ESPO vs QQQ
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESPO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $255M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.37% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.33% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.12% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ESPO vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ESPO is down 6.37% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ESPO compounded at +24.12% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.25% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESPO has the edge at +17.08% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 21.2% for ESPO. 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 -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESPO charges 0.55% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $18 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESPO currently yields 1.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ESPO and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 125 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ESPO | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTWO | 6.66% | 0.19% | 6.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESPO or QQQ?
ESPO has an expense ratio of 0.55% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESPO or QQQ?
Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESPO annualized +17.08% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESPO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.2% for ESPO. Worst drawdown: ESPO -51.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ESPO and QQQ?
ESPO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESPO and QQQ?
ESPO and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESPO or QQQ?
ESPO yields 1.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ESPO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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