RKLB vs. ESPO
RKLB (Rocket Lab USA, Inc.) is a stock, while ESPO (VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Over the past 3 years, RKLB returned 158.32%/yr vs 16.96%/yr for ESPO. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
RKLB vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, RKLB achieves a 46.77% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -15.10% return.
RKLB
- 1D
- -10.79%
- 1M
- -17.53%
- YTD
- 46.77%
- 6M
- 66.51%
- 1Y
- 287.84%
- 3Y*
- 158.32%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
ESPO
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- -3.31%
- YTD
- -15.10%
- 6M
- -16.17%
- 1Y
- -14.92%
- 3Y*
- 16.96%
- 5Y*
- 5.49%
- 10Y*
- —
RKLB vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RKLB Rocket Lab USA, Inc. | 46.77% | 173.89% | 360.58% | 46.68% | -69.30% | 8.67% |
ESPO VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF | -15.10% | 25.79% | 47.61% | 33.64% | -34.71% | 1.17% |
Correlation
The correlation between RKLB and ESPO is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.41 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.44 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 24, 2021 | 0.49 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
RKLB vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank
RKLB
ESPO
RKLB vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) 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.
| RKLB | ESPO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +3.92 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +4.16 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.38 | 0.88 | +0.50 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 6.74 | -0.54 | +7.28 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 15.44 | -0.94 | +16.37 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
RKLB vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum RKLB drawdown since its inception was -82.96%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKLB and ESPO.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| RKLB | ESPO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -82.96% | -50.99% | -31.97% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -43.01% | -27.81% | -15.20% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -55.49% | -27.81% | -27.68% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -48.33% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -31.84% | -27.19% | -4.65% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -51.29% | -15.06% | -36.23% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 18.75% | 15.95% | +2.80% |
Volatility
RKLB vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) has a higher volatility of 31.54% compared to VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.42%. This indicates that RKLB'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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| RKLB | ESPO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 31.54% | 4.42% | +27.12% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 73.47% | 14.67% | +58.80% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 93.03% | 18.83% | +74.20% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 81.62% | 25.10% | +56.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 81.62% | 25.71% | +55.91% |
Dividends
RKLB vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison
RKLB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ESPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%.
| 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% |
RKLB Rocket Lab USA, Inc. | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
RKLB and ESPO have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
RKLB has higher volatility (31.54%) compared to ESPO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RKLB dropped -82.96% vs ESPO's -50.99%.
RKLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 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.
Find the right allocation for RKLB and ESPO
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer