QQH vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQH (HCM Defender 100 Index ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQH is a Technology Equities fund tracking the HCM Defender 100 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, QQH returned 13.32%/yr vs 5.49%/yr for ESPO. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQH charges 1.14%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

QQH vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) 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, QQH achieves a 8.65% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -15.10% return.

QQH

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 8.65%
• 6M: 8.98%
• 1Y: 30.75%
• 3Y*: 22.44%
• 5Y*: 13.32%
• 10Y*: —

ESPO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -3.31%
• YTD: -15.10%
• 6M: -16.17%
• 1Y: -14.92%
• 3Y*: 16.96%
• 5Y*: 5.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

QQH vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	8.65%	15.66%	33.64%	48.05%	-39.60%	37.52%	41.71%	15.09%
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-15.10%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	14.15%

Correlation

The correlation between QQH and ESPO is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2019	0.70

The correlation between QQH and ESPO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQH vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQH	ESPO
Technology	56.6%	8.2%
Communication Services	14.9%	78.1%
Consumer Cyclical	13.6%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	-
Healthcare	3.5%	-
Industrials	2.2%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

QQH vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQH

QQH Risk / Return Rank: 42
QQH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
QQH Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
QQH Omega Ratio Rank: 43
QQH Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
QQH Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

QQH vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) 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.

	QQH	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	-0.80	+2.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	-1.02	+2.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	0.88	+0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	-0.54	+2.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.10	-0.94	+6.04

QQH vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQH Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQH 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

QQH vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQH drawdown since its inception was -41.87%, smaller than the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQH and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQH	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.87%	-50.99%	+9.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.18%	-27.81%	+11.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.84%	-27.81%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.87%	-48.33%	+6.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.87%	-27.19%	+21.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.90%	-15.06%	+2.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.04%	15.95%	-9.91%

Volatility

QQH vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) has a higher volatility of 9.85% compared to VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.42%. This indicates that QQH'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

	QQH	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.85%	4.42%	+5.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.84%	14.67%	+2.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.17%	18.83%	+3.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.81%	25.10%	-3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.89%	25.71%	-0.82%

QQH vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQH has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQH vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

QQH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%, less than ESPO's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	0.19%	0.21%	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQH and ESPO in my portfolio?

QQH and ESPO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQH or ESPO?

QQH has higher volatility (9.85%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQH dropped -41.87% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, QQH or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, QQH leads with 13.32% 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, QQH or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, QQH has performed better with a 13.32% return vs 5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQH or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for QQH.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.19% for QQH.

What is the main difference between QQH and ESPO?

QQH is categorized as Technology Equities, while ESPO is Large Cap Growth Equities. QQH tracks HCM Defender 100 Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: Howard Capital Management and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.14% for QQH and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 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.