NLR vs VOO
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NLR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -10.91% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.40% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.78% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.08% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NLR vs VOO Performance
VanEck Uranium & Nuclear ETF (NLR) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NLR returned +4.40% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, NLR is down 10.91% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, NLR compounded at +26.78% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.08% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NLR charges 0.52% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NLR currently yields 2.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NLR or VOO?
NLR has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NLR or VOO?
Over the past year NLR returned +4.40% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NLR annualized +3.88% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NLR or VOO?
NLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NLR -65.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NLR and VOO?
NLR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NLR and VOO?
NLR and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NLR or VOO?
NLR yields 2.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NLR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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