EWZ vs. ESPO

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

EWZ (iShares MSCI Brazil ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while ESPO is a Gaming fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EWZ returned 6.23%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for ESPO. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EWZ charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

EWZ vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and VanEck 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, EWZ achieves a 12.74% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -11.58% return.

EWZ

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 5.19%
• 6M: 7.98%
• YTD: 12.74%
• 1Y: 38.07%
• 3Y*: 8.57%
• 5Y*: 6.23%
• 10Y*: 6.09%
• ALL TIME*: 6.39%

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%

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

EWZ vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	12.74%	48.81%	-30.41%	32.62%	12.09%	-17.32%	-20.35%	27.67%	-1.68%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between EWZ and ESPO is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.38

EWZ vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWZ	ESPO
Financial Services	34.5%	-
Energy	15.1%	-
Basic Materials	14.5%	-
Utilities	13.5%	-
Industrials	11.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Healthcare	2.2%	-
Communication Services	2.1%	77.7%
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	14.2%
Technology	0.4%	8.1%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EWZ vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWZ

EWZ Risk / Return Rank: 54
EWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
EWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
EWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 57
EWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
EWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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

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.

EWZ vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) and VanEck 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.

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.

	EWZ	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	-0.80	+2.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	-1.04	+3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	0.88	+0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	-0.51	+2.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	-0.84	+5.93

EWZ vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWZ 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.

Drawdowns

EWZ vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWZ drawdown since its inception was -77.25%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWZ and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWZ	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.25%	-50.99%	-26.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.27%	-29.43%	+10.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.36%	-29.43%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.24%	-48.33%	+16.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.48%	-24.17%	+2.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.89%	-15.19%	-20.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.50%	17.77%	-10.27%

Volatility

EWZ vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) has a higher volatility of 5.63% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.77%. This indicates that EWZ'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

	EWZ	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.63%	4.77%	+0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.81%	15.06%	+4.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.92%	18.71%	+6.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.55%	25.09%	+2.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.91%	25.61%	+8.30%

EWZ vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWZ vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

EWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.13%, more than ESPO's 1.41% 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%
EWZ iShares MSCI Brazil ETF	4.13%	5.19%	8.91%	5.66%	12.59%	9.87%	1.71%	2.54%	2.89%	1.71%	1.81%	4.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EWZ and ESPO in my portfolio?

EWZ and ESPO have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EWZ or ESPO?

EWZ has higher volatility (5.63%) compared to ESPO (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWZ dropped -77.25% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, EWZ or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 7.15% vs 6.23% for EWZ. 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, EWZ or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 7.15% return vs 6.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWZ or ESPO?

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

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

EWZ has the higher dividend yield at 4.13%, compared with 1.41% for ESPO.

What is the main difference between EWZ and ESPO?

EWZ is categorized as Latin America Equities, while ESPO is Gaming. EWZ tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 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 EWZ and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 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.