	36.67%	2.29%	13.63%	3.49%	0.20%	4.94%	8.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VDE and NLR is -0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2007	0.48

The correlation between VDE and NLR shifts across timeframes, from -0.01 (1 year) to 0.48 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VDE vs. NLR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDE	NLR
Energy	99.5%	45.3%
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Industrials	0.1%	15.1%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.6%
Utilities	-	38.1%

Return for Risk

VDE vs. NLR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 49
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 46

NLR

NLR Risk / Return Rank: 13
NLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
NLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
NLR Omega Ratio Rank: 13
NLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
NLR Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

VDE vs. NLR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) 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.

	VDE	NLR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	0.25	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	0.66	+1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.08	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	0.37	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.79	0.77	+6.02

VDE vs. NLR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is higher than the NLR Sharpe Ratio of 0.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDE 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

VDE vs. NLR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDE drawdown since its inception was -74.20%, which is greater than NLR's maximum drawdown of -65.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDE and NLR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDE	NLR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.20%	-65.05%	-9.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.20%	-29.72%	+15.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-30.48%	+9.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-30.48%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.29%	-34.35%	-34.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.22%	-28.58%	+15.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-35.68%	+15.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.76%	14.05%	-9.29%

Volatility

VDE vs. NLR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) is 6.96%, while VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) has a volatility of 13.33%. This indicates that VDE 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

	VDE	NLR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.96%	13.33%	-6.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.74%	32.82%	-16.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.70%	42.83%	-22.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.38%	29.66%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.93%	24.27%	+5.66%

VDE vs. NLR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than NLR's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDE vs. NLR - Dividend Comparison

VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than NLR's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NLR VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF	2.70%	2.55%	0.76%	4.54%	2.02%	1.99%	2.23%	2.21%	3.91%	4.86%	3.62%	3.30%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	3.25%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDE and NLR in my portfolio?

VDE and NLR have a correlation of -0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDE or NLR?

NLR has higher volatility (13.33%) compared to VDE (6.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDE dropped -74.20% vs NLR's -65.05%.

Which ETF is better, VDE or NLR?

On 10-year performance, NLR leads with 12.50% vs 9.17% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 6.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDE or NLR?

Over the 10-year period, NLR has performed better with a 12.50% return vs 9.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDE or NLR?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for NLR.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 2.70% for NLR.

What is the main difference between VDE and NLR?

VDE is categorized as Energy Equities, while NLR is Uranium. VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, while NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDE and 0.56% for NLR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 0.25), 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.