ESPO vs. NERD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and NERD (Roundhill Video Games ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESPO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while NERD is a Gaming fund actively managed by Roundhill Investments. ESPO is passively managed, while NERD is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 5.49%/yr vs -8.51%/yr for NERD. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for NERD.

Performance

ESPO vs. NERD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD). 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 higher than NERD's -18.01% return.

ESPO

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

NERD

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -3.77%
• YTD: -18.01%
• 6M: -19.37%
• 1Y: -21.07%
• 3Y*: 9.13%
• 5Y*: -8.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

ESPO vs. NERD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-15.10%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	20.68%
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	-18.01%	23.14%	28.52%	12.94%	-43.30%	-17.57%	89.66%	8.14%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and NERD is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2019	0.87

The correlation between ESPO and NERD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESPO vs. NERD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	NERD
Technology	56.2%	4.6%
Communication Services	29.4%	90.2%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	4.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	1.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. NERD — 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

NERD

NERD Risk / Return Rank: 2
NERD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
NERD Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
NERD Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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. NERD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD). 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	NERD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	-1.09	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.02	-1.50	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	0.83	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.54	-0.69	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.94	-1.23	+0.29

ESPO vs. NERD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is comparable to the NERD Sharpe Ratio of -1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and NERD, 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. NERD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, smaller than the maximum NERD drawdown of -65.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and NERD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	NERD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-65.58%	+14.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.81%	-31.19%	+3.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.81%	-31.19%	+3.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-58.08%	+9.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.19%	-46.82%	+19.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.06%	-35.92%	+20.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.95%	17.50%	-1.55%

Volatility

ESPO vs. NERD - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) have volatilities of 4.42% and 4.21%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPO	NERD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.21%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.67%	15.00%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.83%	19.77%	-0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.10%	24.51%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.71%	25.49%	+0.22%

ESPO vs. NERD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than NERD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. NERD - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than NERD's 0.77% yield.

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%
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	0.77%	0.63%	1.74%	1.07%	0.69%	0.02%	1.05%	0.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and NERD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, ESPO and NERD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ESPO or NERD?

ESPO has higher volatility (4.42%) compared to NERD (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs NERD's -65.58%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or NERD?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 5.49% vs -8.51% for NERD. On fees, NERD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, NERD has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESPO or NERD?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 5.49% return vs -8.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESPO or NERD?

NERD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.77% for NERD.

What is the main difference between ESPO and NERD?

ESPO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while NERD is Gaming. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Roundhill Investments. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.50% for NERD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESPO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.80 vs -1.09), 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.