IVRS vs. ESPO

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

IVRS (iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVRS is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while ESPO is a Gaming fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IVRS returned 6.38%/yr vs 17.58%/yr for ESPO. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IVRS charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

IVRS vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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, IVRS achieves a -6.91% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -11.42% return.

IVRS

• 1D: -1.49%
• 1M: 1.85%
• 6M: -12.69%
• YTD: -6.91%
• 1Y: -8.60%
• 3Y*: 6.38%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESPO

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 4.34%
• 6M: -13.52%
• YTD: -11.42%
• 1Y: -11.07%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: —

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

IVRS vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	-6.91%	12.75%	7.40%	28.15%
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-11.42%	25.79%	47.61%	14.22%

Correlation

The correlation between IVRS and ESPO is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2023	0.80

The correlation between IVRS and ESPO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVRS vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVRS	ESPO
Technology	66.0%	75.3%
Financial Services	17.6%	-
Communication Services	12.2%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	14.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IVRS vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVRS

IVRS Risk / Return Rank: 6
IVRS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Omega Ratio Rank: 6
IVRS Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
IVRS Martin Ratio Rank: 7

ESPO

ESPO Risk / Return Rank: 5
ESPO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
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.

IVRS vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) 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.

	IVRS	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.37	-0.59	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.37	-0.72	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	0.92	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.27	-0.38	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.54	-0.64	+0.10

IVRS vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVRS Sharpe Ratio is -0.37, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVRS 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

IVRS vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVRS drawdown since its inception was -31.43%, smaller than the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVRS and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVRS	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.43%	-50.99%	+19.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.43%	-29.43%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.43%	-29.43%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.92%	-24.03%	+4.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.26%	-15.17%	+8.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.00%	17.44%	-1.44%

Volatility

IVRS vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF (IVRS) has a higher volatility of 6.73% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.89%. This indicates that IVRS'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

	IVRS	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.73%	4.89%	+1.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.01%	15.20%	+4.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.16%	18.87%	+4.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.73%	25.10%	-4.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.73%	25.64%	-4.91%

IVRS vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVRS has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVRS vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

IVRS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.60%, more than ESPO's 1.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.40%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%
IVRS iShares Future Metaverse Tech And Communications ETF	8.60%	7.88%	6.65%	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVRS and ESPO in my portfolio?

IVRS and ESPO have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVRS or ESPO?

IVRS has higher volatility (6.73%) compared to ESPO (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVRS dropped -31.43% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, IVRS or ESPO?

On 3-year performance, ESPO leads with 17.58% vs 6.38% for IVRS. On fees, IVRS is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVRS or ESPO?

Over the 3-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 17.58% return vs 6.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVRS or ESPO?

IVRS is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

IVRS has the higher dividend yield at 8.60%, compared with 1.40% for ESPO.

What is the main difference between IVRS and ESPO?

IVRS is categorized as Technology Equities, while ESPO is Gaming. IVRS tracks Morningstar Global Metaverse & Virtual Interaction Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IVRS and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVRS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.37 vs -0.59), 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.