The global shift toward decarbonization and the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) have positioned nuclear energy as a critical component of the future energy mix.
For financial advisors, capturing this thematic shift has historically been a logistical challenge. The nuclear value chain is global. Key players are often listed on international exchanges that are difficult for U.S.-based investors to access.
Range Fund Holdings founder and CEO Tim Rotolo recently highlighted this issue in an interview, noting that even institutional investors frequently face barriers when attempting to trade on certain international markets.
“A lot of investors can’t invest in global stocks on non-U.S. exchanges,” Rotolo said. These restrictions can apply to major mining and energy hubs, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or markets in South Africa. This creates a significant inefficiency in the market for those seeking pure-play exposure, he said.
ETF Exposure to the Global Nuclear Energy Renaissance
The Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ ) was designed to provide a one-ticker solution on a U.S. exchange, Rotolo said. As of early 2026, the fund offers exposure to the full nuclear lifecycle. This includes advanced reactor developers, utilities, construction services, and fuel suppliers. This allows advisors to capture the secular growth of nuclear power. However, it bypasses the complexity of managing foreign currency conversions or international brokerage accounts.
The significant power requirements of AI data centers has further accelerated the timing of this infrastructure build-out. While the power theme was already a secular trend, Rotolo noted that the AI boom has provided an unexpected tailwind. Thus, transforming nuclear into a high-growth thematic staple. For example, major tech players like Microsoft and Meta have recently entered into long-term power purchase agreements with nuclear providers to secure 24/7 carbon-free baseload power.
NUKZ has captured this momentum effectively, with the fund returning around 60% over the trailing one-year period as of January 9. Furthermore, the ETF’s diversified basket of holdings, including industry leaders and emerging innovators in the small modular reactor (SMR) space, has driven this performance. By wrapping these global names into a domestic vehicle, NUKZ provides advisors with a highly liquid, transparent way to gain exposure to the nuclear renaissance.
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vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for NUKZ, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, NUKZ is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of NUKZ.
