ESPO vs. RSPC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and RSPC (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESPO is a Gaming fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while RSPC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services Plus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 7.56%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for RSPC. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for RSPC.

Performance

ESPO vs. RSPC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPO achieves a -11.52% return, which is significantly lower than RSPC's -7.96% return.

ESPO

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 3.26%
• 6M: -13.63%
• YTD: -11.52%
• 1Y: -13.39%
• 3Y*: 17.03%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: —

RSPC

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: -6.90%
• YTD: -7.96%
• 1Y: -1.51%
• 3Y*: 9.54%
• 5Y*: 0.35%
• 10Y*: —

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

ESPO vs. RSPC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-11.52%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-2.36%
RSPC Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF	-7.96%	18.44%	17.98%	17.92%	-29.00%	14.55%	22.14%	21.35%	-11.38%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and RSPC is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2018	0.60

The correlation between ESPO and RSPC shifts across timeframes, from 0.45 (1 year) to 0.63 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESPO vs. RSPC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	RSPC
Technology	75.3%	10.1%
Consumer Cyclical	14.0%	-
Communication Services	10.6%	89.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. RSPC — 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: 6

RSPC

RSPC Risk / Return Rank: 8
RSPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
RSPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
RSPC Omega Ratio Rank: 8
RSPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
RSPC Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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. RSPC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC). 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	RSPC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.72	-0.11	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.91	-0.05	-0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	0.99	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.46	-0.10	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.76	-0.23	-0.53

ESPO vs. RSPC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.72, which is lower than the RSPC Sharpe Ratio of -0.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and RSPC, 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. RSPC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, which is greater than RSPC's maximum drawdown of -38.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and RSPC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	RSPC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-38.03%	-12.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.43%	-14.71%	-14.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.43%	-14.71%	-14.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-37.73%	-10.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.12%	-10.80%	-13.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.18%	-12.69%	-2.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.64%	6.62%	+11.02%

Volatility

ESPO vs. RSPC - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF (RSPC) have volatilities of 4.87% and 4.95%, 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	RSPC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	4.95%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.06%	10.39%	+4.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.83%	14.01%	+4.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.09%	18.63%	+6.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.62%	20.70%	+4.92%

ESPO vs. RSPC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than RSPC's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. RSPC - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, less than RSPC's 1.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%
RSPC Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services ETF	1.78%	1.66%	1.03%	0.98%	1.45%	1.10%	1.05%	0.90%	0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and RSPC in my portfolio?

ESPO and RSPC have a correlation of 0.45, 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 RSPC?

RSPC has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to ESPO (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs RSPC's -38.03%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or RSPC?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 7.56% vs 0.35% for RSPC. On fees, RSPC is cheaper at 0.40% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESPO or RSPC?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 7.56% return vs 0.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESPO or RSPC?

RSPC is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

RSPC has the higher dividend yield at 1.78%, compared with 1.41% for ESPO.

What is the main difference between ESPO and RSPC?

ESPO is categorized as Gaming, while RSPC is Communications Equities. ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while RSPC tracks S&P 500 Equal Weight Communication Services Plus Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.40% for RSPC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.11 vs -0.72), 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.