ESPO vs SPY
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESPO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $255M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -6.37% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.33% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.12% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ESPO vs SPY Performance
VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, ESPO is down 6.37% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ESPO compounded at +24.12% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.25% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESPO has the edge at +17.08% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESPO charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESPO currently yields 1.34% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ESPO and SPY share 1 holdings out of 527 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 SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TTWO | 6.66% | 0.06% | 6.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESPO or SPY?
ESPO has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESPO or SPY?
Over the past year ESPO returned -11.33% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESPO annualized +17.08% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESPO or SPY?
ESPO has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ESPO -51.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ESPO and SPY?
ESPO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESPO and SPY?
ESPO and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESPO or SPY?
ESPO yields 1.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ESPO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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