A new article from The Globe and Mail compares two popular ETFs for investors betting on the global shift to carbon-free electricity: the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) and the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR). The piece breaks down their expense ratios, dividend yields, historical returns, and holdings. ICLN offers broader exposure to solar, wind, and hydrogen at a lower cost, while NLR focuses on the nuclear supply chain from uranium mining to reactor construction and has delivered higher total returns over the past five years. The article notes that both funds target the decarbonization of the power grid but diverge in technology and risk profile. NLR has shown lower volatility and a higher dividend yield, while ICLN has underperformed recently due to raw material costs, high interest rates, and policy shifts. The piece is useful for anyone weighing nuclear versus renewables in their portfolio as electricity demand surges from AI data centers and electrification.
