SHLD vs. ESPO

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while ESPO is a Gaming fund tracking the MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 3.85% vs -11.33% for ESPO. Their 0.37 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

SHLD vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) 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, SHLD achieves a -2.06% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -9.09% return.

SHLD

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 3.35%
• 6M: -15.67%
• YTD: -2.06%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 39.34%

ESPO

• 1D: -3.16%
• 1M: 3.18%
• 6M: -5.98%
• YTD: -9.09%
• 1Y: -11.33%
• 3Y*: 18.46%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 16.59%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	$1.98M	$1.50M	$1.55M
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	$70.01M	$66.37M	$108.83M

SHLD vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.06%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-9.09%	25.79%	47.61%	7.41%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and ESPO is 0.35, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.37

SHLD vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHLD	ESPO
Industrials	88.4%	-
Technology	11.6%	8.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	77.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 14
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 13

ESPO

ESPO Risk / Return Rank: 5
ESPO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ESPO Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ESPO Martin Ratio Rank: 7

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SHLD vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) 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.

	SHLD	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.15	-0.58	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.40	-0.70	+1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	0.92	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.15	-0.39	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.35	-0.62	+0.97

SHLD vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.15, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD 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

SHLD vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -25.40%, smaller than the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.40%	-50.99%	+25.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.40%	-29.43%	+4.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.43%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.67%	-22.03%	+3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-15.23%	+11.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.13%	18.32%	-7.19%

Volatility

SHLD vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a higher volatility of 7.73% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 6.66%. This indicates that SHLD'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

	SHLD	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.73%	6.66%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.16%	16.07%	+4.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.33%	19.65%	+5.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.56%	25.12%	-3.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.56%	25.65%	-4.09%

SHLD vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.67%, less than ESPO's 1.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.37%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.67%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and ESPO in my portfolio?

SHLD and ESPO have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHLD or ESPO?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.73%) compared to ESPO (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -25.40% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or ESPO?

On 1-year performance, SHLD leads with 3.85% vs -11.33% for ESPO. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or ESPO?

Over the 1-year period, SHLD has performed better with a 3.85% return vs -11.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or ESPO?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.67% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SHLD and ESPO?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while ESPO is Gaming. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.58), 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.