NLR vs SPY
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NLR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -10.91% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.92% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.81% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NLR vs SPY Performance
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NLR returned +1.92% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, NLR is down 10.91% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, NLR compounded at +26.81% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +20.15% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NLR charges 0.52% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $9 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NLR currently yields 2.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NLR or SPY?
NLR has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NLR or SPY?
Over the past year NLR returned +1.92% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), NLR annualized +3.88% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NLR or SPY?
NLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NLR -65.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NLR and SPY?
NLR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NLR and SPY?
NLR and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NLR or SPY?
NLR yields 2.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, 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.