ALPS Nautilus SMR Nuclear & Technology ETF

SMRF

Market cap $11.8M

Nuclear energy stocks and ETFs such as the ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) are garnering increased attention (and delivering for investors). That's due in large part to the energy source's relationship with artificial intelligence (AI).

Semiconductors and software have largely overshadowed the electrification ETF trade. Paul Baiocchi, head of fund sales and strategy at SS&C ALPS Advisors, says most investors are missing the sectors that actually power the AI buildout.

While 2025 was dominated by GPU makers and semiconductor stocks, 2026 is revealing a different infrastructure challenge: AI data centers require massive, reliable, 24/7 power that the current U.S. grid is unprepared to deliver, according to ALPS Q2 2026 Market Themes to Watch.

The ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) has returned 21.3% since the end of March, making it a top performer among ALPS funds as AI infrastructure spending accelerated. Key Takeaways: SMRF topped ALPS funds with a 21.3% return as Astera Labs surged 77% on AI chip demand.

Thematic investing has returned to the spotlight, but investors are moving beyond direct AI plays to focus on electrification infrastructure needed to power data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) growth. Key Takeaways: ELFI provides broad electrification exposure through utilities, uranium, copper, and two other sectors with equal weighting.

The ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) replaced Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) with Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) during its March rebalancing, signaling a shift in how the month-old nuclear ETF approaches its technology sleeve.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant energy demands and nuclear power is ready to oblige. Nuclear is carbon-free, dependable and inexpensive once plants come online.

The ETF ecosystem welcomed more than 50 new launches in February according to ETF Database data. The February 2026 crop of funds, with inception dates between February 1 and 28, added to the burgeoning income and nuclear ETF segments, for example.