ESPO vs. PPA

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESPO is a Gaming fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while PPA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the SPADE Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 7.15%/yr vs 18.29%/yr for PPA. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for PPA.

Performance

ESPO vs. PPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPO achieves a -11.58% return, which is significantly lower than PPA's 7.26% return.

ESPO

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.78%
• 6M: -13.33%
• YTD: -11.58%
• 1Y: -14.95%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 7.15%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.24%

PPA

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -4.19%
• 6M: -7.09%
• YTD: 7.26%
• 1Y: 14.99%
• 3Y*: 26.30%
• 5Y*: 18.29%
• 10Y*: 16.89%
• ALL TIME*: 13.42%

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

ESPO vs. PPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-11.58%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.49%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	7.26%	37.15%	25.28%	18.41%	9.52%	7.09%	0.45%	39.63%	-16.70%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and PPA is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.44

ESPO vs. PPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	PPA
Communication Services	77.7%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	0.3%
Technology	8.1%	10.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	89.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. PPA — 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: 3
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 6

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 27
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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. PPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). 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	PPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	0.74	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.04	1.21	-2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.14	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.51	1.10	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.84	2.87	-3.71

ESPO vs. PPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is lower than the PPA Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and PPA, 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. PPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, smaller than the maximum PPA drawdown of -57.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and PPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	PPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-57.37%	+6.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.43%	-13.71%	-15.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.43%	-15.24%	-14.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-18.37%	-29.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.17%	-9.47%	-14.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.19%	-9.17%	-6.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.77%	5.23%	+12.54%

Volatility

ESPO vs. PPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is 4.77%, while Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) has a volatility of 5.32%. This indicates that ESPO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPO	PPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	5.32%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.06%	16.45%	-1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.71%	20.47%	-1.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.09%	18.66%	+6.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.61%	20.75%	+4.86%

ESPO vs. PPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than PPA's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. PPA - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, more than PPA's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.41%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.38%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and PPA in my portfolio?

ESPO and PPA have a correlation of 0.39, 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 PPA?

PPA has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to ESPO (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs PPA's -57.37%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or PPA?

On 5-year performance, PPA leads with 18.29% vs 7.15% for ESPO. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESPO or PPA?

Over the 5-year period, PPA has performed better with a 18.29% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESPO or PPA?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PPA.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.38% for PPA.

What is the main difference between ESPO and PPA?

ESPO is categorized as Gaming, while PPA is Aerospace & Defense. ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while PPA tracks SPADE Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.58% for PPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 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.