VGZ vs. URA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VGZ (Vista Gold Corp.) is a stock, while URA (Global X Uranium ETF) is Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. Over the past 10 years, VGZ returned 7.84%/yr vs 15.90%/yr for URA. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VGZ vs. URA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGZ achieves a 18.78% return, which is significantly higher than URA's 6.53% return. Over the past 10 years, VGZ has underperformed URA with an annualized return of 7.84%, while URA has yielded a comparatively higher 15.90% annualized return.

VGZ

• 1D: 6.36%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 18.78%
• 6M: -0.85%
• 1Y: 134.16%
• 3Y*: 63.73%
• 5Y*: 14.48%
• 10Y*: 7.84%

URA

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -14.61%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 3.57%
• 1Y: 32.44%
• 3Y*: 32.17%
• 5Y*: 18.77%
• 10Y*: 15.90%

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

VGZ vs. URA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGZ Vista Gold Corp.	18.78%	253.05%	23.48%	-8.73%	-30.22%	-34.31%	48.97%	38.10%	-25.00%	-26.77%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	6.53%	67.18%	-0.58%	46.25%	-11.32%	57.57%	41.33%	-3.54%	-22.11%	19.36%

Correlation

The correlation between VGZ and URA is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2010	0.25

The correlation between VGZ and URA shifts across timeframes, from 0.25 (all time) to 0.42 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGZ vs. URA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGZ

VGZ Risk / Return Rank: 83
VGZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VGZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VGZ Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VGZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VGZ Martin Ratio Rank: 82

URA

URA Risk / Return Rank: 23
URA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
URA Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
URA Omega Ratio Rank: 23
URA Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
URA Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

VGZ vs. URA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA). 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.

	VGZ	URA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	0.64	+1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	1.21	+1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.14	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.04	+2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.86	2.30	+4.55

VGZ vs. URA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is higher than the URA Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGZ and URA, 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

VGZ vs. URA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGZ drawdown since its inception was -99.06%, which is greater than URA's maximum drawdown of -93.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGZ and URA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGZ	URA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.06%	-93.54%	-5.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-42.30%	-31.48%	-10.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-46.23%	-37.81%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-78.19%	-37.90%	-40.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-85.10%	-61.45%	-23.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-82.31%	-48.34%	-33.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.36%	-74.94%	+4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.65%	14.12%	+5.53%

Volatility

VGZ vs. URA - Volatility Comparison

Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) and Global X Uranium ETF (URA) have volatilities of 16.84% and 17.69%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGZ	URA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.84%	17.69%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	64.35%	39.95%	+24.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	81.23%	51.24%	+29.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	65.80%	43.96%	+21.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	66.60%	37.91%	+28.69%

Dividends

VGZ vs. URA - Dividend Comparison

VGZ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while URA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
URA Global X Uranium ETF	4.58%	4.88%	2.86%	6.07%	0.76%	5.84%	1.69%	1.66%	0.44%	2.03%	7.28%	1.96%
VGZ Vista Gold Corp.	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

Can I hold both VGZ and URA in my portfolio?

VGZ and URA have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGZ or URA?

URA has higher volatility (17.69%) compared to VGZ (16.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGZ dropped -99.06% vs URA's -93.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 0.64), 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.