Which Is the Better Energy Sector ETF, VanEck's Nuclear-Focused NLR or First Trust's EMLP Targeting Energy Infrastructure?

The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEMKT:EMLP) provides exposure to energy midstream and utilities, while the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NYSEMKT:NLR) targets the nuclear power ecosystem and uranium miners. These two funds offer distinct pathways into the energy sector for income-oriented investors looking beyond traditional oil and gas producers. While the VanEck ETF concentrates on the specialized nuclear energy niche and uranium miners, the First Trust fund takes a broader infrastructure approach, focusing on the pipelines and utilities that move and distribute energy across North America.

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-year return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF is the more affordable option with an expense ratio of 0.52%. The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund offers a slightly higher payout, though the 0.11 percentage point yield gap between them is narrow. Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return) The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund holds 65 positions, primarily concentrated in energy (48%) and utilities (46%).

Its largest positions include Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD) at 8.82% and Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) at 7.72%. The fund incorporates an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) screen into its selection process to filter its universe of North American infrastructure companies. The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund has paid $1.21 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent ~$43.52 share price works out to a 2.8% yield.

The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF tracks the MVIS Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index and maintains a more concentrated portfolio of 29 holdings. It is heavily weighted toward energy (51%), utilities (35%), and industrials (13%). Top holdings include Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) at 8.67%, Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) at 7.95%, and Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG) at 6.45%.

This focus on the nuclear power ecosystem includes uranium miners as well as traditional utility generators. The fund launched in 2007. The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF has paid $3.17 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent ~$116.99 share price works out to a 2.7% yield.