ESPO vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ESPO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 5.49%/yr vs 17.23%/yr for IAU. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

ESPO vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPO achieves a -15.10% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's -2.44% return.

ESPO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -2.74%
• YTD: -15.10%
• 6M: -16.17%
• 1Y: -14.01%
• 3Y*: 16.96%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

ESPO vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	4.60%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and IAU is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.16

ESPO vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	IAU
Communication Services	78.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.8%	-
Technology	8.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

ESPO vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). 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.

	ESPO	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	0.89	-1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.02	1.25	-2.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.19	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.54	0.99	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.94	2.83	-3.77

ESPO vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is lower than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and IAU, 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

ESPO vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-45.14%	-5.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.81%	-24.40%	-3.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.81%	-24.40%	-3.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-24.40%	-23.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.19%	-22.03%	-5.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.06%	-15.97%	+0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.95%	8.47%	+7.48%

Volatility

ESPO vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is 4.42%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that ESPO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPO	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	7.70%	-3.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.67%	23.94%	-9.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.83%	27.17%	-8.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.10%	18.16%	+6.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.71%	16.02%	+9.69%

ESPO vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and IAU in my portfolio?

ESPO and IAU have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESPO or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or IAU?

On 5-year performance, IAU leads with 17.23% vs 5.49% for ESPO. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% 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, ESPO or IAU?

Over the 5-year period, IAU has performed better with a 17.23% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESPO or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between ESPO and IAU?

ESPO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IAU is Gold. ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 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.