REMX vs. ESPO

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

REMX (VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - REMX is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals 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, REMX returned -5.34%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for ESPO. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. REMX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

REMX vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) 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, REMX achieves a -5.51% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -11.58% return.

REMX

• 1D: -3.88%
• 1M: -26.90%
• 6M: -21.68%
• YTD: -5.51%
• 1Y: 39.98%
• 3Y*: -4.09%
• 5Y*: -5.34%
• 10Y*: 6.10%
• ALL TIME*: -5.02%

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)

REMX vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	-5.51%	92.95%	-35.02%	-19.18%	-31.13%	79.81%	64.82%	0.74%	-18.17%
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 REMX and ESPO is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.48

The correlation between REMX and ESPO shifts across timeframes, from 0.29 (1 year) to 0.48 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

REMX vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	REMX	ESPO
Basic Materials	100.0%	-
Communication Services	-	77.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	8.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

REMX vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

REMX

REMX Risk / Return Rank: 31
REMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
REMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
REMX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
REMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
REMX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

REMX vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) 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.

	REMX	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	-0.80	+1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	-1.04	+2.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	0.88	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.11	-0.51	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.56	-0.84	+4.40

REMX vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REMX Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REMX 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

REMX vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REMX drawdown since its inception was -90.20%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REMX and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	REMX	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.20%	-50.99%	-39.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.23%	-29.43%	-6.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-59.68%	-29.43%	-30.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-73.34%	-48.33%	-25.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-73.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-68.01%	-24.17%	-43.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.80%	-15.19%	-51.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.26%	17.77%	-6.51%

Volatility

REMX vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) has a higher volatility of 11.40% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.77%. This indicates that REMX'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

	REMX	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.40%	4.77%	+6.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.34%	15.06%	+22.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.96%	18.71%	+31.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.69%	25.09%	+15.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.26%	25.61%	+11.65%

REMX vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

REMX vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

REMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, 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%
REMX VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF	1.86%	1.76%	2.56%	0.00%	1.56%	5.25%	0.81%	1.64%	12.43%	2.89%	2.23%	4.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REMX and ESPO in my portfolio?

REMX and ESPO have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REMX or ESPO?

REMX has higher volatility (11.40%) compared to ESPO (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REMX dropped -90.20% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, REMX or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 7.15% vs -5.34% for REMX. 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, REMX or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 7.15% return vs -5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REMX or ESPO?

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

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

REMX has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 1.41% for ESPO.

What is the main difference between REMX and ESPO?

REMX is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while ESPO is Gaming. REMX tracks MarketVector Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for REMX and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 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.