CIBR vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CIBR is a Cybersecurity fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while ESPO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CIBR returned 13.58%/yr vs 5.49%/yr for ESPO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

CIBR vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIBR achieves a 19.63% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -15.10% return.

CIBR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 12.50%
• YTD: 19.63%
• 6M: 15.68%
• 1Y: 17.38%
• 3Y*: 24.30%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 17.88%

ESPO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -3.31%
• YTD: -15.10%
• 6M: -16.17%
• 1Y: -14.92%
• 3Y*: 16.96%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CIBR vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	19.63%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	28.52%	-10.50%
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-15.10%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.49%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and ESPO is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between CIBR and ESPO has dropped to 0.47 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

CIBR vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	ESPO
Technology	94.0%	8.2%
Industrials	3.5%	-
Communication Services	2.6%	78.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 21
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 19

ESPO

ESPO Risk / Return Rank: 4
ESPO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 5

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CIBR vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CIBR	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.69	-0.80	+1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	-1.02	+2.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	0.88	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	-0.54	+1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.86	-0.94	+2.80

CIBR vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 0.69, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR and ESPO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CIBR vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-50.99%	+17.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-27.81%	+5.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-27.81%	+5.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-48.33%	+14.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.53%	-27.19%	+17.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.66%	-15.06%	+6.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.38%	15.95%	-6.57%

Volatility

CIBR vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) has a higher volatility of 12.35% compared to VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.42%. This indicates that CIBR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESPO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIBR	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.35%	4.42%	+7.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.72%	14.67%	+7.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.16%	18.83%	+6.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.04%	25.10%	-0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.65%	25.71%	-2.06%

CIBR vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than ESPO's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.48%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.47%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and ESPO in my portfolio?

CIBR and ESPO have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or ESPO?

CIBR has higher volatility (12.35%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, CIBR leads with 13.58% vs 5.49% for ESPO. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, CIBR has performed better with a 13.58% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CIBR or ESPO?

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.48% for CIBR.

What is the main difference between CIBR and ESPO?

CIBR is categorized as Cybersecurity, while ESPO is Large Cap Growth Equities. CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CIBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs -0.80), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.