Artificial intelligence and the subsequent data center boom are the primary contributors to the nuclear energy renaissance and investors' newfound enthusiasm for nuclear equities and ETFs. Those ETFs include the ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF).
Small nuclear reactors may be small in size, but the market for these generators of nuclear power is anything but diminutive. That's good news for a variety of stocks and ETFs.
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).
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.
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.