EWY vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

EWY (iShares MSCI South Korea ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWY is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI Korea Index, while ESPO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EWY returned 17.62%/yr vs 5.88%/yr for ESPO. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EWY charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

EWY vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EWY achieves a 90.95% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -14.87% return.

EWY

• 1D: 5.96%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: 90.95%
• 6M: 99.65%
• 1Y: 189.48%
• 3Y*: 44.08%
• 5Y*: 17.62%
• 10Y*: 15.79%

ESPO

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: -14.87%
• 6M: -18.35%
• 1Y: -15.00%
• 3Y*: 18.27%
• 5Y*: 5.88%
• 10Y*: —

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

EWY vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	90.95%	95.33%	-20.48%	19.05%	-26.59%	-7.58%	39.43%	7.97%	-4.15%
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-14.87%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.57%

Correlation

The correlation between EWY and ESPO is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 2018	0.58

The correlation between EWY and ESPO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

EWY vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWY	ESPO
Technology	52.4%	8.2%
Industrials	20.4%	-
Financial Services	9.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	13.8%
Healthcare	3.5%	-
Communication Services	2.9%	78.1%
Basic Materials	2.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	-
Energy	1.4%	-
Utilities	0.4%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EWY vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EWY

EWY Risk / Return Rank: 95
EWY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
EWY Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
EWY Omega Ratio Rank: 93
EWY Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
EWY Martin Ratio Rank: 95

ESPO

ESPO Risk / Return Rank: 4
ESPO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 3
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

EWY vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO). 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.

	EWY	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.23	-0.80	+5.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.98	-1.03	+5.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	0.88	+0.70
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.26	-0.54	+8.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.84	-0.96	+30.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWY vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWY Sharpe Ratio is 4.23, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWY and ESPO, 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

	EWY	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.23	-0.80	+5.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.24	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.62	-0.31

Drawdowns

EWY vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWY drawdown since its inception was -74.14%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWY and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWY	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.14%	-50.99%	-23.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.08%	-27.81%	+4.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.36%	-27.81%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.55%	-48.33%	-0.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.33%	-26.99%	+12.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.12%	-15.05%	-5.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.38%	15.58%	-9.20%

Volatility

EWY vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has a higher volatility of 25.98% compared to VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.84%. This indicates that EWY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ESPO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EWY	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.98%	4.84%	+21.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.23%	14.65%	+26.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.13%	18.85%	+26.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.70%	25.11%	+4.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.83%	25.74%	+2.09%

EWY vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

EWY has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

EWY vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

EWY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.10%, less than ESPO's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.46%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF	1.10%	2.10%	2.55%	2.52%	1.23%	2.16%	0.73%	2.10%	1.34%	2.90%	1.21%	2.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWY and ESPO in my portfolio?

EWY and ESPO have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWY or ESPO?

EWY has higher volatility (25.98%) compared to ESPO (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWY dropped -74.14% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, EWY or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, EWY leads with 17.62% vs 5.88% for ESPO. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWY or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, EWY has performed better with a 17.62% return vs 5.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWY or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EWY.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 1.10% for EWY.

What is the main difference between EWY and ESPO?

EWY is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while ESPO is Large Cap Growth Equities. EWY tracks MSCI Korea Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EWY and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.23 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.