VEGA vs. NERD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEGA (AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF) and NERD (Roundhill Video Games ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEGA is a Global Equities fund actively managed by AdvisorShares, while NERD is a Gaming fund actively managed by Roundhill Investments. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VEGA returned 7.25%/yr vs -7.79%/yr for NERD. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEGA charges 2.02%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for NERD.

Performance

VEGA vs. NERD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) and Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEGA achieves a 7.10% return, which is significantly higher than NERD's -16.00% return.

VEGA

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 13.94%
• 5Y*: 7.25%
• 10Y*: 7.95%

NERD

• 1D: -2.22%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: -16.00%
• 6M: -19.58%
• 1Y: -17.66%
• 3Y*: 10.64%
• 5Y*: -7.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

VEGA vs. NERD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	7.10%	15.83%	11.20%	15.12%	-15.02%	12.36%	8.37%	9.70%
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	-16.00%	23.14%	28.52%	12.94%	-43.30%	-17.57%	89.66%	6.91%

Correlation

The correlation between VEGA and NERD is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2019	0.61

The correlation between VEGA and NERD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEGA vs. NERD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEGA	NERD
Technology	31.7%	3.9%
Financial Services	14.6%	0.0%
Industrials	10.8%	1.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	3.9%
Communication Services	9.3%	91.1%
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

VEGA vs. NERD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEGA

VEGA Risk / Return Rank: 63
VEGA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEGA Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VEGA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VEGA Martin Ratio Rank: 68

NERD

NERD Risk / Return Rank: 3
NERD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NERD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
NERD 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.

VEGA vs. NERD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) and Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD). 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.

	VEGA	NERD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	-0.89	+2.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	-1.18	+4.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	0.86	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	-0.60	+3.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.41	-1.06	+13.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEGA vs. NERD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEGA Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the NERD Sharpe Ratio of -0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEGA and NERD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEGA	NERD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.09	-0.89	+2.99
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	-0.32	+0.91
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.20	+0.32

Drawdowns

VEGA vs. NERD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEGA drawdown since its inception was -28.37%, smaller than the maximum NERD drawdown of -65.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEGA and NERD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEGA	NERD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.37%	-65.58%	+37.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.86%	-29.67%	+22.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.62%	-29.67%	+18.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.78%	-58.92%	+36.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-45.51%	+44.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-35.89%	+32.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.52%	16.75%	-15.23%

Volatility

VEGA vs. NERD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is 2.71%, while Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) has a volatility of 3.89%. This indicates that VEGA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NERD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEGA	NERD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	3.89%	-1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.45%	14.85%	-7.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.06%	19.81%	-10.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.29%	24.51%	-12.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.70%	25.53%	-12.83%

VEGA vs. NERD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEGA has a 2.02% expense ratio, which is higher than NERD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEGA vs. NERD - Dividend Comparison

VEGA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.25%, more than NERD's 0.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
NERD Roundhill Video Games ETF	0.75%	0.63%	1.74%	1.07%	0.69%	0.02%	1.05%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEGA AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF	1.25%	1.34%	1.05%	1.12%	1.89%	0.55%	0.28%	0.44%	0.45%	0.00%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEGA and NERD in my portfolio?

VEGA and NERD have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEGA or NERD?

NERD has higher volatility (3.89%) compared to VEGA (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEGA dropped -28.37% vs NERD's -65.58%.

Which ETF is better, VEGA or NERD?

On 5-year performance, VEGA leads with 7.25% vs -7.79% for NERD. On fees, NERD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, VEGA has been the lower-risk option at 2.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEGA or NERD?

Over the 5-year period, VEGA has performed better with a 7.25% return vs -7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEGA or NERD?

NERD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 2.02% for VEGA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEGA or NERD?

VEGA has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.75% for NERD.

What is the main difference between VEGA and NERD?

VEGA is categorized as Global Equities, while NERD is Gaming. They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and Roundhill Investments. Their fees differ too: 2.02% for VEGA and 0.50% for NERD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEGA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs -0.89), 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.