ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
VanEck is known for offering specialized and thematic ETFs across diverse asset classes, including commodities, digital assets, and sector-specific investments. The firm's 22-fund lineup spans income-generating options, covered call strategies, and growth-focused equity funds, with popular tickers including GDX (gold miners), SMH (semiconductors), MOAT (competitive advantage stocks), and HODL (bitcoin). VanEck distinguishes itself through niche exposure areas such as digital assets, commodities, and thematic investing strategies, complemented by traditional bond and municipal bond offerings.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on NLR.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Global X is known for developing thematic and alternative investment ETFs with a strong emphasis on income-generating strategies. Their 37-fund lineup spans diverse categories including covered call funds, SuperDividend income products, digital assets, commodities, and sector-specific investments, alongside traditional bond and risk-managed income options. Notable tickers like DIV, MLPA, and BCCC reflect their specialization in high-yield and alternative income strategies, positioning them as a provider focused on investors seeking yield-oriented and thematically-driven exposure.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on URA.
Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index
Objective
Seeks to replicate the price and yield performance of the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index.
Seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index.
Asset class
Equity
Equity
Inception date
08/13/2007
11/04/2010
Beta
1.13
1.41
Last dividend
$3.1660
$2.0840
Ex-dividend date
12/22/2025
12/30/2025
Bottom lineChoose NLR if you want broad equity exposure. Choose URA if you want higher current income (5.07% vs 2.84% for NLR).
Most used
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
NLR has lagged URA over the trailing twelve months, posting a -0.92% total return against 7.14%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: URA has compounded at 14.93% a year, against 11.34% for NLR. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 23, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Nov 2010” measures every fund from November 5, 2010 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
NLR (VanEck Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF) and URA (Global X Uranium ETF) are both annual-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
URA offers the higher yield at 5.07% vs 2.84% for NLR. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
NLR is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.61% compared to 0.69%.
They track different benchmarks: NLR is linked to MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index while URA tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
URA is the larger fund by assets ($5.38B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Who should choose each?
Choose NLR
VanEck Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF
Want broad equity exposure.
Want to keep costs low — a 0.61% expense ratio vs 0.69% for URA.
Prefer lower volatility — a beta of 1.1 vs 1.4 for URA.
Choose URA
Global X Uranium ETF
Want higher current income — URA yields 5.07% vs 2.84% for NLR.
Want broad equity exposure.
Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.
Still deciding? Track NLR & URA for free
Create a free Dividend Vision account to keep them on a watchlist, get notified when they declare dividends, and see how much income they would add to your portfolio.
On a $10,000 investment, NLR would generate roughly $23.67/month, while URA would produce $42.25/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay annual distributions.
NLR yield2.84%
URA yield5.07%
Monthly diff on $10K$18.58
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, NLR would cost approximately $610 in fees vs $690 for URA (simplified, not compounded). The $80.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
NLR ER0.61%
URA ER0.69%
Strategy & risk
NLR tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index with a nuclear approach, while URA tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index with an energy approach. Beta is 1.13 for NLR and 1.41 for URA, indicating NLR is less volatile relative to the market.
NLR beta1.13
URA beta1.41
Fund details
NLR is managed by VanEck (launched 08/13/2007) with $3.74B in assets. URA is managed by Global X (launched 11/04/2010) with $5.38B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is NLR or URA better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. URA currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between NLR and URA?
NLR (VanEck Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF) tracks MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index with a nuclear approach, while URA (Global X Uranium ETF) tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index with an energy approach. They are issued by VanEck and Global X respectively.
Can I hold both NLR and URA?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, NLR or URA?
NLR has an expense ratio of 0.61% while URA charges 0.69%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in NLR vs URA generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in NLR would generate roughly $23.67 per month ($284.00 annually). The same in URA would produce about $42.25 per month ($507.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, NLR or URA?
NLR has lagged URA over the trailing twelve months, posting a -0.92% total return against 7.14%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: URA has compounded at 14.93% a year, against 11.34% for NLR. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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