NLR vs QQQ
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NLR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.7B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.08% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -13.90% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.02% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.76% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.16% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NLR vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NLR returned +8.02% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, NLR is down 13.90% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, NLR compounded at +24.76% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.16% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 23.6% for NLR. 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 -65.0% for NLR and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NLR charges 0.52% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $18 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NLR currently yields 3.08% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NLR and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 126 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NLR | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 8.75% | 0.42% | 8.33% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NLR or QQQ?
NLR has an expense ratio of 0.52% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NLR or QQQ?
Over the past year NLR returned +8.02% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), NLR annualized +3.69% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NLR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.6% for NLR. Worst drawdown: NLR -65.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NLR and QQQ?
NLR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NLR and QQQ?
NLR and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NLR or QQQ?
NLR yields 3.08% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NLR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.