NERD vs. PPA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NERD (Roundhill Video Games ETF) and PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NERD is a Gaming fund actively managed by Roundhill Investments, while PPA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the SPADE Defense Index. NERD is actively managed, while PPA is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NERD returned -8.51%/yr vs 18.41%/yr for PPA. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NERD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for PPA.

Performance

NERD vs. PPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NERD achieves a -18.01% return, which is significantly lower than PPA's 11.20% return.

NERD

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -4.10%
• YTD: -18.01%
• 6M: -19.37%
• 1Y: -21.50%
• 3Y*: 9.13%
• 5Y*: -8.51%
• 10Y*: —

PPA

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 13.03%
• 1Y: 28.73%
• 3Y*: 28.86%
• 5Y*: 18.41%
• 10Y*: 17.72%

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

NERD vs. PPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	-18.01%	23.14%	28.52%	12.94%	-43.30%	-17.57%	89.66%	8.14%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	11.20%	37.15%	25.28%	18.41%	9.52%	7.09%	0.45%	12.73%

Correlation

The correlation between NERD and PPA is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2019	0.43

NERD vs. PPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NERD	PPA
Communication Services	91.1%	0.1%
Technology	3.9%	9.3%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	-
Industrials	1.2%	90.6%
Financial Services	0.0%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

NERD vs. PPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

NERD

NERD Risk / Return Rank: 2
NERD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
NERD Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
NERD Martin Ratio Rank: 3

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 46
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

NERD vs. PPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). 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.

	NERD	PPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.09	1.44	-2.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.50	2.14	-3.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.25	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	2.11	-2.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.23	5.94	-7.17

NERD vs. PPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NERD Sharpe Ratio is -1.09, which is lower than the PPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NERD and PPA, 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

NERD vs. PPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NERD drawdown since its inception was -65.58%, which is greater than PPA's maximum drawdown of -57.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NERD and PPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	NERD	PPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.58%	-57.37%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.19%	-13.71%	-17.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.19%	-15.24%	-15.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.92%	-18.37%	-40.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.92%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-46.82%	-6.15%	-40.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.92%	-9.18%	-26.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.50%	4.85%	+12.65%

Volatility

NERD vs. PPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) is 4.21%, while Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) has a volatility of 8.91%. This indicates that NERD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NERD	PPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	8.91%	-4.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.00%	17.06%	-2.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.77%	20.04%	-0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.51%	18.70%	+5.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.49%	20.73%	+4.76%

NERD vs. PPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

NERD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than PPA's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

NERD vs. PPA - Dividend Comparison

NERD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than PPA's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	0.77%	0.63%	1.74%	1.07%	0.69%	0.02%	1.05%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.38%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NERD and PPA in my portfolio?

NERD and PPA have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NERD or PPA?

PPA has higher volatility (8.91%) compared to NERD (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NERD dropped -65.58% vs PPA's -57.37%.

Which ETF is better, NERD or PPA?

On 5-year performance, PPA leads with 18.41% vs -8.51% for NERD. On fees, NERD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, NERD has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NERD or PPA?

Over the 5-year period, PPA has performed better with a 18.41% return vs -8.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NERD or PPA?

NERD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NERD or PPA?

NERD has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.38% for PPA.

What is the main difference between NERD and PPA?

NERD is categorized as Gaming, while PPA is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: Roundhill Investments and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NERD and 0.58% for PPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs -1.09), 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.