IVV vs NLR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NLR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $3.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 3.08% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | -13.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +1.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +24.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +19.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 23.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -65.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 13, 2007 |
IVV vs NLR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while NLR returned +1.42%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a loss of 13.97% for NLR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.10% per year against +24.77% for NLR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +19.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +3.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -65.0% for NLR. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NLR charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $52 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 3.08% for NLR.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NLR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NLR charges 0.52%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NLR?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +1.42% for NLR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +3.68% for NLR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NLR?
NLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NLR -65.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and NLR?
IVV and NLR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NLR?
IVV and NLR share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NLR?
IVV yields 1.10% while NLR yields 3.08%, so NLR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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