GVAL vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GVAL (Cambria Global Value ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GVAL is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Cambria, while ESPO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. GVAL is actively managed, while ESPO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GVAL returned 13.64%/yr vs 5.49%/yr for ESPO. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GVAL charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

GVAL vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) 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, GVAL achieves a 16.63% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -15.10% return.

GVAL

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: 3.88%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 40.92%
• 3Y*: 26.84%
• 5Y*: 13.64%
• 10Y*: 11.46%

ESPO

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

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

GVAL vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	16.63%	55.87%	2.59%	13.30%	-7.98%	10.70%	-8.51%	17.24%	-7.84%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between GVAL and ESPO is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.53

The correlation between GVAL and ESPO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

GVAL vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GVAL	ESPO
Financial Services	16.5%	-
Basic Materials	8.3%	-
Energy	7.7%	-
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Technology	6.5%	8.2%
Communication Services	4.6%	78.1%
Utilities	4.0%	-
Industrials	3.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

GVAL vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVAL

GVAL Risk / Return Rank: 84
GVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
GVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
GVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 87
GVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
GVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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

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.

GVAL vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) 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.

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.

	GVAL	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	-0.80	+3.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	-1.02	+4.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	0.88	+0.59
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	-0.54	+4.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.27	-0.94	+14.20

GVAL vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVAL 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

GVAL vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVAL drawdown since its inception was -46.82%, smaller than the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVAL and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVAL	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.82%	-50.99%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.50%	-27.81%	+16.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.72%	-27.81%	+12.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.83%	-48.33%	+17.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-27.19%	+27.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.85%	-15.06%	+1.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	15.95%	-12.93%

Volatility

GVAL vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) has a higher volatility of 6.00% compared to VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.42%. This indicates that GVAL'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

	GVAL	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.00%	4.42%	+1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	14.67%	-1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.18%	18.83%	-3.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.56%	25.10%	-6.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.20%	25.71%	-6.51%

GVAL vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVAL has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

GVAL vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

GVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.77%, more than ESPO's 1.47% 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%
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	2.77%	2.93%	4.75%	6.12%	5.05%	2.97%	1.90%	2.84%	4.65%	2.00%	2.54%	2.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GVAL and ESPO in my portfolio?

GVAL and ESPO have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVAL or ESPO?

GVAL has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVAL dropped -46.82% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, GVAL or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, GVAL leads with 13.64% vs 5.49% for ESPO. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% 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, GVAL or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, GVAL has performed better with a 13.64% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVAL or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for GVAL.

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

GVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 1.47% for ESPO.

What is the main difference between GVAL and ESPO?

GVAL is categorized as Global Equities, while ESPO is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Cambria and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for GVAL and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 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.