ESPO vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - ESPO tracks the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESPO returned 6.23%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ESPO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

ESPO vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESPO achieves a -13.31% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 9.49% return.

ESPO

• 1D: -2.20%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: -13.31%
• 6M: -16.99%
• 1Y: -11.55%
• 3Y*: 19.46%
• 5Y*: 6.23%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

ESPO vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-13.31%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.57%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-12.00%

Correlation

The correlation between ESPO and VUG is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 2018	0.75

The correlation between ESPO and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ESPO vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESPO	VUG
Communication Services	78.1%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.8%	12.2%
Technology	8.2%	53.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Industrials	-	3.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

ESPO vs. VUG — 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: 4
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	ESPO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.62	1.77	-2.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.75	2.40	-3.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.31	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.42	1.69	-2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.76	5.92	-6.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESPO vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESPO Sharpe Ratio is -0.62, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESPO and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESPO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.62	1.77	-2.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.68	-0.43
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.62	+0.01

Drawdowns

ESPO vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESPO drawdown since its inception was -50.99%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESPO and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESPO	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.99%	-50.68%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.81%	-16.53%	-11.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.81%	-22.85%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.33%	-35.61%	-12.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.66%	-1.51%	-24.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.03%	-7.09%	-7.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.30%	4.71%	+10.59%

Volatility

ESPO vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) has a higher volatility of 5.00% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that ESPO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESPO	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	3.83%	+1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.58%	12.11%	+2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.85%	15.84%	+3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.12%	22.22%	+2.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.75%	21.44%	+4.31%

ESPO vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESPO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESPO vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.44%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESPO and VUG in my portfolio?

ESPO and VUG have a correlation of 0.63, 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 VUG?

ESPO has higher volatility (5.00%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESPO dropped -50.99% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, ESPO or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 6.23% for ESPO. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESPO or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 6.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESPO or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between ESPO and VUG?

ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for ESPO and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs -0.62), 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.