VanEck Uranium + Nuclear Energy ETF

NLR

Valor de mercado US$ 3,22 bi

Google and Constellation's 3.59-GW nuclear deal signals a long-term industry shift, putting nuclear ETFs in focus as AI drives demand for reliable power.

The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF carries a greater expense ratio but offers a higher trailing dividend yield than the State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration and Production ETF. The State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration and Production ETF is nearly entirely focused on the energy sector, while the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF maintains a 29% allocation to utilities.

As advisors consider tax-loss harvesting, nuclear energy ETFs are a good place to start. With nuclear energy ETFs down in recent months after a strong start to the year, investors can sell current positions to harvest losses and enhance exposure to the space.

AI data centers are driving a power-demand surge, reviving nuclear energy, while nuclear ETFs offer diversified exposure to the industry.

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF is rated Buy, targeting an 8% to 15% total return over 6–12 months. NLR benefits from both uranium fundamentals and new catalysts like the U.S. Army's Janus microreactor program, with direct exposure via BWXT. The fund's balanced exposure—53% Energy, 29% Utilities, 18% Industrials—offers upside from uranium pricing and reactor deployment progress.

If you're investing in AI in 2026 and you either want to start afresh or shift holdings, it's a good idea not to throw your money at the first thing that catches your eye.

Uranium equities have given back roughly a third of their value since last year's highs, even as hyperscaler power contracts, small modular reactor announcements, and utility load forecasts continue to point in one direction.

Oklo has recently achieved a crucial milestone in the development of small modular reactors for nuclear energy. The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF holds about 4.4% of its assets in Oklo stock.

The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund carries a significantly higher expense ratio of 0.95% compared to the 0.52% fee for the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF. The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF has delivered higher total returns over the last five years, though the First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund showed much lower price volatility.

Looking beyond oil to a diversified mix of energy themes could offer more durable opportunities. Here are the ETFs to consider.