ESPO vs. SCHG

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and SCHG (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - ESPO tracks the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index while SCHG tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 5.49%/yr vs 14.33%/yr for SCHG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SCHG.

Performance

ESPO vs. SCHG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). 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 SCHG's 2.58% return.

ESPO

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

SCHG

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -3.66%
• YTD: 2.58%
• 6M: 2.96%
• 1Y: 20.32%
• 3Y*: 22.68%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 18.50%

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

ESPO vs. SCHG - 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%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	2.58%	17.50%	34.95%	50.10%	-31.80%	28.11%	39.14%	36.02%	-11.74%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and SCHG is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.75

The correlation between ESPO and SCHG shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESPO vs. SCHG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	SCHG
Technology	56.2%	46.7%
Communication Services	29.4%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	12.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.6%
Energy	-	0.7%
Financial Services	-	6.6%
Healthcare	-	8.4%
Industrials	-	6.0%
Real Estate	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	0.4%

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. SCHG — 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

SCHG

SCHG Risk / Return Rank: 33
SCHG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SCHG Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SCHG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SCHG Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
SCHG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. SCHG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG). 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	SCHG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	1.18	-1.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.02	1.64	-2.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.21	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.54	1.14	-1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.94	3.78	-4.71

ESPO vs. SCHG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is lower than the SCHG Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and SCHG, 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. SCHG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, which is greater than SCHG's maximum drawdown of -34.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and SCHG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	SCHG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-34.59%	-16.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.81%	-16.41%	-11.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.81%	-23.39%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-34.59%	-13.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.19%	-5.33%	-21.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.06%	-5.20%	-9.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.95%	4.96%	+10.99%

Volatility

ESPO vs. SCHG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is 4.42%, while Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) has a volatility of 5.14%. This indicates that ESPO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPO	SCHG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	5.14%	-0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.67%	12.30%	+2.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.83%	15.95%	+2.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.10%	22.33%	+2.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.71%	21.58%	+4.13%

ESPO vs. SCHG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. SCHG - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than SCHG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF	0.38%	0.36%	0.39%	0.46%	0.55%	0.42%	0.52%	0.82%	1.27%	1.01%	1.04%	1.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and SCHG in my portfolio?

ESPO and SCHG have a correlation of 0.64, 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 SCHG?

SCHG has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs SCHG's -34.59%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or SCHG?

On 5-year performance, SCHG leads with 14.33% vs 5.49% for ESPO. On fees, SCHG is cheaper at 0.04% 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 SCHG?

Over the 5-year period, SCHG has performed better with a 14.33% 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 SCHG?

SCHG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.38% for SCHG.

What is the main difference between ESPO and SCHG?

ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while SCHG tracks Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.04% for SCHG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 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.