ESPO vs IVV
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESPO | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $255M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -6.37% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.33% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.12% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2018 | May 15, 2000 |
ESPO vs IVV Performance
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is a ETF from VanEck and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, ESPO is down 6.37% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, ESPO compounded at +24.12% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.25% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESPO has the edge at +17.08% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -51.0% for ESPO and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESPO charges 0.55% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESPO currently yields 1.34% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ESPO and IVV share 1 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESPO | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTWO | 6.66% | 0.06% | 6.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESPO or IVV?
ESPO has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESPO or IVV?
Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% vs +21.89% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESPO annualized +17.08% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESPO or IVV?
ESPO has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ESPO -51.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESPO and IVV?
ESPO and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESPO and IVV?
ESPO and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESPO or IVV?
ESPO yields 1.34% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ESPO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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