SOCL vs. ESPO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SOCL (Global X Social Media ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOCL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Solactive Social Media 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, SOCL returned -9.67%/yr vs 5.23%/yr for ESPO. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SOCL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

SOCL vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) 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, SOCL achieves a -23.22% return, which is significantly lower than ESPO's -16.83% return.

SOCL

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -4.36%
• YTD: -23.22%
• 6M: -22.97%
• 1Y: -20.93%
• 3Y*: 5.38%
• 5Y*: -9.67%
• 10Y*: 7.96%

ESPO

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: -3.29%
• YTD: -16.83%
• 6M: -17.45%
• 1Y: -18.94%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 5.23%
• 10Y*: —

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

SOCL vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	-23.22%	31.04%	5.08%	31.08%	-42.23%	-12.84%	78.35%	25.74%	-9.32%
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	-16.83%	25.79%	47.61%	33.64%	-34.71%	-2.13%	83.93%	42.36%	-12.49%

Correlation

The correlation between SOCL and ESPO is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.81

The correlation between SOCL and ESPO shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SOCL vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOCL	ESPO
Communication Services	96.2%	29.7%
Technology	2.8%	55.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	14.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOCL vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOCL

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

ESPO

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

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.

SOCL vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) 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.

	SOCL	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.88	-1.03	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.15	-1.37	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	0.84	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.63	-0.66	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	-1.14	-0.09

SOCL vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOCL Sharpe Ratio is -0.88, which is comparable to the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOCL 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

SOCL vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOCL drawdown since its inception was -68.70%, which is greater than ESPO's maximum drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOCL and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOCL	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.70%	-50.99%	-17.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.52%	-28.67%	-4.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.52%	-28.67%	-4.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.32%	-48.33%	-17.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.84%	-28.67%	-16.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.03%	-15.11%	-6.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.95%	16.59%	+0.36%

Volatility

SOCL vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) has a higher volatility of 9.71% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.25%. This indicates that SOCL'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

	SOCL	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.71%	4.25%	+5.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.15%	14.64%	+4.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	18.63%	+5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.84%	25.08%	+4.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.60%	25.67%	+1.93%

SOCL vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOCL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOCL vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

SOCL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less than ESPO's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESPO VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF	1.50%	1.24%	0.44%	0.96%	0.91%	3.36%	0.12%	0.22%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	0.56%	0.43%	0.25%	0.61%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.49%	0.18%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOCL and ESPO in my portfolio?

SOCL and ESPO have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOCL or ESPO?

SOCL has higher volatility (9.71%) compared to ESPO (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOCL dropped -68.70% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, SOCL or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, ESPO leads with 5.23% vs -9.67% for SOCL. On fees, ESPO is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, ESPO has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOCL or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, ESPO has performed better with a 5.23% return vs -9.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOCL or ESPO?

ESPO is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SOCL.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.56% for SOCL.

What is the main difference between SOCL and ESPO?

SOCL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ESPO is Gaming. SOCL tracks Solactive Social Media 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: 0.65% for SOCL and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOCL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.88 vs -1.03), 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.