EMES vs QQQ
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EMES delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMES | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $12M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.65% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.15% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMES vs QQQ Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMES) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EMES returned +39.15% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, EMES is up 22.65% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 21.0% for EMES. 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 -13.0% for EMES 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMES charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMES currently yields 0.46% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMES and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 151 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMES | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MELI | 1.72% | 0.43% | 1.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMES or QQQ?
EMES has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMES or QQQ?
Over the past year EMES returned +39.15% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so EMES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMES annualized +32.17% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMES or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.0% for EMES. Worst drawdown: EMES -13.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMES and QQQ?
EMES and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMES and QQQ?
EMES and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMES or QQQ?
EMES yields 0.46% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.