Which Is the Better Energy ETF for the AI Era: State Street's XLE or VanEck's Nuclear NLR?

This article from The Motley Fool compares two energy ETFs for the AI era: the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR). XLE offers low-cost exposure to traditional fossil fuel giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron, with a 0.08% expense ratio and a 2.6% yield. NLR provides niche exposure to the nuclear power ecosystem, including Constellation Energy and Cameco, with a 0.52% expense ratio and a 2.9% yield. Over the past year, XLE delivered extraordinary returns driven by Middle East conflict and rising oil prices, while NLR posted a loss due to uranium price pullbacks. The article highlights that strong long-term themes for nuclear power as an essential source for AI data centers may not translate into short-term returns, and advises investors to consider their risk tolerance and investment horizon.