VUG vs. ESPO

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and ESPO (VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth 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, VUG returned 12.42%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for ESPO. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for ESPO.

Performance

VUG vs. ESPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) 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, VUG achieves a 5.18% return, which is significantly higher than ESPO's -11.58% return.

VUG

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -1.79%
• 6M: 5.78%
• YTD: 5.18%
• 1Y: 14.67%
• 3Y*: 21.89%
• 5Y*: 12.42%
• 10Y*: 17.41%
• ALL TIME*: 12.11%

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)

VUG vs. ESPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.18%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-12.10%
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 VUG and ESPO is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2018	0.75

The correlation between VUG and ESPO shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VUG vs. ESPO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUG	ESPO
Technology	56.2%	8.1%
Communication Services	15.4%	77.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	14.2%
Industrials	5.3%	-
Healthcare	4.7%	-
Financial Services	3.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-
Real Estate	1.0%	-
Utilities	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	-
Energy	0.3%	-

Return for Risk

VUG vs. ESPO — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 28
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

VUG vs. ESPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) 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.

	VUG	ESPO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	-0.80	+1.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	-1.04	+2.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	0.88	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	-0.51	+1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.92	-0.84	+3.76

VUG vs. ESPO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is higher than the ESPO Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG 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

VUG vs. ESPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, roughly equal to the maximum ESPO drawdown of -50.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and ESPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	ESPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-50.99%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-29.43%	+12.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-29.43%	+6.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-48.33%	+12.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.39%	-24.17%	+18.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.08%	-15.19%	+8.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.04%	17.77%	-12.73%

Volatility

VUG vs. ESPO - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 5.71% compared to VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) at 4.77%. This indicates that VUG'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

	VUG	ESPO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.71%	4.77%	+0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.01%	15.06%	-1.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.34%	18.71%	-1.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.45%	25.09%	-2.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.52%	25.61%	-4.09%

VUG vs. ESPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than ESPO's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUG vs. ESPO - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUG and ESPO in my portfolio?

VUG and ESPO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUG or ESPO?

VUG has higher volatility (5.71%) compared to ESPO (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs ESPO's -50.99%.

Which ETF is better, VUG or ESPO?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.42% vs 7.15% for ESPO. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% 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, VUG or ESPO?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.42% return vs 7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUG or ESPO?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for ESPO.

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

ESPO has the higher dividend yield at 1.41%, compared with 0.40% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VUG and ESPO?

VUG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ESPO is Gaming. VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while ESPO tracks MVIS Global Video Gaming and eSports Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VUG and 0.55% for ESPO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.85 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.